For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 11, 2008

– FLORIDA REPUBLICANS CALLING FOR SPECIAL SESSION, 2010 SESSION MAY BE SHORTENED IN SOUTH DAKOTA –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Florida and South Dakota Republican legislative leaders are joining the number of states looking to address budget shortfalls across the country due to the weakening economy. The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, pointed out today the sensible guidance of Republican leaders in Florida and South Dakota who are working overtime to address today’s serious economic issues. Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater called for a special session and conducted an all Senate budget briefing. South Dakota Republican leaders are considering shortening the 2010 session by 5 days to run 35 instead of 40 days saving South Dakota taxpayers significant expense.

“We continue to see Republican leaders in states facing astounding economic situations taking necessary steps to address these budgetary issues,” said RSLC President Scott Ward. “During tumultuous economic times, the people of these states, among others, should be encouraged that their Republican leaders are focused and prepared to do what is essential to address these serious issues.”

Some examples of Republican leaders addressing their state budget shortfalls:

· Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater calls for January Special Session in response to the “tectonic shift” of the Florida economy

· South Dakota Republican Representative Larry Tidemann saying South Dakota might need to cut 2010 Legislative Session 5 days short

· Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett and state legislative officials are forgoing their 2009 cost of living increases

· Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell cut his office budget, his salary and returned his state vehicle

· Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling cut his office budget

· Georgia lawmakers are forgoing their 2009 cost of living increases

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is the only national organization whose mission is electing Republicans to the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State legislator. The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country – making a national impact one state at a time.

The RSLC has over 70,000 donors from all 50 states supporting the RSLC’s goals to pursue a pro-growth agenda, including: reforming the tax code, healthcare and legal systems; promoting a better educational system; encouraging sound energy initiatives; and advocating public safety through tough, crime-fighting policies. During the 2008 election, the RSLC helped maintain the number of Republican Attorneys General and Lieutenant Governors across the U.S. In addition, the RSLC was able to deliver new Republican majorities in the Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee state senates, as well as an unprecedented majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives.