TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida lawmakers have voiced bipartisan support for a record $112.1 billion state budget proposal that includes pay raises for state workers and a gas tax suspension before the November election. The Republican-controlled legislature debated the budget Friday and is expected to approve it Monday. The bill would then move to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Lawmakers were forced to extend the 60-day legislative session because of lengthy budget negotiations and a state-required 72-hour cooling off period before they can vote on the spending plan. The session has been dominated by bitter debates on legislation involving abortion, critical race theory and education about sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Wilfredo Lee/AP
Members of the Florida House of Representatives give Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls a standing ovation after Sprowls gave his farewell speech and had his official portrait unveiled during a legislative session at the Florida State Capitol, Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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