The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy

A Balanced Approach to Building Florida’s State Budget

As the Governor and Legislature prepare the state budget that will take effect July 1, families’ needs once again are rising while the resources available to the state to meet those needs fall far short. Closing this “need vs. resources gap” only by cutting spending would be shortsighted. A balanced approach that includes revenues is the better choice for Florida’s families and Florida’s future.

Policymakers have a number of options to raise more than $3 billion in much-needed money to help meet the needs of Floridians and make Florida’s tax system more productive today and tomorrow.

>Read the new FCFEP report.

Florida’s Economy, Taxes, and Results

The economy is in hot water, many families are struggling, and money is tight again as the Legislature begins the 2010 legislative session.

>View a PowerPoint presentation about Florida’s economy.

Don’t Rely on Cuts Alone To Balance State Budget

Florida is in another budget crunch and has significant economic problems. Resigning ourselves only to cuts is a shortsighted approach to the challenges facing our state. Some budget cuts may be necessary, but those who care for the future of the state must raise their voices in favor of a balanced approach that includes revenues.

>Read John Hall’s piece at FloridaThinks.com.

Florida’s Latest Education Ranking Deserves Closer Look

The recent high ranking that Florida received from a national education publication isn’t quite the cause for celebration that it might seem at first. In fact, at the same time Education Week gave Florida high grades in some areas, it also pointed out glaring shortcomings which, if not addressed, threaten the state’s economic wellbeing.

> Read the Issue Brief.

Cutting Florida's Corporate Income Tax Would Hurt the State

Here we are at the bottom of a deep hole, and now Gov. Charlie Crist offers us a shovel when we could really use a ladder.

The crushing irony of a stubborn recession like this one is that the needs of ordinary families grow at the same time the resources available to the state to meet them drops. Like other states, Florida has seen a bigger decline in revenues than ever before.

The governor's recent proposal to reduce or eliminate Florida's corporate income tax would dig the hole deeper, costing the state up to $1.5 billion that could help struggling families with education, healthcare and any number of other important services.

> Read the op-ed by FCFEP Executive Director John Hall in the Miami Herald.

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The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy
545 East Tennessee Street, Suite 100A

Tallahassee Florida 32308
Phone: 850-325-6480 Fax: 850-325-6482
Email: admin@fcfep.org

Our Mission

The Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy conducts independent research and educates the public and policymakers on state fiscal and economic policies with particular attention to their impact on low- and moderate-income families, individuals and small businesses.