Florida lawmakers approve final $115 billion budget
Share this @internewscast.com

Florida lawmakers voted on the $115 billion state budget late Monday, ending weeks of legislative gridlock and concluding a long-extended session.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Ending weeks of delay and avoiding an unprecedented government shutdown, Florida lawmakers gave their approval to a $115 billion state budget late Monday night, concluding a lengthy extended session.

The vote occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m., following a mandatory 72-hour “cooling off” period that commenced on Friday when the budget deal was completed.

“This budget represents positive progress for Floridians,” stated Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Alachua), highlighting significant investments even as overall spending was reduced by $1 billion compared to the previous year.

After an original budget “blow up” led to the session being extended by more than 40 days, lawmakers finalized the spending plan over the last few weeks, aiming to cut spending while eyeing a potential future shortfall and the uncertainty of future federal funding as a reason for a more conservative approach.

“We have spent money responsibly in a way that we’re proud of while stacking up reserves and returning money that, quite frankly, we thought we could give back to the taxpayers,” House Budget Chair State Rep. Lawrence McClure (R-Plant City) said.

The budget includes approximately $1.3 billion in tax relief, highlighted by the permanent elimination of Florida’s business rent tax, a long-time target of the business community and Governor Ron DeSantis. Permanent sales tax holidays will also be implemented for back-to-school supplies and hurricane preparedness items such as batteries and tarps.

“Will you save a ton of money because of what we do? Probably not,” Senate Budget Chair Ed Hooper (R-Clearwater) said. “But you will save some.”

Democratic lawmakers say they support fiscal responsibility but urged the state to better prepare for potential federal funding cuts to Medicaid and FEMA programs.

“Given projected cuts, I think the state should be preparing to help carry people through a time, not just looking for ways to cut funding,” House Minority Leader State Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said earlier this month. 

Once passed, the budget heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has the authority to issue line-item vetoes before signing it into law. He’ll have a few weeks to review the bill before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
King Charles, Queen Camilla pray with Pope Leo in historic step for churches and welcome respite from Epstein scandal

King Charles and Queen Camilla Engage in Historic Prayer with Pope Leo, Offering a Church Unification Milestone Amid Epstein Scandal Distraction

In a landmark visit to the Vatican, King Charles III of Britain…
Strike averted: Musicians' union reaches tentative deal with Broadway league

Musicians’ Union and Broadway League Reach Tentative Agreement, Preventing Strike

NEW YORK — Broadway musicians have successfully brokered a preliminary deal with…
Fernandina Beach family pushes for intersection safety after multiple crashes

Fernandina Beach Residents Demand Urgent Intersection Safety Measures Following Frequent Accidents

A family in Fernandina Beach is calling for crucial safety enhancements at…
Carlson and Greene Outline Five Pillars for America’s Renewal

Carlson and Greene Unveil Five Key Strategies for Revitalizing America

In their explosive discussion, journalist Tucker Carlson and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor…
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect who placed pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC

FBI Unveils New Footage of Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Offices

In a renewed effort to solve one of the lingering mysteries from…
ABC's 'World News Tonight' anchor David Muir honored by Temple University

ABC’s David Muir Receives Prestigious Honor from Temple University for Excellence in Journalism

PHILADELPHIA — Temple University recently hosted a celebration honoring outstanding achievements in…
Chicago Little Village activity today: 1 arrested for battery of police officer near 26th, Whipple amid clash with feds

Tensions Rise in Chicago’s Little Village: Arrest Made for Assaulting Officer During Federal Standoff

In the heart of Little Village, a neighborhood in Chicago, tensions flared…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
Largest teachers union teams up with ‘60s radical professor’s namesake org peddling anti-American curriculum

Controversy Erupts as Largest Teachers Union Partners with Controversial ’60s Radical Group on New Curriculum Initiative

This article is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus Radicals.…
Bernie-Endorsed Maine Senate Candidate's Campaign Implodes As Dems in Disarray Hits Fever Pitch

Maine Democrats Face Backlash Over Controversial Policies: A Step Too Far?

In a surprising twist from Maine, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner…
Murder suspect arrested over 40 times before allegedly killing hotel guest

Shocking Pattern: Serial Offender with 40+ Arrests Charged in Hotel Guest Murder

In a startling case from North Carolina, a man with a lengthy…
ALDOT cooperating with investigators following shooting that led to Kimber Mills' death in central Alabama

ALDOT Collaborates with Authorities in Investigation of Fatal Shooting of Kimber Mills in Central Alabama

On Sunday morning, a tragic shooting occurred during a bonfire gathering in…