Senate Adjourns Sine Die After Taking House Tax Relief Bill

The Florida Legislature has adjourned the 2011 regular legislative session after the Senate reconvened in an early morning session to pass a tax relief bill after a rift with the House.

Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, put an amendment on an economic development and tax relief budget conforming bill that would allow for slot machines at pari-mutuels. The House stripped the language and sent it back. The Senate responded by voting down other conforming bills, including the deregulation of industries and professions like interior designers. Ultimately, the House left without taking up two claims bills for Eric Brody, a Broward County resident confined to a wheelchair after being struck by a sheriff''s deputy, and William Dillon, a Brevard County resident who spent 27 years in jail for a crime he did not commit. Both bills were pet projects of Senate President Mike Haridoplos, R-Merritt Island.

"Eric Brodyhas been confined to a wheelchair, and for the last couple of days Eric Brody thought he was going to get justice. We're going to have to wait another year for justice," Haridopolos said. "They should have been served better today by this Legislature," he said of Brody and Dillon.

"Politics got in the way today and I'm embarrased for it," Haridopolos said. "These silly games that were played in the past two weeks are unacceptable," he added.

Other senators were none too pleased with their colleagues down the hall in the House.

"They didn't take any one of our bills and we're here at 3:30 in the morning taking one of their bills," said Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach.

Senators passed the House version of the bill without Thrasher's amendment nonetheless, in a 33-3 vote. Sine die.