Budget Debates Spark Clashes in Multiple States

In Florida, there is contention within the Republican-dominated legislature over the state budget, with a significant gap between the House's $113 billion plan and the Senate's $117.4 billion proposal. Governor Ron DeSantis is in conflict with House Speaker Daniel Perez over tax cuts, with DeSantis pushing for property tax reductions, while Perez advocates for lowering the sales tax rate, a move criticized by DeSantis as benefiting tourists more than residents. Meanwhile, in West Virginia, Birth to Three practitioners, who have not received a pay increase in 22 years, are advocating for higher wages as the Senate amends the state budget to allocate nearly a million more for their services. In Alaska, the state budget is embroiled in disagreements, with House members clashing over the prospect of substantial changes to the budget through the Rules Committee, leading to uncertainty about the budget's future.