Special session ends after Florida Legislature approves deal
House Speaker Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes, is applauded by Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and Gov. Rick Scott after speaking at a press conference to conclude the Special Session Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Photo credit: Phil Sears

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A whirlwind three-day special session is ending after the Florida Legislature approved a last-minute deal to boost money for public schools and money to repair the dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee.

The Florida Legislature on Friday approved two-budget related bills that would also set aside more money to economic development programs championed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Lawmakers also passed a bill that puts in place rules for medical marijuana, which was approved by voters last November.

The special session nearly collapsed after Senate leaders insisted on winning approval for money for university projects that Scott vetoed last week.

The final deal includes $60 million for 17 university projects and also boosts spending to increase per-student funding by $100 for the state’s nearly 3 million school children.

© 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Associated Press



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