House Speaker Marco Rubio hadn't had a chance to fully review Gov. Crist's proposed education budget, but he told the Buzz earlier today that, "Obviously they are suggestions but they are something we will take very seriously."

But Rubio knows that increased spending is tough to imagine in the current budget climate. Where some seem doom and gloom, the faithful conservative sees opportunity.

"There’s no doubt this is a year of tough decisions. And I hope we will make the tough decisions this year. Because that's how we can capitalize on the future. We need to get government back to where it needs to be, get back to having a government that’s the proper size based on what people can afford. If we do the right things this year, then we’ll be set up for success."