Staff Writer
Most of the members of the Duval Legislative Delegation are back in their districts this week trying to put in a few hours at their regular jobs and holding office hours. While they might have a busy schedule, it likely pales in comparison to what next week holds in Tallahassee when the first day of session begins Tuesday.
And like last year, many of the members view the state’s budget as one of their focal points.
“It’s the thing that most people look at,” said State Sen. John Thrasher. “This year more than ever…it’s the elephant in the room, and the big issue is how do we get to the point where we can get it under control?”
State Rep. Mike Weinstein took part in his first session last year, but before he even stepped foot in Tallahassee, many of his colleagues half-jokingly referred to it then as “the worst session ever” from a budget standpoint.
“They’re telling me the same thing this year,” he said.
Count State Rep. Audrey Gibson, who is also the 2010 Duval Legislative Delegation chair, State Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart and State Sen. Stephen Wise among those who believe the fiscal restraints will have an impact in the way things are accomplished. Much like last year, said Weinstein, legislators have been advised not to propose programs or services that would require money — something Wise agrees with.
“It’s going to be a really tough session from an appropriations side,” said Wise. “If you have something that will need funding, don’t even get dressed and come to the party.”
Knowing that legislators don’t have money to dole out for things actually makes life a little easier, said Wise, explaining it means some issues won’t come up and that leaves more time for the Legislature to focus on policy issues.
Balancing the budget, though, will be the greatest challenge.
“I think it’s going to be tougher (to balance the budget),” said Wise. “Last year, we got rid of a lot of things that needed be gotten rid of.”
Renuart agreed, saying that many areas have already been reduced as the Legislature gets back to focusing on “the very core issues of government.”
“There are no easy answers and no quick fixes,” said Renuart.
While budget issues might dominate the legislative session as a whole, it won’t be the only thing on the minds of the local members.
A bill that would defer an unemployment compensation tax increase for a couple years might be the first thing passed, said several members, and would be a welcome item for businesses who are already suffering in a down economy.
“We don’t need to do anything that would (negatively) affect jobs,” said Thrasher.
His Senate colleague agreed.
“We’ve got to do something for small businesses and I think we are,” said Wise. “The (unemployment compensation) tax (increase) would hinder a business. It means businesses like a restaurant, who hire young people, might not hire them because it’s just not cost effective. That could mean more youths on the street without jobs.”
Gibson will be looking at any budget cuts to essential services, especially those to the most vulnerable, with hopes that duplicate services and higher-level staff can be streamlined.
Both Weinstein and Renuart pointed to skyrocketing health care costs that need to be addressed, with Renuart adding that reforming the state’s Medicaid program has to be a strong consideration given the costs and influx of eligible people.
“Florida cannot sustain this program in its current form if we plan to fund other essential services,” said Renuart.
Education will be another focus, Thrasher said, and a look at policy and new ideas in the plans — but not with additional burden on taxpayers for it or any other pro-gram.
“We won’t be adding any new fees or taxes,” said Thrasher, referring to the overall session. “I promise you that.”
Any fear that the legislators won’t get much accomplished due to restricted funding measures should be put aside, said Wise, as the groups will do what’s best for Florida.
“They’re going to get things done,” he said, adding that the groups are resilient.
Renuart also believes in the resiliency of the group and legislative bodies as a whole, even facing an adverse economic climate.
“I’m confident we’ll come together and find Florida’s solutions to Florida’s problems,” said Renuart.
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