TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - After weeks of negotiations and a rare session extension, Florida lawmakers are back in Tallahassee to wrap up their only responsibility: passing the state budget.
The budget talks began with the Florida House and Senate $4 billion apart, forcing legislators to extend their 60-day session. Now, lawmakers said they’re closer than ever to a deal.
“Glad to get back to work and excited to have some movement so now we can finalize things,” Rep. Kevin Chambliss, (D) Homestead, said.
Lawmakers are negotiating billions in budget cuts, although the exact amount is still being worked out. In the meantime, both chambers have agreed on a $2.25 billion tax cut package, which includes eliminating the business rent tax, permanent sales tax exempti