TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott is getting a boost for his plans to cut taxes while also spending more on schools.
State economists met Monday to predict how much the state is expected to collect in taxes.
New forecasts show that the state's main budget account should grow nearly 5 percent during the fiscal year that started in July. Economists predict an additional 4 percent growth in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Economists said lower gas prices are helping spark spending in other areas.
Overall, this means that the state's budget surplus for next year could grow by roughly $600 million.
Scott wants to cut taxes by $1 billion over the next two years. But he also wants to raise school spending levels and spend more money on environmental programs.
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