As we complete the sixth week of our deliberations in the Florida House, I am happy to report that our work has covered much ground, and reflects our principled commitment to reducing the overall burden of government while still ensuring that the public is protected, the most vulnerable are cared for, and our economy remains among the strongest in the nation.

Next week, we hope to begin reconciling differences in the House and Senate budget proposals, and reach an agreement by May 5th that reflects our principles of sound financial management for the significant budget surplus that Florida will enjoy in Fiscal Year 2006-2007.

I hope you will continue to make me aware of your concerns on the issues that will affect you directly and our state’s future.

As we complete the sixth week of our deliberations in the Florida House, I am happy to report that our work has covered much ground, and reflects our principled commitment to reducing the overall burden of government while still ensuring that the public is protected, the most vulnerable are cared for, and our economy remains among the strongest in the nation.

Next week, we hope to begin reconciling differences in the House and Senate budget proposals, and reach an agreement by May 5th that reflects our principles of sound financial management for the significant budget surplus that Florida will enjoy in Fiscal Year 2006-2007.

I hope you will continue to make me aware of your concerns on the issues that will affect you directly and our state’s future.

RECAP OF WEEK SIX

• This week, the Florida House completed its sixth week of deliberations as part of the 60-day legislative session. House members met in committee meetings on Monday and Tuesday before adjourning in recognition of the Passover and Easter holidays.

• With three full weeks to go before the end of the 60-day session, the House will hit the ground running in Week Seven with several hours of floor action on the calendar, as well as a wrap-up of most committee and council meetings.

• With appointment of Budget Conferees, the House and Senate are slated to begin conferencing (negotiating) as early as Wednesday on differences in the two chambers’ budget proposals.

• The following are bills of interest that are moving through the legislative process:

Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera’s HJR 353, if passed by the Legislature, would give voters the opportunity to amend the state constitution to increase the Homestead Exemption in order to alleviate the stress of increasing property taxes statewide. The Florida Constitution currently provides an annual exemption from the assessed value of a homestead of $25,000. HJR 353 would propose a constitutional amendment to annually increase the Homestead Exemption beginning in 2007 by $5,000 per year for five years, reaching a total of $50,000 in 2011. HJR 353 is in its third and final committee of reference.

Representative Anitere Flores’ HB 795 creates the First Generation Matching Grants Program (program) for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and whose parents have not earned a baccalaureate degree. The measure has been heard in all committees of reference and now heads to the House floor.

Representative Dudley Goodlette’s HB 773 reforms the process used to amend the Constitution by public petition. HB 773 establishes a number of safeguards for the initiative petition process, verification of petitions, and petition-gathering. These are intended to reduce fraud and ensure that the process remains fair for Florida voters. The measure has moved through all of its committee stops and now heads to the floor for consideration.

View Boiler Notes from Previous Weeks
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Week 6	Week 7	Week 8
	Week 9