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Fla. legislators reach late deal on new budget

Posted at 8:30 AM, Mar 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-08 08:30:04-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Florida Legislature is going to end its session on time due to a late-night budget deal.

Budget negotiators Monday night reached agreement on dozens of spending items, including a teacher bonus program as well as added money for the agency that helps people with disabilities.

This means the session will end Friday. State law requires the budget to be finished 72 hours before a final vote.

Part of the final deal included setting aside money for items being sought by House and Senate leaders.

Republican leaders agreed to set aside $44 million for a bonus program that gives highly rated teachers extra money if they scored well on college admission tests. Some legislators have argued the program is unneeded and is unfair to older teachers.

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