Members of the Florida House Thursday combed through their proposed budget for the coming year, finishing with a plan to pass the $74 billion spending plan on Friday.
The Senate has already passed its version, a $74.3 billion budget that boosts K-12 funding by $1.2 billion and includes $480 million for teacher raises.
Senators passed their plan on a 40-0 vote -- a unanimous show of support that they hope will help in negotiations with the House.
"I think that this budget takes care of the basics and things that we haven't been able to take care of and respond to in the past, given challenges in the economy. We're now taking those on. We're making sure that our foundation is strong."
The House and Senate differ on accepting federal cash for expanding Medicaid.
The Senate has a plan to accept more than $50 billion in federal money so uninsured Floridians could get subsidized, private health coverage.
Today the House proposed using state money to give those residents $2,000 to buy health insurance. In return, they would pay a $25 monthly premium.
Dave Heller is a Tallahassee freelance reporter/videographer.
