Fla. Senate proposes $80M in economic programs

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Senate and House negotiators continue to debate one-time funding of state incentives and economic programs, according to the News Service of Florida.

The Senate had proposed $79.3 million for the incentives and programs as of April 19, the News Service says. That's $33 million more than the $46.3 million suggested by the House, but well short of the $173 million that Florida Gov. Rick Scott seeks.

The funds, the News Service says, are part of the overall state budget. The two chambers, while not in agreement in overall funding, have signed off on some individual items. The list, according to the News Service, includes $1 million for renovations of the Government House in St. Petersburg; $1 million for renovations of the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater; and $500,000 for the Naples Botanical Gardens.