Note from APTAWEB: The following article was published in the May 10^th issue of the Apalachicola Times.

The 2007 Legislative Session wrapped up on Friday May 4, with the House and Senate passing a $71.3 billion state budget.

The 2007 session presented lawmakers with one of the leanest budgets ever. The state experienced a revenue shortfall of about $500 million. State Senator Alfred Lawson represents Senate District 6, which includes 11 counties in the Florida Panhandle, including Franklin.
    

It is reported that Lawson’s constituents got the third highest allocation in district projects funded in the 2007-2008 budget.
    

"Even with a lean budget, my constituents have every reason to celebrate this year’s state budget," Lawson said. "The entire delegation worked hard to bring home the bacon."
    

Due to the tight budget, several of Senator Lawson’s key bills addressing state retirees’ insurance subsidies, three percent pay raises for state employees and special risk classifications were not approved.
    

"As the senator representing the greatest number of state employees, I’m going to do what I can to help those who are working and those who have retired. You should be able to earn a livable wage in this state and you should be able to retire without worry about your health insurance needs," he said. "Pay increases, benefits and a stable retirement will help the State of Florida to retain and recruit qualified personnel."
    

The 2007-08 budget provided for a much needed boost in public school state and local allocations for K-12. Franklin County Schools will receive an additional $519,929, a 5.46 percent increase in new dollars for the forthcoming school year.
    

Franklin County did very well this year in the state budget. The Legislature funded the following 15 crucial projects and funding allocations:

1. Alligator Point Beach Restoration - $1,382,004

2. Apalachicola Wastewater Improvements - $500,000

3. Buck O’Neil Park - $200,000

4. Cape St. George Lighthouse - $350,000

5. Carrabelle Law Enforcement Field Office - $1,000,000

6. Carrabelle Park Phase III - $325,000

7. Carrabelle River/St. George Sound Water Quality Improvements - $800,000

8. City of Apalachicola-Areas of Critical State Concern Study - $200,000

9. County Road 370 Alligator Drive, from Peninsula Point Gate to SR 30

(US 98) - $2,399,268

10. Crooked River Lighthouse - $200,000

11. Crooked River Lighthouse Park - $200,000

12. Franklin County Courthouse Security - $100,000

13. Franklin Public Schools - $11 million  

14. State Route 30 (US 98/319), from Carrabelle River Bridge to State Route 377

(US 319) - $9,161,340

15. St. George Lighthouse Park $175,000

"It’s my pleasure to serve the people of North Florida in the Florida Senate and look forward to the special session, and next year," Lawson said.