Following Legislature’s Passage, Gov. Scott Still Indicating He May Veto Entire Florida Budget

WFSU | By Sascha Cordner

Published May 9, 2017 at 6:14 PM EDT

Governor Rick Scott speaking to reporters in Panama City Tuesday.

The Florida Legislature may have sent an $82.4 billion dollar budget to Governor Rick Scott Monday, but Scott is still indicating he may veto it.

There are several things about this year’s legislative budgeting process Governor Rick Scott doesn’t like.

“This was an interesting session,” said Scott, during a stop in Panama City Tuesday. “I don’t know why the politicians in Tallahassee would turn their backs—which they clearly have—on their constituents.”

The budget—passed Monday—includes drastic cuts to the state’s tourism and economic development agencies. Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida are big priorities for Scott, who calls them big job creators. During the Panama City stop, Scott said whatever his decision on the budget, it will be what’s best for all Floridians. That’s similar to what he’s said during past tours criticizing lawmakers around the state.

“I will be reviewing the budget,” he added. “I have the opportunity to veto the entire budget, or I can go line by line through the budget. There’s 4,000 lines in the budget. Now, this is a budget that was done in secret. We’re just learning about what’s in the budget. But, I will be going through every line.”

If Scott vetoes the entire budget, Florida lawmakers could be forced to come back for a special session. Meanwhile, House Speaker Richard Corcoran has said he has the votes to override that decision. But, he adds it’s more likely the Governor will veto lawmakers’ special projects, instead.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner .