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Despite a failing economy and a dwindling state budget, Governor Charlie Crist says the state of Florida is strong. Some Lawmakers disagree with the Governor’s assessment. As Whitney Ray tells us, some struggling Floridians say the picture isn’t as great as the Governor paints it.

Hear it here: Some Don’t Share Crist View on State of the State

Governor Charlie Crist says the State of the State is strong. Crist admits he’s being optimistic, but others aren’t buying it. The struggle hits closer to home for mother Jessica Harding who is feeling the pain at the pump.

“It’s getting harder especially being low income, its getting harder to get everything you need,” Harding said.

While legislative members of the Governor’s own party don’t think he’s out of touch, they say he’s not giving them enough solutions. Legislative leaders have a less optimistic outlook and said darker days are ahead.

“There’s not reason to believe that Florida’s economy is going to rebound faster than the national economy because of our reliance on real estate construction and growth,” said Speaker of the House Marco Rubio.

Political Science Professor Carol Weissert said the Governor’s view of the glass half-full isn’t any more out of touch than naysayers who see it half empty.

“If you saw the democratic responses, they were the more doom and gloom side as well, so some where in between probably where we really are,” said Weissert.

Regardless of the message, the real work is underway, as lawmakers focus on balancing the budget and finding financial relief for Floridians. While Governor Crist didn’t focus on the state’s struggles in the State of the State speech, he did urge lawmaker to look to rainy day funds to balance the budget. The suggestion isn’t sitting some members of his own party, including Speaker of the House Marco Rubio.