Budget Director Jerry McDaniel with Gov. Rick Scott and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll at Monday's Capitol budget unveiling | Photo - Gray Rohrer

After unveiling his proposed $65.8 billion budget in Eustis, Gov. Rick Scott headed back to Tallahassee to talk to the media while reaction poured in from leaders all across the state.

"The budget we put out is a jobs budget,” said Scott who focused on job creation during the campaign. "The biggest issue in the state is jobs."

Scott pointed to his business background and said that this experience helped him craft his proposed budget.

"I started in the private sector trying to get the best return for the shareholder,” said the governor. “Now the shareholders are the taxpayers. Today this money is going to be spent to make sure we get a return."

Scott defended his budget from critics who have assailed his plan to require state employees to contribute to their pensions, noting that his proposal to move public workers toward a 401(k) style retirement plan was in line with developments in the private sector.

The governor also defended his two-year budgetary proposal and vowed to cut down on state regulations that hinder economic growth.

"If there's a regulation that's hurting business and not significantly benefitting the consumer we're going to get rid of it,” said Scott.

Leaders across Florida mulled over the proposed budget, offering their takes on Scott’s plan.

The GOP leadership that controls both houses of the Legislature praised their fellow Republican’s proposed budget -- which was $5 billion less than the one they passed the year before under Gov. Charlie Crist -- for cutting back on state spending and not raising taxes.

“It’s impressive that after one month on the job Governor Scott has prepared a comprehensive budget so quickly,” said Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. “The Senate is dedicated to working with the governor to provide a balanced budget with no new taxes. The best way to improve the business environment in Florida is to keep taxes low and live within our means. We will do that. I also thank Governor Scott for unveiling his proposed budget directly to the people so that he can get feedback from the citizens of Florida.”

House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, offered cautious optimism in his response to the proposed budget.

“Governor Scott has proposed budget recommendations which he believes reflect the principles he espoused on the campaign trail,” said Cannon. “Over the next few weeks, we look forward to thoroughly reviewing these recommendations.

“The first and highest priorities of the Florida House are to cut government spending and not raise taxes,” added Cannon. I am grateful that Governor Scott shares these goals.”

Republicans in the Legislature hoped that cutting the state budget would help Florida’s sluggish economy.

“Our most important responsibility in the Florida Legislature is to help get our state’s economy back on track,” insisted Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando. “Senate Republicans will continue to work hard on policies that cultivate an attractive business environment in which the economy and jobs for Floridians can flourish again.