Governor Rick Scott has proven that he means what he says and says what he means. It is refreshing.
Scott has brought forward his budget and obviously is controversial. However, that is why the people voted him in. To do the job most elected officials do not have the courage to do.
Governor Scott wants pension reform, which is needed. We are one of just seven states where the government pays 100 percent of the pensions for state workers.
Prior to the 1970s, employers in the private sector used to provide for pensions for employees. In the 1980s, they started moving to 401K's and IRA's. Government is still stuck in the 1970s. This is unsustainable.
Governor Scott wants current employees to begin contributing 5 percent to their pension plan.
If some type of reform is not started, the government workers may not have a pension in the future. We need to make certain our government employees do have a pension in the future. Also, Governor Scott is wanting to reduce property taxes.
Let's see how this unfolds. This legislative session should be very interesting and exciting to watch.
After five years of being involved with tax reform, I finally have hope as do many other Floridians. His speech at his inauguration was inspiring.I was fortunate enough to attend his inauguration as well as that of new Attorney General Pam Bondi.
It was the first one I have ever attended and it was a great experience -- fortunate enough to obtain a VIP seat for the event. It opened with patriotic songs and a surprise appearance by Lee Greenwood singing "God Bless the U.S.A."
The swearing in ceremony of our Governor happened directly at noon, in accordance with our State Constitution. Then there was a “fly over” which was terrific.
In Scott's speech, he stated he will concentrate on three areas during his term. His focus will be on taxes as was the case this week with his new budget plan that calls for cutting state spending.
Scott wants to reduce real estate taxes and regulations which prohibit businesses from coming to Florida and/or expanding. Also, he would like tort reform. Governor Scott did not receive much applause for the latter. We assumed it was because many attorneys were in the audience.
Scott's inauguration speech was inspirational and directly to the point. It was apparent this governorship will not be business as usual in our Tallahassee. I now feel there is hope in truly reforming our government.
Let's all pray that Florida will lead the nation in true reform for a smaller, more business friendly environment.