PIP Reform, Putnam's Energy Plan Delayed by Budget Committee

Senators have spent a big chunk of the past two mornings hearing farewell addresses and playing videos of term-limited members.

Mondays session was mostly a wash as Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami, talked for more than an hour before Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, addressed the floor for more manageable 30 minutes.

On Tuesday, floor time went to Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, and Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that as the regular session is down to less than two weeks, the Senate Budget Committee had to postpone scheduled discussions on Tuesday on a bill to revamp personal injury protection insurance -- as has been pursued by Gov. Rick Scott -- and a comprehensive energy package proposed by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.

Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said after the meeting that he has been assured that time will be scheduled -- around budget conference meetings being set up with the House -- so PIP and energy can be addressed.