Florida House Ends Session Early Due to 'Impasse'

Florida’s representatives are heading home from Tallahassee three days early. And, while that news might be good for their families, it could signal trouble for the state.

The unusual early closing of the annual regular session was prompted by what lawmakers call an “impasse” with the Senate over the state’s budget, especially in regard to Medicaid expansion, Action News Jax reported.

The early dismissal also effectively killed a number of bills, including those related to tax cuts, medical marijuana and gambling, among others. The biggest concern, however, is the potential of a government shutdown if the House and Senate don’t come to terms on the budget by June 30.

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, banged the gavel to close the session at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday.

“Never before has a budget come to a total standstill over policy differences between these two chambers,” the Tampa Bay Times quoted him as saying.

At issue is a proposed expansion of Medicaid to more than 800,000 residents. The House has been opposed to the notion, but the Senate has a plan that would eventually privatize Medicaid while requiring recipients to either work or go to school, MyNews13 reported. The two chambers can’t come to terms.

Should the stalemate not be resolved by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, a possible government shutdown could occur, the station noted, adding that a special session is now more than likely.

Image via Shutterstock

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