By Peter Schorsch
Sixty Days Newsletter
March 11. 2022
The largest budget in state history is now on members’ desks, kicking off the 72-hour cooling-off period before lawmakers can vote on it and bring the 2022 Legislative Session to a close. The record-setting $112 billion spending plan includes $43 billion in general revenue — a full $8 billion more than the 2021-22 budget — that has flowed to the state amid a rebounding economy. The 2022-23 budget also includes $37 billion in federal cash, $3.5 billion of which comes from pandemic relief funds. After the finished product was delivered, Senate leaders touted some highlights, including an across-the-board pay raise for state employees, more than $8,000 in per-pupil funding for schools and sales tax holidays for diapers, disaster preparedness, school supplies and gas. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Signed. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed bills promoting the use of certified peer specialists in substance abuse treatment (SB 282) and changing the rules for appointing a DEP Secretary (SB 1658).
Adios, Commish. Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced he plans to step down later this spring.
Added perk. A property tax break (HJR 1) for teachers, cops, emergency responders passed the Senate and will be on the 2022 ballot.
Dead or alive. A bill (HB 1950) to overhaul the Medicaid managed care program has stalled, leading to questions about the timeline the state has in place to solicit billions of dollars in bids.
12 is enough? The Senate amended the school board term limits bill (HB 1467) to allow members to serve up to 12 years, kicking it back to the House for approval.
Pasco pastime. The Legislature sprinkled $35 million to build a new spring training home for the Tampa Bay Rays in Pasco County.
Back the blue. The Senate passed a proposal (HB 3) to boost law enforcement officer recruitment with a bundle of perks, including bonuses and relocation assistance.
‘A Brave Little Cookie.’ The debate over whether a proposal (HB 1467) was about schoolbook selection procedures — or book banning — got heated in the Senate.
Musical chairs. The Legislature passed a controversial measure (SB 7044) requiring state colleges and universities to seek accreditation from different boards every cycle.
Gut punch. The Senate voted 26-13 in favor of a bill (HB 7049) changing requirements for Florida governments to print legal notices in local newspapers.
Pop-up crackdown. The House and Senate signed off on a bill (HB 1435) tackling the rise of disruptive “pop-up” events in Florida.
