Less regulation, but not lower taxes

State Senate President Mike Haridopolos' opening speech at this year's regular legislative session focused on what he termed the two “Rs”: reform and restraint.

But in that context, the Senate leader from Melbourne also targets a third “R” — regulation, that is, overregulation.

That focus puts him largely on the same page as Gov. Rick Scott and the governor's ambitious agenda.

The new governor continues to push growth-management reform as part of his bigger plan to reorganize state government around robust economic development and job-growth initiatives.

Haridopolos' comments on regulatory reform hint at a business-friendly agenda for the Legislature this year.

Haridopolos says he advocates “responsible regulation,” and says: “When it comes to regulation, government should require no more of its people than their actual health, safety and welfare demands. More than that is meddling, and arrogance to boot. When it comes to regulation, my personal belief is less is more, and a little humility will go a long way.”

On tax cuts, in an apparent reference to Scott's desire to cut corporate income tax, Haridopolos was less bold.

After first saying that, “the appropriate frequency of tax increases roughly coincides with appearances of Haley's comet,” he also suggested that tax cuts might not get his support.

“Whether we can actually reduce taxes, at the present time, in a responsible way remains to be seen,” cautioned Haridopolos. “If anyone can show me how we can realistically feed the increasing multitude with even fewer fish and less bread than we have now, then I will gladly follow him.”