GOVERNOR CRIST HIGHLIGHTS PRIORITIES IN FIRST STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
~~ ~Commends Legislature for bipartisan spirit and urges focus on Floridians’ needs~ ~~
March 6, 2007
Contact:
ERIN ISAAC
(850) 488-5394
Governor Crist Highlights Priorities
in First State of the State Address
Commends Legislature for bipartisan spirit and urges focus on Floridians’ needs
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today delivered his first State of the State Address, applauding the Legislature’s bipartisan work during the January special session on property insurance and providing an overview of his priorities for the 2007 Legislative Session.
“The people of Florida cried out for help because of skyrocketing insurance rates, and the Legislature answered their call,” said Governor Crist. “I am proud of the way we all worked together in a bipartisan way – the People’s Legislature and the People’s Governor working for the People’s Agenda.”
Before outlining his vision for Florida’s future, Governor Crist highlighted three accomplishments made during his first two months in office:
· Ethical, Customer Friendly Open Government – On Governor Crist’s first full day in office, he signed an executive order that created the Office of Open Government and required each agency under his direction to completely review customer service operations and the content of all written communication.
“Changes are underway to provide the people with the most ethical, open and customer friendly government possible,” said Governor Crist. “It is their government, and it should serve them.”
· Property Insurance Special Session – Governor Crist signed legislation that will provide comprehensive insurance reform, including broad-based, meaningful reductions in property insurance rates and enhanced competition within Florida’s insurance market. The bill also includes consumer protections that require insurers to promptly pay claims and discontinue dropping policyholders during hurricane season.
During the address, Governor Crist introduced Stan Whitney of Port Charlotte, along with his wife Joan, as one of thousands of Floridians who cried out for help with unaffordable insurance premiums. Mr. Whitney, a retiree, wrote to Governor Crist in November because his homeowners insurance increased from about $700 to over $1,200, about 70 percent. Consequently, he cancelled his property insurance altogether.
· Central Florida Tornadoes – Governor Crist praised the State Emergency Response Team for their efficient and effective response to the February 2, 2007, tornadoes that struck Lake, Volusia, Seminole, and Sumter counties in Central Florida. Governor Crist recognized Reverend Larry Lynn of the Lady Lake Church of God for inspiring his congregation and other victims, disaster relief volunteers and workers as well as the nation throughout the tragedy.
Governor Crist outlined his priorities for the legislative session, which include lowering property taxes, improving children’s education and health and protecting Florida’s natural environment, neighborhoods and economy:
· Property Tax Relief – Governor Crist encouraged the Legislature to reduce property taxes by putting a constitutional amendment before voters this year. The Governor has recommended doubling the homestead exemption, making the Save Our Homes protection portable and extending that protection to business and rental properties.
”The American dream of home ownership is being crushed under the weight of property taxes,” said Governor Crist. “Declining school enrollment is evidence that Florida is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many.”
Governor Crist introduced David and Jeanette Raulerson of Panama City, who built a home 30 years ago to raise their family. Last year, they were looking to downsize because of changes in their health and financial situations. After learning that their property taxes would increase three to four thousand dollars, they chose to remain in their home.
· Education – To ensure the promise of excellent public education, Governor Crist highlighted his budget recommendations, which include $3.8 billion – a 19-percent increase over current funding – for continued class-size reduction as required by the 2002 constitutional amendment; $295 billion to double funding to reward the top-performing 25 percent of teachers with a 10 percent salary bonus; and $137 million to add 400 reading coaches along with $10 million to provide every student access to a virtual tutoring program. Governor Crist also recommended an increase in funding for state universities and community colleges without increasing tuition.
Governor Crist underscored the need to reward effective teachers by sharing the story of Stephen Anderson, a former elementary school teacher in Volusia County, who left the teaching profession because of the opportunity to earn a better salary elsewhere.
Additionally, Governor Crist supported the creation of a Children’s Cabinet to raise the profile of all children’s issues, including education and health. The Children’s Cabinet will ensure that children are the number-one priority by emphasizing such issues as physical education and financial incentives for adoption. “Our children need a voice,” said Governor Crist. “They need to be at the table because soon it will be their table.”
· Environment – Governor Crist encouraged the Legislature to continue Everglades restoration and take bold steps in moving toward alternative fuels and other alternative sources of energy. His recommended budget includes $100 million for Everglades restoration plus $40 million to improve the environmental health of the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. To foster the development and use of alternative energy sources and fuels in Florida, including ethanol and biodiesel fuels for cars and solar power for homes, the Governor has proposed a record $68.25 million.
Governor Crist announced plans for an Environmental Summit that will bring together experts and scientists after the legislative session to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place Florida at the forefront of the movement to reduce greenhouse gases. “With almost 1,200 miles of coastline and the majority of our citizens living near our shores, Florida is more vulnerable to rising ocean levels and violent weather patterns than any other state,” Governor Crist said.
· Public Safety – Governor Crist encouraged the Legislature to take up the Anti-Murder Act during the first week of session so that it would be the first bill signed into law during the 2007 Legislative Session. The law would expand judges’ authority to impose the maximum prison sentences for those violators considered dangerous. The Governor’s budget recommendations include $21.8 million to implement the Anti-Murder Act.
Governor Crist also outlined his budget priorities of $20 million for stem cell research aimed at curing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and spinal cord injuries, and $32.5 million to provide a tangible record of every vote cast on Election Day. He has also requested support for economic development for the film and space industries: $75 million to attract film and television productions to Florida and $7 million for Space Florida.
“As a former legislator, it is an honor to serve alongside Governor Crist who also began his public-service career as a legislator,” said Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp. “I look forward to working with the Legislature for the good of all Floridians.”
State of the State Address – Downloadable .pdf file