James Call

Democrat Capitol Reporter

Tallahassee dodged a volley of state budget vetoes Tuesday. Gov. Rick Scott broke with tradition and announced he intends to slice $256 million from the 2016-2017 state budget the Legislature overwhelmingly approved Friday.

Governors usually wait for lawmakers to send them legislation before actually issuing vetoes, but Scott moved quickly on a plan that failed to fund his two main priorities, a billion-dollar tax cut and money for business incentives. Scott said he would withhold approval for projects that did not provide a significant return on taxpayer investment.

“I'm pleased the governor is moving quickly in making these decisions," said Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee. "I'm a little surprised the governor didn't veto more — there was some speculation he would veto the whole budget because we didn't fund his two top priorities. I think this bodes well for the next couple of years."

“I look forward to another great year in the Sunshine State as we continue our mission to make Florida first in the world for jobs, education and safe communities,” said Gov. Rick Scott.

Money for projects at the Tallahassee International Airport, for regional hazardous materials equipment, water projects and a Tom Brown Park playground are among the items escaping Scott's veto.

“The legislative outcomes we were able to drive this session are extremely promising,” said Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in a statement after Scott’s announcement. “From new equipment for our first responders to resources that will attract JetBlue to set up shop in Tallahassee and give our citizens more options at the Airport; this year’s session was very successful.”

Scott will remove one Leon County item from the spending plan: a $500,000 grant for the Orchard Pond Parkway trail.

The amount removed from the $82.3 billion spending plan is a little more than the $250 million Scott had requested to establish a fund to lure businesses to Florida. The House and Senate balked at the proposal for different reasons. Some House members complained the fund would be an example of crony capitalism and senators said the state couldn’t afford the plan.

Lawmakers appear to be taking Scott’s veto decisions in stride. The spending plan received overwhelming support in the 160-member Florida Legislature; drawing a single no vote. Senate President Andy Gardiner said he thinks Scott gave it a fair review.

“We appreciate Governor Scott’s expeditious review of the budget and respect his ability to utilize his line-item veto authority,” said Gardiner. “We are pleased to see the governor tentatively sign off on so many of the important priorities reflected in this legislation. His initial review appears very fair and we look forward to his final approval.”

House Speaker-designate Rep. Richard Corcoran chaired the committee charged with writing the state budget.

“I applaud Governor Scott for his leadership and for performing his constitutional role so diligently. The state budget emerges from a process of conflict, debate, negotiation and compromise," said Corcoran. "Although I do not agree with every decision he has made, the governor’s vetoes provide an important check on the budget process."

Montford echoed Corcoran's remarks, saying the process has to be respected; the governor recommends, the legislature appropriates and then the governor reviews.

"If we had veto authority maybe we would do it differently but we have a process and I'm pleasantly surprised he didn't exceed last year's amount ($461 million vetoed)," said Montford. "He's sending a much more positive message than I expected. That's how I'm interpreting it; he's saying let's try to move together and work as a team."

James Call can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and follow on Twitter @CallTallahassee.