Governor Scott’s Florida First Budget Will Make Florida First in Preparing for Elections

Tallahassee –

Today, Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner applauded Governor Rick Scott’s Florida First budget for fiscal year 2016-2017, which included $89.3 million for the Department of State, in part, to prepare for upcoming elections in 2016. The Florida First budget also invests in programs supporting library grants, cultural programs, and historic preservation to support cultural heritage tourism and economic development.

Governor Scott, said, “We must do everything possible to encourage 100 percent participation in elections, and it is crucial that Florida is prepared for the upcoming election year. Our investments will make sure the Department of State has the tools they need to work with their election supervisors to ensure Florida continues to run fair elections.”

Governor Scott’s proposed budget includes:

• $6.8 million in elections administration funding to improve the voter experience in Florida and ensure elections officials, including Supervisors of Elections, have the resources necessary to successfully administer elections.
• $24.4 million in funding to libraries to provide many valuable services to citizens through continuing education, workforce development and literacy, computer skills, and activities related to employment and entrepreneurship.
• $1 million in grant funding to library cooperatives throughout the state which will improve information sharing among libraries and better meet the informational and educational needs of Florida residents.
• $1.8 million in historic preservation grant funding which is proven to boost both the economy and quality of life through restoration and rehabilitation projects of historic buildings and structures, as well as through survey and evaluation of historic and archaeological resources and education about Florida history.
• $6 million in cultural and museum grant funding to create more cultural heritage activities and tourist attraction opportunities, which directly correlates to the creation of new jobs and spending in communities throughout the state.

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, said, “Governor Scott’s leadership will help keep Florida first among other states in the nation in cultural heritage tourism, elections administration and historic preservation. Governor Scott’s renewed commitment to fund libraries, arts and cultural programs, and to improve elections management will advance the state and continue to make Florida one of the world’s best places to live, work and play.”

Malinda Horton, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Museums, said, “Funding for cultural organizations boosts tourism, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy. We applaud Governor Scott for his continued dedication to cultural and museum grant funding.” 

Glenn Lochrie, Chair of the Florida Council on Arts & Culture, said, “Funding for culturally-based activities creates opportunity and improves the quality of life for all Floridians. I’m thankful for Governor Scott’s leadership to support arts and culture in the State of Florida.”

Marion Almy, Chairman of the Florida Historical Commission, said, “Investments in historical properties not only preserve our state’s historic and archeological sites, they are also are an investment in Florida’s future. Governor Scott understands that historic preservation efforts lead to the creation of jobs and has proven once again that we can count on his leadership.”

Charlie Parker, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Library Consortium, said, “Governor Scott has proven that he understands the significant contributions that libraries make to our state, from supporting early learning and providing homework assistance to career exploration and lifelong learning.”

View additional budget details at FloridaFirstBudget.com.

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