Senate intent on taking its time on budget

TALLAHASSEE — A majority of the Florida Senate is pushing to delay passing a budget until later in the spring when economic conditions might ameliorate the need for deeper cuts to health-care or other services. Senate President-designate Don Gaetz , R-Niceville, and Minority Leader-designate Chris Smith , D-Fort Lauderdale, have gotten a majority of the chamber to sign a letter supporting President Mike Haridopolos’ push to possibly delay passing the 2012-13 spending plan until later this spring. The 60-day session began Tuesday and is slated to adjourn March 9 — normally the time when Florida lawmaking sessions begin — due to the once-a-decade chore of redistricting this year. Besides passing new maps, lawmakers are also required to pass a balanced budget — which would require between $1.2 billion and $1.9 billion in cuts presently. But given the international market volatility, that picture could change in the months ahead. “We understand and share in your grave concerns regarding the possible volatility in the revenue estimates,”

the letter states. “We believe, as you do, that it is of paramount importance that we build a budget based on the most accurate and reliable revenue estimates possible, as our budget decisions here in Tallahassee affect the lives of every Floridian.” Gaetz said Friday that he expected more senators to sign next week, and the sentiment was unanimous so far to support Haridopolos, who would prefer to wait until state economists update their forecasts for state revenues again later this spring. “Every senator we approached was very positive and agreed that we ought to trust the president’s discretion in this regard,” Gaetz said. But House Speaker Dean Cannon , R-Winter Park, has resisted the notion of delaying the budget work. “What’s the problem with doing what the constitution tells us to do, when the constitution tells us to do it?” Cannon told the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board on Friday.

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Senate intent on taking its time on budget

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