After a week of behind-the-scenes negotiations, budget writers for the Florida House and Senate met Friday afternoon and early evening and produced apparent agreements on a $50 million investment for a Tampa Bay Rays stadium, pay raises for targeted state employees, and money for a state emergency fund.
The chambers made no offers on one of the most complicated and costly budget areas — funding for Medicaid and other healthcare programs that provide services to the poor, elderly, disabled, and children in foster care.
The HHS budget accounts for about 47% of the overall state budget and more than $19 billion in general revenue funds, representing state tax receipts. Meanwhile, the Friday night budget offers included $50 million for “campus improvements” at Hillsborough College, which is where a proposed stadium is planned so the Rays can play in Tampa instead of St. Petersburg…