The in-fighting among Republicans in Tallahassee has led to a near stalemate over a new state budget and now, they’re starting to lash out at one another over the breakdown. The first, crucial round of negotiations between the House and Senate fell apart on Sunday. The session is scheduled to end on May 5, but state law requires that all work on the budget be finished 72 hours ahead of a final vote.
Republican House Speaker Richard Corcoran ripped his fellow Republicans in the Senate, comparing them to national Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders, saying “There are no limits to their liberalism.” Rep. Janet Cruz, a Tampa Democrat, called it an “outrage” that Republicans may end the session without passing a new budget.
Despite Senate opposition, Corcoran announced late Monday the House would pass a second budget that would keep most spending at its current levels while allowing for some growth in Medicaid and public school spending. He said this budget would prevent a possible government shutdown later this summer.