Florida's Bush wants to contract out the state's entire welfare system.

TALLAHASSEE, FLA -- Gov. Jeb Bush announced that he intends to turn over Florida's entire welfare system to private operators without waiting for federal approval. The move is unprecedented, though states have turned over parts of their welfare programs to private entrepreneurs under limited contracts. Florida's senators oppose the move.

The vendors will propose the policies, rules and regulations for the state's welfare system. "The concept is to give the marketplace the framework without prescribing the solution," said Ben Harris, deputy secretary of operations and technology for the state Department of Children and Families. DCF will oversee the multi-agency mega contract.

The estimated value of the contract is estimated at $3 billion. The governor estimates that the saving could be $25 million per year.

Federal law requires that government employees make the decisions about who qualifies for aid. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson must agree if Florida uses private companies to determine Medicaid benefits.