Bush (Jeb) signs last budget ($73.9 billion budget, $448.7 million in spending was vetoed)

Sun-Sentinal ^ | May 26 2006 | Mark Hollis

[IrishMike]

TALLAHASSEE · Before signing his last state budget into law on Thursday, Gov. Jeb Bush firmed up his conservative credentials by vetoing more spending than ever in his eight-year tenure.

Bush axed $448.7 million from the $73.9 billion budget that takes effect in July and which also sets aside record savings for emergencies.

Ousted are dozens of South Florida projects -- including tens of millions of dollars that were headed for Broward and Palm Beach counties.

"It's never easy," Bush said of the vetoes. "You always hurt people's feelings. I don't enjoy that. And I'm always surprised that people are surprised. I've been consistent. There should be no surprises. And the people who really follow the budget knew that."

Many of the projects Bush cut were of only local interest, and Bush said, didn't have a statewide purpose or would be better paid for by local governments.

[IrishMike]

I sure would like to see some vetos by brother W !!

[volchef]

Fiscally, Jeb has been an absolutely FANTASTIC governor. Couldn't think of one better. However he's so terribly wrong on offshore drilling and immigration I don't think I could, in good conscience, vote for the guy again :(

[misterrob]

And since those counties are democratic anyway, it's a bonus!!

[Gay State Conservative]

Is Jeb leaving office because he's term limited?

[misterrob]

He has local interests to consider with respect to drilling. Tourism plays a huge role in the economy down there and he's unwilling to do anything to screw with it.

With respect to immigration, given how many hispanics are in Florida there's no way any politician survives by taking a hard line approach. Their support helped keep Kerry out of the WH last time around it.

[IrishMike]

I believe that's the case.

[The Drowning Witch]

WOW.

The GA budget this year is less than a THIRD of that.

[gaspar]

Let us hope that we will see no more Bush running for office. Hopefully, they like the Adams family will be remembered as people who meant well and then just disappear into the mists of history.

[xrp]

Yikes! Vetoing just over 1/2 of 1% of spending -- yeah that's real conservative, especially after you consider the history of the FL state budgets over the past few years:

* $64.7 Billion (2005-2006)

* $57.3 Billion (2004-2005)

* $53.5 Billion (2003-2004)

* $50.4 Billion (2002-2003)

* $47 Billion (2001-2002)

* $51 Billion (2000-2001 Fiscal Year)

Yeah, nice conservatism there. Jeb is just like his brother -- a BIG spender.

STAY OUT DA BUSHES

[xrp]

Fiscally, Jeb has been an absolutely FANTASTIC governor.Huh? He's presided over a 50% increase in state budget during his tenure. How's that FANTASTIC.

Here's FANTASTIC for you; in the past 5 years, I've doubled my income while reducing my monthly/yearly budget by 33%. How about me for FL governor?

[R.W.Ratikal]

Governor Bush can be consoled by the fact that for every dollar he whacked out of the budget he allowed the person who earned it to keep it.

Broward and Palm Beach counties are among the richest in the state. Let them stand on their own rather than stand rattling their tin cup.

[LadyNavyVet]

What are your views on immigration and drilling off the FL coast?

[Joe Brower]

Florida Freeper

I'm compiling a list of FReepers interested in Florida-related topics.
If you want to be added, please FReepMail me.

[xrp]

What are your views on immigration and drilling off the FL coast?

I don't care who immigrates to this country as long as they work, learn English, work, obey the law, work and immigrate legally. They need to work, too.

Drill away!

WTF?

[OXENinFLA]

You know if he signed any of the gun bills?

[Joe Brower]

"You know if he signed any of the gun bills?"

No, but here is a great site for keeping up on what's going on up in Tallahassee:

Florida Gun Fight

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

I sure would like to see some vetos by brother W !!

Me too, but I would love to see a line item Veto available for the President even more. Jeb was able to cut spending with that power, Bush or Smith or Jones or anyone who holds the office of President should have the same power.

[OXENinFLA]

Thanks, great site.

[LadyNavyVet]

You have my vote!

[stainlessbanner]

I have some friends that came over on the Mariel Boatlift who are none too happy about the current immigration direction.