WEEK 1: Special Session on Florida State Budget

House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula were unable to reach a budget deal during the regular session that ended March 13. Lawmakers reconvened for a special session  to resolve a $1.4 billion difference between the preferred spending plans of the House and Senate. The special session is scheduled for May 12th through May 29th. If lawmakers don't get the budget done by the end of June, the government would enter into a partial shutdown  This special session does not include any proposals on Property Taxes. 

Here's what you should know:

• The House and Senate agreed on about $19.2 billion in health care funding, including increased nursing home reimbursements and cuts to Medicaid managed care payments.

• Major disagreements remain over hospital funding, disability services, and HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding (ADAP), with the House and Senate far apart on spending levels.

• Lawmakers agreed to spend nearly $1.8 billion accelerating road construction projects through the state’s “Moving Florida Forward” transportation program.

• Higher education funding remains unresolved, including disputes over university “preeminence” funding, workforce programs, and New College-related proposals.

• Other unresolved issues include compensation for descendants of the Groveland Four, new judgeships versus prosecutor funding.

• Still ongoing debates about security protection for Ron DeSantis after he leaves office. Senate offered 1 year. House has yet to agree.