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Special Session Set For January

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI

cdolinski@tampatrib.com

Published: December 16, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - House and Senate leaders have declared a special legislative session in early January to plug an expected $2.3 billion hole in the state budget.

The announcement confirms wide speculation that lawmakers would have to address the budget crisis well before their regular session convenes in March. In their memo to members, House Speaker Ray Sansom and Senate President Jeff Atwater said they would fill the gap "through a combination of spending reductions and trust fund transfers" during a session to be held Jan. 5 through Jan. 16.

Notably absent is any mention of new revenue sources, such as the $1-per-pack cigarette tax hike that many Democrats are pushing. Gov. Charlie Crist, currently on his honeymoon with bride Carole, has said he does not favor that idea but has not closed the door on it. Atwater said last week that all options remain on the table but that budget cuts will take priority over new revenue.

Lawmakers are already scheduled to begin budget workshops today, following a full Senate meeting last week at which state analysts painted a dismal economic picture for the state.

Even if lawmakers fill back every dollar in the 2008-2009 budget, they will still have to wrestle next year with an even larger shortfall in 2009-2010, estimated at $3.8 billion.

The January session will follow budget-cutting that took place last spring and during a special session in October 2007. All told, lawmakers have already carved $6 billion out of the state budget during the past 18 months.

Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382.

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