State Government State Agencies Request Modest Increase in Spending

BRADENTON — Florida's state agencies are requesting $75.602 billion from the Legislature in 2015, an increase of $660.8 million from this budget year. 18 of the state's agencies are asking for increases, while 12 have proposed reducing their funding levels, according to Florida TaxWatch, a nonpartisan public policy research institute and government watchdog.

"Several Florida agencies have found opportunities to reduce their budget in the upcoming year, but we encourage the Governor and Legislature to work with all agencies to reduce taxpayer cost while maintaining or improving the services provided by the state, which is in the best interest of all of Florida's residents," said Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. "It's this focus on efficiency that continues to inspire Florida TaxWatch to recognize the state employees who design and implement innovate cost saving ideas with Prudential Productivity Awards after more than 25 years."

In total, agencies have requested 1,318 new state positions to beef up the state's declining workforce. Most of the new positions are requested in the State Courts System and Justice Administration budget.

The total request of $75.602 billion is made up of $28.668 billion in general revenue and $46,933 in trust funds. Based on the most recent estimates from state economists, lawmakers will have $30.62 billion in General Revenue, leaving $2 billion in reserves after funding agencies' budget requests.

However, the Governor's budget will also include additional initiatives and reductions, and will also provide for significant tax cuts, which will change the proposed budget total and available reserves.

"While creating the 2015-16 budget, we encourage the Governor and Legislature to incorporate the targeted investments proposed in the 2015 Florida TaxWatch Center for Government Efficiency report, which will result in significant savings for Florida taxpayers," said Kurt Wenner, Vice President of Tax Research for Florida TaxWatch. "Implementing these proposed savings will improve efficiencies in Florida government and allow more investment into needed programs to promote higher quality of life, better communities, business development and job creation."

The table below, available on page three of the report, outlines each agency's request in General Revenue, Trust Funds, and makes a comparison to the current budget year funding levels.