RECAP
OF WEEK NINE
A host of measures were considered in House and Senate floor action this week. For specific issues you have been following, consult http://www.myfloridahouse.gov for up-to-the-minute updates and final dispositions of legislation.
Having completed its work, and pursuant to the Florida Constitution's requirement that the Legislature not remain in regular session for more than the prescribed 60-days, the House adjourned on Friday evening, sine die.
BUDGET WATCH
Earlier this week, House and Senate leaders reached agreement regarding a $71.3 billion budget.
Pursuant to the Florida Constitution, the budget was printed and placed on legislators' desks on Tuesday afternoon to begin the 72-hour review period prior to the final vote on the budget late Friday during which both chambers gave final approval. The budget will be engrossed and sent to Governor Jeb Bush for his consideration. Upon his receipt of the General Appropriations Act, he will have 30 days to sign, veto, or line-item veto aspects of the Act.
For more information on the budget, see below, or visit http://www.myfloridahouse.gov where an electronic version is available for your review..
RECORD-SETTING FUNDING INCREASES FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
This week, the Florida Legislature approved a budget for Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
The budget, as passed, represents one of the largest funding increases for public education in state history.
The budget will invest $31.9 billion dollars in education, which is an increase of 14.7% over the current budget of $27.8 billion. Providing one of the single largest increases for K-12 education : $1.77 billion or 10.76 % increase in the K-12 Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP).
In the FEFP, an increase of $542 per student, or 8.68 %, to a total of $6,790 per student. This provides funding for 50,536 new students, a 1.91 % increase. $147.5 million for the Special Teachers are Rewarded (STAR) Allocation. STAR will provide at least 25% of the highest performing teachers a bonus or reward of 5% of their salary. Once again, we provided sufficient funding for use by local school boards to continue to raise teachers' salaries. In addition:
• $644.0 million increase for Class Size Reduction operating for a total of $2.15 billion
• $390.1 million for Voluntary PreKindergarten Program (VPK)
DETAILS OF THE GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
By the numbers…
This year's budget underscores fiscal responsibility while appropriately meeting the needs of Florida 's most vulnerable. The 2006-2007 General Appropriations Act totals $71.3 billion in spending , a 9% increase over the current budget year in order to support the needs of our growing state, while offering significant tax relief to all Floridians. This includes approximately $27.8 billion in General Revenue spending (a 5.2% increase) and $43.5 billion in trust fund spending (a 11.6% increase).
By the issue…Health Care
Funding for healthcare programs will increase by approximately $1.2 billion over the current year's budget, which includes a 5.2% increase to $23.7 billion for health and welfare services.
• $3.7M for pharmaceutical assistance for cancer and transplant patients (who lost Medicaid coverage because of Medicare Part D).
• $9.5M ($3.8M GR)—adult vision services, $7M ($2.9M GR)—adult partial denture benefits, and $2.2M ($0.9M GR)—adult hearing services.
• Fully funding the KidCare health insurance program for needy children.
By the issue…Agriculture & Environmental
• $310 million for the purchase of Babcock Ranch
• $300 million for Florida Forever programs
• $260.0 million in Water Projects including $25 million for Lake Okeechobee
• $188.0 million for cleanup of Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
• $161.5 million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Facilities Revolving Loan Programs
• $135 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP)
By the issue…Criminal Justice/Judicial
• $3.4 billion budget, a $260 million increase over last year.
• $709.6 million for the Department of Juvenile Justice, a $60 million increase over last year. Includes: Elimination of boot camps in the state of Florida . $11 million for Sheriff's STAR academies. This provides for $100 per diem compared to $83 per day for the boot camps (a 20% increase). Also provides for aftercare services in all programs.
• $7.15 million for construction, renovations, and improvements to courthouses in 24 small counties.
By the issue…Transportation & Economic Development
• Total funding of $9.1 billion for the Department of Transportation which includes $8.2 billion for the Transportation Work Program, which is an $11% increase over 2005-2006.
• $18.6 million for renovation and construction of National Guard armories.
• $4 million to implement the Ready to Work Initiative for employers to assess the job skills and training needs.
• $12 million for Florida Rebuilds to continue training in the construction industry.
• $2.1 million and 24 additional troopers to cover the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (Troop K) and State Road 93 (Alligator Alley).
