By Thomas Perrin, JMI Public Affairs Director
Florida Solidifies Its Position as the Leader in Free-Market Reforms
Floridians had high expectations when the Legislature’s 2011 regular session began. With a Republican super-majority in both chambers for the first time since Reconstruction and a newly elected Governor who touted fiscal conservatism and reducing the scope of government, many thought the stars had aligned to address some big ticket items that had fallen by the wayside in years past. In most cases they were right as lawmakers took on the daunting task of addressing many of the major policy decisions facing Florida all at the same time while also addressing serious budget challenges.At the end of the day, the Legislature approved a $69.7 billion budget (trimmed to $69.1 billion by Governor Rick Scott), passed 295 bills, and placed seven constitutional amendments on the 2012 general election ballot. The report below focuses on some of the many issues JMI tracked during this year’s legislative session.
2011
