Don't break out the champagne

Legislative leaders act like it's A Huge, Wonderful Accomplishment that they finished a budget on time. "I am happy to report that the eagle has landed," Senate President Jim King, R-Jacksonville, said in announcing the deal. . . . "It really is a great day in the state of Florida when we can pull together the House," said Speaker Johnnie Byrd. Well, big whup. The Legislature is supposed to pass a budget on time. It's the minimum, the starting point, the very least a session Is supposed to get done. And it's a budget that screws over South Florida schools leaving them wondering whether to sue over a $4 million hole in their budget. It cuts money for Volusia County schools, too, and we're even in King's district. And, of course, has no provisions for funding critical medical care after the budget year is over. And it increases state college tuition yet again. It's a bad deal done is secret. If they were looking out for their constituents and their local schools instead of their party, South Florida Republicans would join with Democrats to vote this thing down. It's like a return to the Bad Ol' Pork Chopper Days when a North Florida minority starved South Florida schools because they could. Lane | 28.4.04 |

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