Race Day Live Gov. Kevin Stitt will begin the new lawmaking session with his seventh State of the State address. In this speech, he will share his main policy goals with both the legislature and the public.
Stitt is expected to talk about lowering state income taxes, keeping state agency budgets the same, and expanding the state’s energy sources.
His speech will also take into account the possibility of a second Trump administration. Last week, the governor gave a preview of his plans in a press conference.
“Government will spend every dime you give them,” Stitt said. “People always have ideas on how to use more money, but there needs to be a limit.”
To support his view, Stitt compared the economies of New York and Florida.
“Both states have about 20 million people,” he said. “But New York’s budget is over $230 billion, while Florida’s is $115 billion. Why is that?”
According to Stitt, the main difference is that Florida has no state income tax, while New York’s top rate is 10.9%.
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“Florida still has Medicaid, schools, airports, and police,” he said. “The goal isn’t to cut essential services, but to make government smaller.”
However, for Stitt to achieve his goals, he needs support from both the House and Senate. Lawmakers have their priorities, some of which match his, while others do not.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, emphasized that the legislature has the final say on the budget. Lawmakers have filed over 3,100 bills and resolutions this session, addressing a variety of issues.
“The executive branch requested a budget increase of more than a billion dollars,” Hilbert said. “We will review this proposal, compare it with agency needs, and make the final decision.”
Among the key proposals this session are measures to fund immigration enforcement, improve mental health care, recruit more teachers, and expand environmental protections.
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