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Fla. Senate Pres. Warns Of Looming Budget Cuts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/NSF) – Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos opened the 2012 legislative session Tuesday by warning lawmakers that budget cuts are coming to even the most "beloved" programs.

Haridopolos had previously stated that he might push for a separate special session to deal with budget and allow the legislature to chiefly deal with drawing up districts for the state legislature and Congressional members.

Haridoplos said the delay would also give lawmakers more time to get more budget estimates, according to the News Service of Florida. According to reports, lawmakers will face a budget deficit of roughly $2 billion in the coming fiscal year.

Haridopolos said he wasn't set in his way to hold a special session and instead will ask fellow senators how they want to handle the upcoming session, according to the NSF.

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