Florida House, Senate Agree on Budget Allocations

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, have announced they have reached a deal on budget allocations for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. There are no details yet, but the deal comes less than 24 hours after the Senate's chief negotiator, Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, complained of Cannon's "stunts" and negotiating tactics.

"Resolving a budget shortfall of nearly $4 billion is a tall order, but Im pleased the House and Senate worked through this difficult process. Our allocations ensure that we preserve our bond ratings by maintaining adequate reserves.Most importantly, we do not take money out of the struggling Florida economy by increasing taxes or fees," Cannon said.

"While many states and the federal government are floundering under crushing deficit spending, we kept our promise that we would not raise taxes or fees during these difficult economic times. For months, I've heard over and over again that we would never be able to get this done.Working as a team, the House and Senate reached these budget allocations on behalf of all Floridians," Haridopolos said.

Members of the budget conference will be announced later Tuesday, with meetings beginning Wednesday to sort out the remaining details.