By Tia Mitchell, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Here's what we're watching on Day 23 of the 2012 Legislature:
• A Buddhist prayer in a kindergarten class, a Jewish invocation at a high school graduation and everything in between would be allowable if the Senate approves a proposal to allow student-led inspirational messages at public schools. The matter is expected to be voted on today, but even if the Senate approves the legislation it has yet to be heard in the House.
• The Senate will also continue its discussion on prison privatization. Though leaders are in favor of the proposal, support among the rank-and-file is shaky and divided. Today, members will discuss an amendment filed by Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, that would effectively kill the proposal.
• On the House side, the Appropriations Committee will discuss a $69.2 billion budget proposal in anticipation of a full House vote next week.
• The Senate is moving slower and hasn't proposed any appropriations numbers yet. However, its Budget Committee and all but one appropriations subcommittee are scheduled to take up various parts of the budget.
• Hungry yet? The infamous Miami-Dade County Paella Fest comes to the Capitol courtyard at lunchtime. Gov. Rick Scott and members of his Cabinet have been invited to serve some of the 3,000 guests expected to dine on the super-size dish.
What should we talk about tomorrow? Tweet to us @PoliticsTBTimes.