PRESS RELEASE

By Dominic M. Calabro, Florida Taxwatch President and CEO

TALLAHASSEE - "Today is truly historic for Florida. The strong leadership and fiscal discipline that Governor Bush has shown by vetoing the record number of turkeys in the state budget should be applauded by Florida taxpayers. The veto process is always a difficult one for any governor, but in the end, the citizens need and appreciate strong leadership.

"Governor Bush said from the outset that he did not want to see turkeys in the budget and by his actions today, he showed that he says what he means and means what he says.

"All Floridians should commend Governor Bush for looking past narrow, parochial concerns and forcing state leaders to deal with the budget on a statewide, criteria-driven basis."