Statement From Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro on Latest Budget Forecast

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Lawmakers will have to be a bit more frugal with the money of the hard-working taxpayers of Florida during the upcoming Legislative Session. The latest budget forecast shows the state will have a surplus of only $7.5 million during the 2017-18 fiscal year. In order to craft a balanced budget while funding some of their priorities, lawmakers must consider changes that will save the state significant money.

One way lawmakers could achieve this would be by implementing the recommendations of the 2016 Government Efficiency Task Force (GETF). The 29 recommendations within the final GETF report range on issues from telehealth to criminal justice. The state could realize savings upwards of $2 billion if these recommendations were acted upon by the Legislature.

I call on our legislative leaders to study the Government Efficiency Task Force report and adopt these policy proposals that would significantly save taxpayers’ money.

“Even if only some of the recommendations were adopted, Florida lawmakers can save hundreds of millions of dollars by adopting our recommendations,” said John Alexander, Chairman of the GETF. “Efficiencies and savings should always be sought by our elected leaders and we have provided them with a great blueprint.”

Read the full report by clicking here.