04-10-2013, 10:54 PM
Fla. Senate passes $74 billion budget
By GARY FINEOUT The Associated Press
By GARY FINEOUT
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A $74 billion spending plan for the state received unanimous approval from the Florida Senate.
The Senate on Wednesday approved a proposed state budget that includes a 3 percent pay raise for state workers and a more than $1 billion increase for the state's public schools.
The budget bill (SB 1500) now heads to the Florida House. The House is expected to debate and vote on a rival spending plan later this week.
The Florida Legislature has until early May to pass a new budget that covers spending from July 2013 until June 2014.
There are differences in the rival plans. For example, the House wants a 6 percent tuition hike for universities. The differences don't appear big enough to keep legislators ending their work on time.
By GARY FINEOUT The Associated Press
By GARY FINEOUT
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A $74 billion spending plan for the state received unanimous approval from the Florida Senate.
The Senate on Wednesday approved a proposed state budget that includes a 3 percent pay raise for state workers and a more than $1 billion increase for the state's public schools.
The budget bill (SB 1500) now heads to the Florida House. The House is expected to debate and vote on a rival spending plan later this week.
The Florida Legislature has until early May to pass a new budget that covers spending from July 2013 until June 2014.
There are differences in the rival plans. For example, the House wants a 6 percent tuition hike for universities. The differences don't appear big enough to keep legislators ending their work on time.