Legislative Leaders Announce Joint Budget Rule

Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’ Lakes) today introduced an amendment to Joint Rule Two of the 2016-2018 Joint Rules of the Florida Legislature. The proposed rule details procedures for the Legislature’s annual budget conference.
Statement from President Negron
“Establishing a joint rule to govern the budget conference process assures fidelity to the Constitution and preserves the autonomy of both Chambers.  I appreciate the efforts of Speaker Corcoran in working with me to agree before Session to joint rules that will enhance accountability and transparency in our budget process.  Both the House and Senate will be able to represent our constituents throughout Session as we construct a budget that reflects our values and priorities.  I look forward to a vibrant budget process in both the House and Senate as we make tough choices on how to allocate the revenue entrusted to us by the citizens of Florida.”
Statement from Speaker Corcoran
“Today’s announcement that the House and the Senate achieved an agreement on the strongest, most transformational joint budget rules in Florida history, demonstrates that people of good will, negotiating in good faith, can make government better. The joint rules, agreed to by President Negron and I, are unprecedented in both accountability and transparency. I commend my friend, President Negron, for his commitment to dialogue and collegiality. I believe deeply that we’ve produced a paradigm shift in how budgets are made and it should become a model for other legislatures.”
In its present form, Joint Rule Two outlines the procedure for the Legislature to comply with constitutional requirements concerning the General Appropriations Act. The Senate President and House Speaker are proposing an amendment to Joint Rule Two that dramatically exceeds the minimal requirements outlined in Florida’s Constitution and implements a historic level of clarity and transparency in Florida’s annual budget process. The President and Speaker will ask their respective chambers to adopt the new rule on March 7, 2017, Opening Day of the 2017 Legislative Session.
For more information, please visit www.FLSenate.gov and www.MyFloridaHouse.gov.