TALLAHASSEE -- Governor Charlie Crist was expected to break with tradition Tuesday by giving his State of the State message at 6 p.m., rather rather than the usual midday address, to kick off the legislative session.
Despite the tough budget year, the governor was expected to emphasize lofty goals and highlight his priorities.
In his first State of the State address, in 2007, Crist said he was an optimist, so this year, he was expected to outline a plan he said would help grow Florida's economy without sacrificing critical programs.
The governor's $70 billion budget proposal includes money for the following:
- Education would see a $1 billion increase
- Economic Development, including incentives to attract more companies and create more jobs
- Energy, millions toward the governor's plan to develop biofuels and other green technology
- Health and human services, including millions of dollars to make sure more people have health insurance
- Public Safety, including money to fight rising gang activity, juvenile justice programs and substance abuse treatment.
The budget would rely heavily on Florida's "rainy day" fund -- $1.1 billion in reserves -- and on expansions to the Florida Lottery, casino revenues the state would get from the compact that allowed the Seminole tribe to expand gambling, and across-the-board budget cuts.
Regarding Central Florida, Crist was not expected to get into too much county-by-county detail.
Commuter rail was one regional issue legislators told News 13 was important to them.
The Wekiva Parkway and Interstate-4, legislators said, could use some attention, and under economic incentives, perhaps something to help tourism that could give a quick boost to the economy.
News 13 will air Crist's State of the State address live Tuesday evening, starting at 6 p.m.
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