Adams: One-on-One

Issues and Voices that Matter March 4, 2010

Adams: One-on-One

State Representative Sandy Adams, Republican/District 33 discusses the critical decisions facing the Florida Legislature in the face of the $3 billion budget shortfall. She addresses topics ranging from education and prisons to Medicaid and a second federal government stimulus.
Feature length – 11:47

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

The 2010 Florida Legislative Session convened on Tuesday March 2, 2010 in Tallahassee, Fl. Sandy Adams is the representative to the Florida House from District 33 which includes Oviedo and Winter Springs to the north and extends south to Waterford Lakes and Bithlo. Representative Adams is a Republican and was first elected in 2002. She is currently chair of the Criminal and Civil Justice Committee and a member of six other committees. She has recently announced her decision to run for Congress in 2010 for the seat currently held by Democrat Suzanne Kosmas.

The Florida Legislature faces a daunting task this term. The state budget has a revenue shortfall of $3 billion. The House and Senate leadership have both announced that there will be no new taxes or fees imposed this year. As a result, the budget gap will have to be closed by decreases in expenses through layoffs of state employees, scaling back state programs and reduced services to citizens. It is the job of the legislators to make the decisions on where to cut expenses while maintaining essential services.

Education makes up 50% of the general revenue budget and Medicaid costs for the poor and uninsured make up more than 25%. Federal aid in both of these areas is tied to state spending. Cuts by the state could result in cuts from the federal government matching funds. The dilemma is acute with little room to maneuver.

In a 1-on-1 interview with producer Desta Horner the Friday before the session began, Representative Adams discussed a number of crucial issues confronting the Florida House. You’ll hear her comments on the budget crisis and particularly the areas in her field of criminal and civil justice where savings can be found. She will also address the rising cost of Medicaid and the importance of education. She also speaks out on some of the components of Governor Crist’s proposed budget.

Representative Adams says that she is ready for the challenge of this session. Follow the progress of the decisions during the two month long legislative session by going to the Florida House website listed below. And share your thoughts on the budget dilemma with Rep. Adams at her website.

In May, after all the cuts have been made, we will return to Representative Adams for a post-session 1-on-1 interview.