1/31/08 Secretary South Applauds Crist/Kottkamp 2008-2009 Budget Priorities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2008
CONTACT:
LINDA MCDONALD
(850) 921-5266
~Budget includes funding for solar power projects, capital improvements and increased contract accountability~
TALLAHASSEE - Department of Management Services Secretary Linda H. South today commended Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp for their 2008-2009 budget recommendations for the agency calling on fiscal responsibility and funding for programs to support state agencies to better serve Florida citizens.
"These priorities reflect a commitment to keep state government strong and prudent during normal budget fluctuations," said Secretary South. "We support Governor Crist and his commitment to work efficiently, with no compromise of service, for the good people of our great state."
The Crist/Kottkamp budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 includes:
- $1 million to develop a model solar project for state-owned office buildings. This helps state government lead by example in the effort to preserve precious resources.
- Recognizing the importance for recruitment and retention for the state's workforce, the budget proposal includes two percent of each agency's initial approved salary budget with flexibility to address their own unique critical salary needs. The budget also provides agencies with flexibility to use a portion of their base salary budget for bonuses to recognize outstanding employee performance. This enables state government to hire the best and brightest to serve the needs of Florida's citizens.
- Proposing continued access for state employees to affordable, quality health insurance with no premium increases and no changes in covered services.
- $9 million allocated for capital improvement projects to enhance the quality and efficiency of state-owned office buildings. This funding maintains the integrity of state facilities and extends the useful life of state assets.
- $228,642 to hire contract managers to oversee four new work release centers in the state. This ensures accountability with Florida's private prison contracts.
For more information on the Crist/Kottkamp budget, please visit www.MyFlorida.com or www.MyFlorida.com\dms.
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