The fiscal challenges we’re experiencing in Tallahassee are a symptom of a slowing
economy nationwide, not just in Florida. We are facing an unprecedented $6.3 billion
deficit for next fiscal year and will be forced to make tough decisions regarding Florida’s budget.

Let me be clear – I don’t relish the fact that we are being forced to make these tough
decisions, but we were elected to serve in good times and in bad, and we are
constitutionally mandated to balance the budget. Unlike the federal government, we
cannot spend money that we do not have.

Some have expressed concern about proposed funding reductions for Florida’s Guardian Ad Litem Program. Please know that I fully recognize the importance of Florida’s Guardian Ad Litem Program and the invaluable services that Guardian Ad Litem Program staff and volunteers provide to Florida’s abused, abandoned and neglected children.

At this time, Florida’s current economic situation leaves the House with no
alternative but to prioritize its funding options for next fiscal year. In doing so, the House had to consider past funding and reductions to programs in order to minimize the effect on programs to the greatest extent possible. As you know, funding for Florida’s Guardian Ad Litem Program has grown approximately 220 percent in the past six years and has been spared programmatic reductions commensurate with reductions to other State agencies or programs during that same time.

Accordingly, because other programs have been reduced at greater levels in recent years, the House has determined that the Guardian Ad Litem Program could not be held harmless for next fiscal year.

Also, some have indicated that the proposed reductions are targeted at Guardian Ad
Litem Program attorneys. The proposed reduction is an overall program reduction that is not targeted at Guardian Ad Litem Program attorneys.

As we conference on the budget with the Senate, please know that I will do my best to ensure that the Guardian Ad Litem Program is able to continue providing these valuable services.

I would like to thank all the Guardian Ad Litem’s for their hard work and dedication to
the children.

Sincerely,
Sandy Adams