TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Florida House is poised to approve a $74 billion budget.
The House is scheduled to give a final vote Friday on its spending plan. The Florida Senate passed its rival budget earlier this week.
Lawmakers have until early May to reach a deal and pass a final state budget. The new budget will cover spending from July 2013 until June 2014.
There are differences between the two budgets. The House, for example, has proposed a six percent tuition hike.
The Senate and House also differ on pay raises for state employees.
The Senate has proposed a three percent across the board raise. But the House is offering a $1,000 a year increase as well as a $400 bonus based on merit.
