Gov. Rick Scott

With the ink drying on his budget proposals for the 2013 legislative session, Gov. Rick Scott took to the airways on Tuesday defending his $74.2 billion fiscal plan that includes his call for more tax breaks for manufacturers and a pay hike for teachers.

Scott also continued to give his support to election reform proposals announced Monday from Secretary of State Ken Detzner that seek more early voting flexibility for county supervisors of elections, along with steps intended to speed the tabulating results.

“When I run for re-election I want people to vote for me, but the truth is, I want everyone to feel good about voting,” Scott said while on WIOD 610 AM in Miami.

Scott, who also did a telephone interview on FOX News 92.5 FM in Fort Myers, said the reaction from teachers has been predictably supportive, with the enthusiastic response in part because educators feel their concerns are being heard in Tallahassee.

“What they’re saying is, 'We’re very appreciative of the pay increase, but you know what, we’re appreciative that you’re listening, that you’re sitting down saying how can we make our education system the best for our students,’” Scott said

“These teachers, they care about their kids, they care about their students.”



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.