Special Session on State Budget Deficit Scheduled For Sept. 18

Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt and House Speaker Marco Rubio jointly announced today that the Florida Legislature will convene for a Special Session on the State Budget Deficit, beginning Tuesday, September 18, 2007 and possibly lasting until early October.

At this time, no other issues are planned for consideration other than the budget shortfall.

Below are the schedules assigned for council budget meetings, as well as a joint statement regarding the planned Special Session.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

Special Session Dates Announced

Tallahassee, FL – Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie) and House Speaker Marco Rubio (R-West Miami) today issued memos to their respective chambers announcing dates for upcoming interim committee meetings in regard to the state budget. Attached are the memos from the Presiding Officers.

These memos will be followed by a special session proclamation which will be issued by the presiding officers in the near future. The Special Session is scheduled to begin September 18, 2007, and could run through the first week in October. At this time, only those issues relating to the state’s budget will be included in the call.

“The task of reducing the budget will be difficult, but achievable. Thankfully, we have genuine cooperation between the Legislature and the Governor’s office, and we are united in our efforts to handle the state’s finances in a fiscally sound manner,” said President Pruitt. “We will have a balanced budget that meets the needs of our state.”

“Fortunately, we commence this budget cutting responsibility with agreement that Florida must continue to budget prudently and act responsibly in the face of declining revenue collections,” said Speaker Rubio. “We will be mindful of the need to serve citizens while making necessary reductions in state spending.”

 

House Committee Block Schedule

August 27 (after the early afternoon Legislative Budget Commission meeting) through August 29, 2007 and; September 10 (after the early afternoon Legislative Budget Commission meeting) through September 11, 2007.

Senate Committee Block Schedule

August 27 (after the early afternoon Legislative Budget Commission meeting) through August 28, 2007 and; September 10 (after the early afternoon Legislative Budget Commission meeting) through September 11, 2007.