TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida legislators are expected to vote on new state budget and finally end their contentious special session.
Legislators have been in the state Capitol since June 1. They plan to approve a nearly $79 billion budget Friday evening and then adjourn until next year.
The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature ended its regular session without a budget. House and Senate leaders had been at odds over health care and health care spending.
State government could be partially shut down if a new budget is not in place by July 1.
House and Senate budget negotiators earlier this week reached a final deal on a new spending plan.
After lawmakers approve the budget, it will be sent to Gov. Rick Scott. Scott can veto individual spending items included in the budget.
