[Nfbf-l] Fw: Message from Governor Rick Scott to State Employees

[Patricia A. Lipovsky]

Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 6:13 PM
Subject: Message from Governor Rick Scott to State Employees




  Message from Governor Rick Scott to State Employees


  February 18, 2011


  Dear Team, 

  This week, our state celebrates two long-time Florida traditions that are important to Florida's culture and to our economy. On Monday, I visited the Florida State Fair in Tampa. Every year, the state fair creates 1,267 jobs statewide and has an economic impact of over $171 million. On Sunday, I will attend the Daytona 500, which is an important part of Florida's $36-billion-a-year sports industry. These landmark events draw thousands of visitors to our state and add to our rich history.

  I continue visiting state agencies, and this week I stopped by the Department of Community Affairs and the Lottery. The Florida Lottery generates additional funds for education and recently surpassed the $22-billion milestone in cumulative contributions.

  I also announced my decision to reject the Obama Administration's plan to partially-fund costly high-speed rail from Tampa to Orlando. My decision to reject the project comes down to three main economic realities:

  ·       First, capital cost overruns could put Florida taxpayers on the hook for an additional $3 billion. 
  ·       Second, overly-optimistic projections about ridership and revenue would burden Florida taxpayers in excess of $300 million over 10 years.

  ·       Finally, if the project becomes too costly and is shut down, Florida would have to return $2.4 billion to Washington, D.C.

  This federal high-speed rail program is not the answer to Florida's economic recovery. 

  We must invest where we will get a return for the shareholders - Florida's taxpayers. We should focus on improving our ports, rail system and highways to handle the increased shipping volume that will result when the Panama Canal is expanded, and when free-trade agreements with Colombia and Panama are ratified.

  I believe when you reduce government's reach and hold that government accountable, you create an environment where the economy can flourish. When you reduce taxes and put money back in the hands of hardworking Floridians and businesses, that money will be spent on creating private sector jobs.

  I believe the answer to Florida's economic recovery is to reduce the size and scope of government, reduce the cost of that government, and pass the savings on to taxpayers. That strategy is exactly what the budget proposal I sent to the Legislature does. 

  I invite you to learn more about my "Jobs Budget" by visiting www.letsgettowork.net.  Let's get to work! 

  Regards, 
  Governor Rick Scott 

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