Governor Scott’s “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” Budget Invests in Priorities to Promote Tourism, Increase Education Opportunities for Students

TALLAHASSEE –

Governor Rick Scott has recommended $85.3 million to support Florida’s business community, libraries, elections processes, and cultural and historic organizations in his proposed 2015-2016 “Keep Florida Working” budget. 

“Our ‘KEEP FLORIDA WORKING’ budget continues to invest in projects that bring tourists to our state, educate our students, and ensures Florida continues to run fair elections.” said Governor Rick Scott.

“The Department of State is grateful for Governor Scott’s continued support of Florida’s businesses, elections, libraries, and cultural and historic entities,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “The success of these programs further enforces Governor Scott’s commitment to ‘Keep Florida Working’, and will not only create and maintain numerous private sector jobs, but will also ensure that Floridians have access to the best education and the opportunity to work in the number one place to do business.”

Florida’s 1.85 million business entities provide jobs that support education, tourism, and economic development.  According to VISIT FLORIDA, every 85 visitors to Florida supports one job.  In a period of 12 months, approximately $2.55 billion in direct spending was attributed to cultural and heritage tourism activities in Florida.  These activities include visiting museums, which serve 31 million visitors and 1 million school children each year.  Florida libraries improve education by reaching over 1 million children and their families each year through Summer Reading Programs. 

 Recommended Funding Highlights

State Aid for Libraries – $24.4 Million

The Governor continues to support State Aid for Libraries with a recommendation of $24.4 Million.  Florida’s public libraries support a strong economy and provide a network of information that plays an integral part in supporting Florida’s families and their communities. 

 Cultural and Historical Grants – $6.9 Million

The Governor recommends $6.9 Million to provide grant support to cultural and historical projects.  The Governor feels that these grants create jobs and provide entrepreneurial opportunities, stimulating job growth and economic development.  They also contribute greatly as an educational resource to Florida’s teachers, children and families. 

 Elections Activities – $4.8 Million

To ensure that Florida remains the leader in election reform, Governor Scott’s “Keep Florida Working” budget recommends $4.8 Million for voter education, poll worker training, standardizing elections results reporting and other federal election administrative activities pursuant to the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). 

 For more information, or to see Governor Scott’s “Keep Florida Working” budget, click here: http://www.keepfloridaworking.com/

 ###