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Legislators Hammer Out Final Budget Details

TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) – After joint conference committees hammered out most of the details last week, the Florida Legislature's top two budget leaders are trying to work out final details of a compromise spending plan.

One of the biggest issues House Appropriations Chairwoman Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, and Senate Budget Chairman JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales will have to come to terms on is health care spending.

The committees were able to come to an agreement on college and university tuition increases and scholarship cuts as well as a requirement for public employee retirement contributions and cuts to their benefits.

The chambers must get a deal on a budget that's expected to top $67 billion by Tuesday in order for lawmakers to finish the annual 60-day legislative session on time Friday.

Both chambers have cut spending by nearly $4 billion because the recession-wracked state isn't collecting enough revenue to keep up with growing costs and demands for public services.

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