Florida Lawmakers Reach Deal to Avert Shutdown

Florida lawmakers have reached a breakthrough in budget negotiations, aiming to avert a government shutdown ahead of the July 1 fiscal deadline. The agreement features significant spending reductions, elimination of the business rent tax, $350 million in permanent sales tax breaks targeted at families, $250 million allocated for debt reduction, and a $750 million annual increase to the state rainy-day fund. Formal negotiations are set to begin June 3, with a goal to pass the budget by June 16, allowing Governor Ron DeSantis time to review and possibly veto specific items. The budget framework emphasizes fiscal responsibility, targeted tax relief, and the preservation of traditional tax holidays for back-to-school and disaster preparedness. In a related development, Minnesota lawmakers are also scheduled for a special session to resolve budget disputes, reflecting broader partisan challenges in state fiscal policy. Both states highlight the complexities of balancing budgets amid political divisions and competing priorities.