President Gardiner and Speaker Crisafulli Issue Joint Statements on Passage of General Appropriations Act

TALLAHASSEE, Fla – Senate President Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando) and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island) issued the following statements on the passage of the 2015-16 General Appropriations Act.

“Working together with President Gardiner and our Senate partners, we have passed a balanced budget that responsibly meets the needs of our state and provides $400 million in meaningful tax relief for Florida families,” said Speaker Crisafulli. “I’m especially proud of the record funding for education and the significant investment we’ve made towards the acquisition and maintenance of our sensitive state lands and critical water resources. This budget will also keep Florida’s economy strong through its commitment to economic development and agriculture, specifically our efforts to target continued growth in our crucial tourism and space industries.”

“The budget passed today provides unprecedented funding for K-12 education, $450 million to mitigate the loss of Low Income Pool Funding, $400 million in broad-based tax relief for Florida’s families and business and over $3 billion in total reserves,” said President Gardiner. “Additionally, this budget builds on our commitment to children and adults with disabilities and their families. I am so grateful to Speaker Crisafulli for his ongoing support for making a pathway to economic independence for people with unique abilities a reality in Florida.”

Senate Bill 2500-A, the Fiscal Year 2015-16 General Appropriations Act, will now be sent to Governor Scott for his signature.

For entire press release:.pdf | The Florida Senate