FL Gov Scott’s Agenda Is In Tatters

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants deep tax cuts, record money for schools and to make textbooks cheaper for college students. But the Florida Legislature is rejecting most of what the Republican governor asked for earlier this year.

Scott wants lawmakers to set aside money for his top priorities, including nearly $700 million in tax cuts. But legislators are using some of the money Scott wanted for his tax package to avoid deep cuts to hospitals.

The governor also wanted to exempt textbooks from state sales taxes. That proposal appears unlikely to pass. Another proposal that appears doomed is Scott’s campaign promise to increase per-pupil funding to record levels. The Legislature also wants to cut back the amount of money Scott wants to lure companies to Florida.

Legislators are holding a special session this month to pass a new budget.