J.D. Alexander Challenges Scott on Sales of Planes

Florida Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander questioned Gov. Rick Scott on if he had the legal authority to sell two state planes. Judging by the way Alexander worded the letter, it it clear he thinks Scott overstepped his authority.

“In your response, please state specifically why this transaction did not violate Article VII, Section 1(c) of the Florida Constitution and Sections… [of] Florida Statutes,” Alexander wrote Tuesday.

Alexander is referring to this language in the Florida Constitution.

No money shall be drawn from the treasury except in pursuance of appropriation made by law.

That same language is in the United States Constitution.

The language doesn't clearly state that Scott isn't allowed to sell the planes. Alexander is using the constitutional argument that the legislature controls the purse strings. Money drawn or received from the sale of planes must be approved by the legislative branch.

Any lawyers out want to take a crack at this in the comments?