TALLAHASSEE: State lawmakers are working over the weekend to come up with a new budget.
The Florida Legislature ended its regular session without a new state budget. They must pass one by the end of the month to avoid a partial shutdown of state government.
Legislative leaders announced a broad deal on how much they’re willing to spend on education, health care and other areas.
House and Senate members exchanged offers on individual spending items, including schools. The Senate is proposing a 3 percent boost in per-pupil spending.
Gov. Rick Scott wanted school spending to reach a “historic” level but it doesn’t look like legislators will be able to grant his request.
That’s because legislators are increasing money to hospitals to replace federal aid that will be cut.
