Florida Gov. Scott proposes nearly $77 billion budget

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida Gov. Rick Scott is calling for a nearly $77 billion state budget in the coming year.

Scott released his budget recommendations on Wednesday during the annual legislative planning meeting hosted by The Associated Press.

The Republican governor’s budget proposal includes $673 million in tax cuts. The biggest portion of the cuts would be a reduction in taxes charged on cellphones and cable television.

Scott is relying on increased local property taxes to boost overall spending on public schools by $842 million.

Scott is calling for increased spending on the state’s prison system even though four years ago he called for deep cuts in that agency.

State lawmakers will use Scott’s recommendations as a framework for a final budget that will be passed during the session that starts in March.