School vouchers, anti-smoking campaigns, tax breaks and the budget were the major topics during the fourth week of the 1999 Legislative Session.

The House deliberated for two days last week before passing along party lines their version of the Education Accountability Bill. The Senate's version passed the Education Committee. Although the two bills differ, both mandate the grading of all public schools, and both let children in "failing" schools switch to a better public school or a private school with a state-paid tuition voucher or "opportunity scholarship." Other bills of interest to the SUS are moving through the process Spotlight on Bills).

The budget debate ramped up a notch last week. The Senate debated and amended their budget on Thursday, the House on Friday. Both chambers deliberated hundreds of amendments. After a final passage vote next week, the budget process moves to conference (see related story).

Once again excitement raced through the Capitol when Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino paid a visit to lawmakers last week. Mr. Marino came to speak in favor of funding for autism- related programs. He is the father of an autistic child.

Legislators will complete their work by noon on Wednesday this week, due to the religious holidays. The much-needed break marks the half way point of the session.

As always, I welcome your questions, comments and concerns. I can be reached at 644-4453 or by email kdaly @ govrel.fsu.edu.

Budget Information

The state Senate worked last Thursday on the details of their $48.8 billion budget, racing through nearly one hundred amendments that had the approval of the budget leaders, then tackling over one hundred more that either failed or were withdrawn. The House repeated the scene on Friday, debating their $48.4 billion spending plan in a similar manner. There are, of course, major differences between the two proposals.

The Senate plan gives $1 billion hike to the $14 billion already appropriated in the education budget and more than $800 million for tax relief. The House plan calls for a $700 million boost in education spending and a $1.2 billion tax break. The Senate bill includes $70 million for the anti-smoking ad campaign former Governor Lawton Chiles pushed for last year. The House initially included nothing for the ad campaign, but added $30 million for the program on Friday. Neither bills raise taxes, but both include a tuition hike for the SUS. The Senate proposes a 10 percent across the board increase, to be used in part to fund the enhancement pot. The House authorizes a five percent tuition differential, to be used at the discretion of each university president.

Although Governor Jeb Bush called for a "turkey free" budget this year, the House budget contains more than $400 million worth of members' projects, the Senate's more than $310 million. The House budget gives Florida State University $66 million for medical education, lab school relocation, communications center and other items. The Senate does not.

After both chambers vote on their bills next week, a conference committee, made up of House and Senate members, will be appointed to negotiate a single plan that will be sent to the Governor.

 

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