Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget Invests More Than $91 Million for the Department of State

Tallahassee –

Today, Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner applauded Governor Rick Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, which invests $91.2 million in the Department of State. Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” budget makes key investments to continue Florida’s great track record of successful elections administration and also supports cultural heritage tourism and economic development.

Governor Scott, said, “The ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget continues our commitment to making important investments to ensure successful elections administration for decades to come. We are also investing in the many historic and cultural treasures among Florida communities that help bring more families and visitors to our great state each year.”

Governor Scott’s proposed budget includes:

• $13.7 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.
• $25.3 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.
• $5.8 million in grant funding to library cooperatives and other library resources throughout the state which will improve information sharing among libraries and better meet the informational and educational needs of Florida residents.
• $3.1 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, “Thanks to Governor Scott’s leadership, in 2016, we showed Florida, the nation, and the world, that Florida knows how to run elections. Governor Scott’s ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ Budget will help Florida continue to make improvements to the elections process and also makes critical investments that improve the quality of life for all Floridians. Governor Scott’s commitment to investments in library grants, cultural programs, and historic preservation support cultural heritage tourism and economic development, ensuring Florida continues to be one of the world’s best places to live, work and play for generations to come.”

Malinda Horton, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Museums, said, “Cultural organizations and museums provide many benefits to communities throughout Florida and strengthen the economy and job creation. We applaud Governor Scott for his continued dedication to cultural and museum grant funding.” 

Lois Benson, Chair of the Florida Council on Arts & Culture, said, “Funding for culturally-based activities improves quality of life and increases opportunities for all Floridians. We thank Governor Scott for his support of arts and culture in the State of Florida.”

Marion Almy, Chairman of the Florida Historical Commission, said, “Governor Scott understands that historic preservation serves as an economic engine for Florida communities and supports cultural heritage tourism. Investments in historical properties are an investment in Florida’s future.”

Charlie Parker, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Library Consortium, said, “Governor Scott recognizes the significant contributions that libraries provide to Florida citizens. From supporting early learning and providing homework assistance to career exploration, information literacy, and lifelong learning, libraries provide critical services to our communities.”

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