Urge Governor to veto $150K gift to alligator farming industry
May 8th, 2009 by admin
Today the Florida Legislature approved the 2009-10 state budget. Included in the $66.5 billion budget are numerous tax and fee increases, and spending cuts to social programs that help seniors, Alzheimer’s patients and foster kids, among other cuts. But deep within the 408-page budget is $150,000 for “Alligator Marketing and Education.” The money is to be used to “promote alligator meat, leather, and other by-products.”
In his proposed budget presented at the start of the legislative session, Gov. Crist recommended eliminating the $150,000 gift to the alligator farming industry. But during budget negotiations, someone put the money back in.
Marketing the meat and skin of alligators killed in Florida is not a priority for the State of Florida!
Please ask the governor to veto the $150,000 for Alligator Marketing and Education before he signs the budget into law. The Governor has line item veto authority which may be used to delete any specific budget item.
E-mail the Governor: Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com
Phone: (850) 488-7146