Gov. Scott proposes $12 million in budget additions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants to spend millions to hire more child protective investigators and boost money spent on services for children adopted from foster care. Scott announced the budget recommendations Thursday during the annual pre-session planning day hosted by The Associated Press. The spending recommendations will be considered by the Florida Legislature during the 2018 session that starts in January. The Republican governor wants to spend $10 million to hire 130 additional child protective investigators and Florida Abuse Hotline counselors. Scott in previous years has advocated hiring additional investigators. Scott also wants a $2 million increase in the money spent on services provided to adopted children. That will bring the total to nearly $200 million.