Crist releases proposed budget

After a slow rollout of some of the higher profile portions of his proposed state budget for 2010-11, Gov. Charlie Crist this morning unveiled his overall budget proposal for the coming year.

The bottom line: He wants the state to spend almost $69.2 billion in the coming year, about $2.7 billion, or 4 percent, more than it is projected to spend this year.

"This budget balances the needs and priorities of the people of Florida with sound fiscal discipline," Crist wrote in his budget message. "In doing so, we are able to avoid tax increases and deep cuts to important programs that would further burden Florida’s families and businesses during these trying times.

Lawmakers have greeted Crist's spending proposals with some skepticism, as revenue projections have shown the state could come up about $3.2 billion short for next year's budget.

For a detailed look at what Crist touts as "the People's Budget," go here.