TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — State lawmakers met on the capitol this week for “legislature college” the place they touched on hurricane restoration, the state’s insurance coverage market, and naturally, the annual finances.
Passing a balanced finances might be a giant precedence, and Information Channel 8 met one-on-one with Home Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) to listen to extra on his method when balancing the finances subsequent session.
Perez shared that he plans to not solely take a deep dive into authorities spending, however to carry these accountable who should not spending taxpayer {dollars} correctly.
“Ensuring that we’re not simply spending it correctly on the entrance finish, however that the accountability is there on the again finish,” Perez mentioned.
When balancing the state’s finances, lawmakers remind one another that they should take a notice from on a regular basis Floridians who finances their cash every day.
When requested how the home speaker felt about the way in which the state beforehand budgeted, Perez shared, “After I first got here into the legislature, which was seven years in the past, the finances was round $85 billion. Right now, we’re hovering at about $115 billion, in order that’s a major improve in solely seven years.”
A method Speaker Perez acted on the states spending considerations was by making a committee title change, going from “Appropriations committee” to the “Funds committee.”
“Though insignificant within the grand scheme of issues, to me it was vital as a result of it was a sign to Florida and to our constituents that we’re not simply nervous about appropriating, however we’re nervous about budgeting cash and ensuring that we’re spending it and holding it accountable,” Perez mentioned.
Moreover the state’s finances, throughout the aisle, Minority Chief Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) says her constituents wish to see insurance coverage charges drop, extra reasonably priced housing, and entry to healthcare.
Driskell shared that whereas they are going to proceed to combat for these issues, she has considerations with working with the bulk get together on social points.
“One factor that I’ve seen in Florida, notably since DeSantis has been governor, is that these points are beginning to have outsized impression, and it makes it tougher for events to work throughout the aisle,” Driskell mentioned. “However I nonetheless have hope and optimism primarily based on previous legislative periods. I have been within the legislature for six years, I do know that in the case of these financial points, we’ll discover a pathway.”
State lawmakers will meet for committee conferences subsequent week for a complete of six weeks earlier than session begins in March. Speaker Perez says the Home is prepared, the Senate is prepared and hopes for the very best forward.
