Sun-Sentinel Editorial - Trust Funs Tie Legislators' Hands

Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

March 27, 2004 Saturday Broward Metro Edition

HEADLINE: TRUST FUNDS TIE LEGISLATORS' HANDS

BYLINE: Gov. Jeb Bush Tallahassee

BODY:
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel's recent editorial, "Keep trust funds intact" (March 17), highlighted a common misconception about my view of the State Housing Trust Fund. Home ownership is vital in creating stable families and healthy communities, and I am committed to helping more Floridians realize this cornerstone of the American dream. That's why we've contributed more than $1.1 billion to the affordable housing program since I took office.

Our track record is proof positive of our commitment to affordable housing in Florida. In 2002 alone, the affordable housing program helped nearly 34,000 families find a home. And while I take issue with its funding structure, I fully support the spirit-and results-of the program.

The Florida Housing Coalition's assessment of our current year budget proposals is alarmist and misleading. The changes we've proposed this year will fully fund the affordable housing program at last year's level of $193 million, allowing thousands of working Floridians to buy homes. Further, Florida's State Housing Trust Fund is not the only source of assistance for working Floridians who need help becoming homeowners. Federal, non-profit and local programs are also available to assist.

Trust funds tie legislators' hands with spending mandates from years past-some of Florida's current trust funds were created more than a decade ago-yet they dictate spending today.

We've come a long way toward building an economically sound Florida by maintaining strict fiscal discipline in tough times. By phasing out trust funds, we can help ensure priorities like education, the environment-and even affordable housing-receive the attention they need, while other worthy programs are supported as Florida's elected representatives see fit.

Copyright 2004 Sun-Sentinel Company