Veto this “piece of junk”

It cuts funding for public schools, devastates health care, and ignores the will of the voters on the environment. It’s Florida’s proposed state budget, it’s an absolute disgrace, and Gov. Scott needs to veto it.

It was put together in secret and at the last minute. One state senator referred to it as “a piece of junk.” It cuts funding for public schools, devastates health care, and ignores the will of the voters on the environment. It’s Florida’s proposed state budget, it’s an absolute disgrace, and Gov. Scott needs to veto it.

Call Gov. Scott today at 850-488-7146 and urge him to veto one of the worst state budgets in years.

After huddling behind closed doors, House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’Lakes) and Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) announced a budget deal on May 3rd and the legislature approved it the following week before adjourning. Here’s what’s in store for Floridians in the $83 billion dollar budget now sitting on Gov. Scott’s desk, awaiting his signature or veto:

  • Effectively cuts the budget for public schools throughout the state by granting only a meager $24 per student increase. It’s not anywhere close to being enough for schools to keep up with basic cost increases, and important programs from art and physical education to after school may be on the chopping block as school districts assemble their budgets this summer.
  • Diverts $140 million to a poorly defined charter school incentive program despite the tremendous need for funding regular neighborhood public schools.
  • Cuts $550 million from Medicaid, hitting hospitals serving low income patients and seniors in nursing homes the hardest.
  • Has no funding at all for the Florida Forever land conservation program, defying the will of 74% of Florida voters who approved Amendment 1 in 2014.

Call Gov. Scott at 850-488-7146 and tell him to veto this disastrous, secretive budget that fails to meet the needs of our state.

Gov. Scott has already hinted at vetoing the budget, citing the lack of transparency in the development of the budget deal. We have a real shot at stopping this terrible budget, so make your call today.