Welcome to

54 new members of the Florida Legislature were sworn into office today in Tallahassee, giving the GOP the largest majority it has ever had. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, buoyed by unexpected victories and a growing anger among voters, the GOP led legislature is taking a turn to the right.

Republicans wore red roses; Democrats blue. There were five fewer blue roses this year as 54 new members were sworn in. Republican Dennis Baxley is one of the House’s most conservative members and he says they have heard voter anger.

“Clearly there has been established by this election, a clarification of principles that we are going to live within our means,” Baxley said.

The election of Mike Haridopolos to the Senate Presidency marks a clear turn to the right.

“We face a two-and-a-half billion dollar shortfall. We have two options: Raise taxes or spend less. We will spend less,” Haridopolos, said.

Republicans have been in control here since 1996, but this is the first time that they have a super majority.

Jobs will continue to be a top focus, but other conservative ideas are coming back. Merit pay for teachers, medicaid reform that includes more immunity for doctors. Democrats like Scott Randolph are powerless to stop the shift right.

“So let’s get this right. The Republicans are wanting to socialize the risk of medicaid by giving doctors sovereign immunity,” Randolph said.

Lawmakers flexed their new found muscle by over turning some of Charlie Crist’s vetoes. They also are allowing the use of Federal Stimulus money to pay solar and other promised rebates to more than 13 thousand families that have been waiting for a year or longer.