Special Session Cost Taxpayers More Than Half A Million Dollars
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — The bitter budget battle between the state's House and Senate ended costing Florida taxpayers more than half a million dollars.
A disagreement over health care spending during the regular session held in the spring derailed any kind of budget compromise. The House abruptly adjourned three and a half days early due to the standoff.
That stalemate ultimately cost taxpayers approximately $651,000 because lawmakers had to hold a special session in June to pass a new budget.
The June special session is the most expensive special session in the last 15 years, according to records compiled by the Florida Senate. An October 2007 special session cost more than $308,000.
But Katie Betta, a spokeswoman for Senate President Andy Gardiner, pointed out that the June special session was also the longest special session during that time period. Betta noted the average daily cost was actually cheaper than three other special sessions.
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