Comparing the Florida House and Senate budgets

Historic City News readers know that when the legislature is in session, it’s time to hold on to your wallets. The following report helps break down the Florida Senate and House budgets in a way that highlights issues important to us locally.

The Senate and House proposed budgets for State Fiscal Year 2016 total approximately $80.4 billion and $75.3 billion respectively, representing a $4.3 billion difference between the two chambers.

The chart below summarizes a comparison of the proposed SFY 2016 House and Senate budgets.

Health and Human Services received the largest portion of funding in both proposed budgets, ranging from $35.2 billion in the Senate to $30.2 billion in the House.

The House and Senate health care budgets differ by approximately $5 billion, due to the Senate including funds for both expanded health coverage and a revised Low Income Pool Funding Program.

Specifically, the Senate provides approximately $2.8 billion to establish the Florida Health Insurance Affordability Exchange (FHIX), to offer health insurance coverage to individuals who earn up to 133% of the federal poverty level; however, these funds are contingent upon passage of SB 7044 or similar legislation drawing down the federal funds made available under the Affordable Care Act.

Additionally, the Senate maintains $2.16 billion for the Low Income Pool in its budget, although alters the methodology for distributing the funds.

View the Comparative Budget Analysis prepared by the Florida Association of Counties.