#RPOF Launches Florida Victory 2010

Tallahassee–The Republican Party of Florida today marked the kick-off of the Florida Victory 2010 campaign. RPOF Chairman Jim Greer and Attorney General Bill McCollum announced that former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense will serve as the Florida Victory 2010 Finance Chairman.

“Our state party is strong and unified heading into this critical election cycle,” said RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “I am grateful to General McCollum and Speaker Bense for their dedication to building our party. Their leadership enabled the RPOF to kick-off this important program early, and I am proud to partner in this important endeavor with these two great Republican leaders.”

Each election cycle, the Chairman authorizes the creation of a Florida Victory campaign within the Republican Party of Florida to create a unified financial and political strategy solely focused on benefiting Republican candidates. This year, Chairman Greer was pleased to approve the creation of the Florida Victory 2010 campaign months earlier than in previous cycles.

“With the election just over a year away, it is important to lay the groundwork for the massive expansion of staff, offices and other resources Florida Victory 2010 will utilize to ensure that Republicans across our state carry the day next November,” said Attorney General Bill McCollum. “I am grateful to Chairman Greer, Speaker Bense, and all of our Republican elected officials, county leaders, and volunteers who will contribute their resources, time and talents to this historic cause.”

Chairman Greer and General McCollum also announced that Florida House Majority Leader, Representative Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach), Former RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas, and RPOF Finance Chairman, Ambassador John Rood will serve as Florida Victory 2010 Co-Finance Chairmen. Today’s kick-off is the result of weeks of planning between the RPOF and the Bill McCollum for Governor Campaign. The effort will be expanded to include additional statewide campaigns in the coming weeks.

“Today is a proud day for the Republican Party of Florida as we put in place the organizational structure that will enable our success in a number of important races next fall. I commend General McCollum and Chairman Greer for their leadership in establishing this organization within the Republican Party of Florida,” said Governor Crist. “By beginning this process now, our party will be better-prepared for victory in 2010.”

Governor Crist's Message on Closing of Florida's 2009 Legislative Session

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Governor's Message on Closing of Florida's 2009 Legislative Session
May 8, 2009

As the 2009 Florida legislative session comes to a close, I applaud the House and the Senate for putting together a budget that addresses the priorities of the people of Florida. I am grateful that during these challenging economic times, we have been able to avoid drastically reducing services.

I want to thank the Senate President and House Speaker for approving the use of $5.3 billion made available to us as a result of the federal stimulus package. These recovery dollars are helping us prevent deep cuts that would further burden Florida’s families and businesses.

We have also maximized dollars for education. We are able to increase per-student funding for Florida’s 2.6 million students. In addition, this summer I will begin negotiating an agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida based on the guidelines developed by the Legislature. The resulting compact can help create even more dollars for students and teachers in our schools.

I also commend the Legislature for approving the higher education reform that I proposed last November. These reforms will move Florida’s higher education system into the 21st century by helping them compete on the national level. Now our universities will have the resources they need to retain top faculty and researchers. They will also continue to provide access for low-income students and families.

In this tight budget year, we are continuing to invest in economic development and workforce training to strengthen our economy. We have been able to avoid deep cuts in services for our most vulnerable – and our children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. And we are maintaining Florida’s commitment to restore America’s Everglades and conserve public lands through Florida Forever.

Last year, voters approved the largest tax cut in Florida history by lowering property taxes by an estimated $25 billion over five years. I remain committed to reducing the tax burden on Florida’s homeowners and property owners even more. And we are lowering the tax burden of Florida’s property owners.

I applaud the Legislature for proposing Constitutional amendments that will allow the voters of Florida to choose whether to lower the annual property-tax increase on non-homesteaded properties from 10 percent to 5 percent. Voters will also choose whether to grant first-time Florida homebuyers a 25 percent property-tax exemption. And we have leveled the playing field between taxpayers and property appraisers when a property owner challenges the appraiser’s assessment.

I look forward to carefully considering the Legislature’s budget proposals during the next several weeks. I am confident that Florida’s brightest days are ahead of us. I am committed to working hard to improve the quality of life for the people of Florida.

Thank you, and God bless Florida.