Governor Scott Vetoes Millions Before Signing State's $77.1 Billion Budget

TALLAHASSE (CBSMiami/AP) – The state's new multi-billion dollar state budget was signed into law Monday by Governor Rick Scott.

Scott, who has line-item veto power to eliminate spending on specific projects, vetoed nearly $69 million in individual spending items included in the $77.1 billion budget.

The vetoes included money for dozens of hometown projects sought by legislators including money for a Miami observation tower and a dog park.

The overall budget is roughly 3.5 percent higher than last year's budget and includes a boost in money for schools, child welfare and projects to battle water pollution.

Unlike years in the past, Scott did not have a public signing of the state budget.

Legislators came into this year's session with a $1.2 billion budget surplus. They used some of the extra money on dozens and dozens of hometown projects.