April 23, 2002
The Executive Office of the Governor

Legislative leaders reach agreement on budget, school code re-write, and other issues important to Floridians

Governor Jeb Bush today called the Florida Legislature into special session beginning at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 29 and concluding 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 13.  Issues to be completed during this session include the budget for fiscal year 2002-2003, the rewrite of the Florida School Code, legislation concerning  the misuse of the prescription drug Oxycontin, the duties of the newly created state chief financial officer, the adoption of the 2002 Job Creation and workers Assistance Act, the reorganization of the Miami-Dade County Charter, and the naming of the Florida excellent Teacher Program after the late Dale Hickam, who was instrumental in the creation of the program.

At the completion of this next legislation session I am confident that we will have finished the important work that remains to be done on behalf of the citizens of Florida , “ said Governor Bush.  “ The agreement reached by House and Senate leadership will allow us to pass a budget to provide for the education of our children and protect our most vulnerable citizens, establish a new code that will streamline our K-20 education system, adopt the 2002 Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act creating more jobs and keeping our economy healthy”

Governor Bush issued his call following two weeks of talks between the Governor Office, the Florida House and the Florida Senate.  Efforts to reach agreements on these issues significant to Floridians were led by Lt. Governor Frank Brogan and the leaders in both the House and Senate.