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Plans to create thousands of jobs in Florida by pumping money into movies, tourism, and space are in the works in Tallahassee. Governor Charlie Crist is calling for 300 million dollars in state spending and incentive programs. As Whitney Ray tells us, the spending and tax breaks could create jobs if state lawmakers don’t need the money for schools, roads, and hospitals.

For decades Florida has been familiar ground for Flipper and other film stars. The industry created a 29 billion dollar economic impact in 2007, employing more than a hundred thousand people.

Governor Charlie Crist is pushing 15 million dollars worth of tax incentives to attract jobs and tourist.

“We get a six to one return on that investment. In addition to that we get Florida advertised all over the globe,” said Crist.

The governor’s budget recommendations call for 32 million dollars in space spending, 15 million for public research, and 100 million to harpoon high-tech business. The Florida Chamber of Commerce says the investments would create better jobs.

“Those are the type of jobs we want. They are high wage, high-tech jobs and what we want to go to the next economy,” said Gabe Sheheane with the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

State lawmakers who are charged with crafting the budget are likely to take one look at the governor’s recommendations and start from scratch.

Senate President Jeff Atwater says Crist’s proposals depend too heavily on money from a failed gambling compact.

“We are going to deal with the facts as we see them and the facts as we see them are we have less revenue,” said Atwater.

It’s unlikely all of the governor’s budget recommendations will survive once lawmakers begin making tough decision to fill a three billion dollar shortfall. But if they do, experts say thousands of jobs will be saved and created.