The $82.4 billion budget passed by the Florida House and Senate for FY2017-18 contains 111 appropriations items qualifying as Budget Turkeys worth $177.8 million. Most of these (79 projects worth $139.4 million) are transportation projects that are not in the Department of Transportation Work Program.
Introduction Many in the Florida Legislature have been rightly criticizing local governments for rapidly increasing property taxes and budgets. The property tax debate and the
Budget Turkeys are items, usually local member projects, that are added to the appropriations bill in during the budget conference that circumvent established competitive review processes. The Budget Turkey label does not signify judgment of a project’s worthiness.
With the release of the fiscal year 2017-18 budget, lawmakers now have 72 hours to read the final proposed budget prior to voting. Florida TaxWatch played an instrumental role in the enactment of the constitutionally required 72 hour “cooling off” period. This allows the public, press and legislators ample time to examine the budget before a vote is cast. The $82.418 billion state budget will fund various state agencies and critical services for all Floridians.
The Legislature needs to put aside their differences and negotiate a fiscally responsible budget all Floridians can be proud of.
For over 45 years, donor support has made Florida TaxWatch the state’s leading independent voice for taxpayer accountability. There are many ways to support our mission.
