TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV\/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Florida lawmakers have finally passed a budget, albeit late in the game.<\/p>\n
The agreement comes after lawmakers were unable to agree on a budget during the regular legislative session. A special session focused on closing the $1.4 million gap between the House and Senate proposed budgets began on May 12, but wrapped today.<\/p>\n
The final budget comes in at $114.5 million, which reduces the overall spending by $365.3 million compared to the current fiscal year, according to a release from Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez. <\/p>\n
The budget also takes into account the authorization of $150 million in early payoff state debt.<\/p>\n
House and Senate leaders largely hammered out the budget behind closed doors, but finalized it Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n
It includes 4% pay increases for state law enforcement officers, pay bumps for prosecutors and almost half a billion dollars for projects at Florida\u2019s Universities.<\/p>\n
Republicans, who hold the majority in Tallahassee, say the budget is lower than the current one while still paying for key government services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are keeping the employee contributions for healthcare at the same level. The budget contains key investment in water quality improvements, transportation and infrastructure, and educational infrastructure,\u201d Senator Ed Hooper (R) said. \u201cThere is over $1.1 billion in the education capital.\u201d <\/p>\n
Florida Politics:<\/p>\n
But, Democrats point to only a handful of items they support, arguing the new budget removes over 300 state employee positions.<\/p>\n
Senate President Ben Albritton said they have crafted a balanced budget that the people of Florida should be proud of. <\/p>\n
\u201cFloridians are counting on us to maximize the use of their tax dollars by responsibly investing in key functions of government in a meaningful way, chief among these are education, health care, public safety, as well as our environmental, transportation, and clean water infrastructure,\u201d Albritton said. \u201cThrough this budget, we are holding the line on spending, living within our means and striking the right balance between spending and saving.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaker Perez said the budget is proof of the House\u2019s focus on conservative budgeting and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.<\/p>\n
\u201cFloridians expect their government to spend responsibly and prioritize the issues that matter most to families across our state,\u201d said House Speaker Daniel Perez. \u201cFor the second year in a row, the Florida House has led the charge in passing a budget that reduces spending while continuing to invest in public safety, education, environmental protection, health care, and infrastructure. We\u2019ve maintained strong reserves, protected taxpayers, and ensured Florida remains in a strong financial position for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The budget doesn\u2019t include some things: No across the board raises for state employees, lesser pay raises for public defenders, and no suspension of the gas tax.<\/p>\n
Now, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will have the chance to veto portions of the state budget and sign the rest into law.<\/p>\n
Florida lawmakers will be back in the capital city next week for a proposal to slash property taxes.<\/p>\n
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