In this episode: Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature unveil new state budgets with big funding gaps over everything from affordable housing and AIDS medication to a new baseball stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. At the same time, the state House wants to impose serious spending guardrails and transparency rules on Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Florida Senate does not. Plus: New College of Florida, money sink. An update from Day 35 of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.

Show notes

The bill’s discussed in today’s show:

House Bill 5001 — General Appropriations Act

Passed the House Budget Committee by 26-1 vote (vote sheet)

Senate Bill 2500 — Appropriations

House Bill 5503 — Trust Funds/Re-creation/Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund/EOG

Passed the House Transportation & Economic Development Subcommittee by a 12-0 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 5601 — Higher Education

Passed the House Higher Education Budget Subcommittee by a 9-4 vote (vote sheet)

House Bill 437 — Public Records

Passed the House Justice Budget Subcommittee by a 13-0 vote (vote sheet)

The stories discussed in today’s show:

Buried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and Newsmax

Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop it

Florida DOGE Details Disproportionate Spending at New College

Finding more room for New College is a state priority, USF board chair says

Questions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com

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