Florida Senate passes budget that wouldn’t punish schools

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON
Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Let the Florida budget negotiations begin. The Florida Senate unanimously passed a nearly $109 billion spending plan Thursday with virtually no debate the day after the House passed a $105 billion plan after two hours of contentious debate. The two sides now have until March 8 to agree on a budget to send to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis if they want to finish the annual 60-day session on time. One big difference between the spending proposals is that the House wants to divert $200 million from 12 school districts that imposed mask mandates despite an order by the governor not to. The Senate budget wouldn’t punish the districts.