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Amidst a slumping housing market and a dwindling budget, Governor Charlie Crist delivered a positive State of the State speech. This year the Governor moved his annual address to six o’clock. The Governor encouraged lawmakers to tap into state reserves, but as Whitney Ray tells the suggestion doesn’t sit well with some lawmakers.

The predictions are dire. Houses are slipping into foreclosure, tax revenue is dwindling, and state programs are suffering. Despite the odds Governor Charlie Crist stepped to the podium and offered Floridians his view of the situation.

“I can report to you that the state of our state is indeed strong,” Crist said.

While Governor Crist down played the problems facing Floridians, he didn’t ignore them.

“Florida’s families and business are faced with extraordinary economic times, sky rocketing gas prices, the threat of foreclosure and a softening housing market,” said Crist.

The failing economy will force the legislature to cut more than 2 billion dollars from the budget. Governor Crist suggested dipping into the state’s reserves. While many lawmakers applauded the Governors positive messages, High ranking members of his own party disagreed with his suggestion to tap into the rainy day funds to weather the storm. Speaker of the house Marco Rubio says pulling reserves now could cause problems down the road.

“We feel like next year the economy will still be struggling to recover so to go to the rainy day funds this year would be a mistake,” said Rubio.

Despite the Governor’s outlook and suggestions, the state’s financial future will be up to lawmakers and the decisions they make over the next 60 days. The Governor also encouraged the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission to put more tax cuts on the November ballot.