For the first time since Gov. Charlie Crist proposed his budget two weeks ago, state legislators will get their chance today to dissect it in a host of budget committees.
And it might resemble an autopsy.
At the center of the budget discussions: the federal stimulus package and whether Crist proposed a budget based on overly positive financial estimates.
"We're going to discuss the assumptions and what his options are if the assumptions aren't quite right," said Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander.
Lawmakers this session have to deal with two deficits in one: a spending gap this budget year and an anticipated one next year. State economists plan to meet next Friday to issue a new revenue forecast that's likely to increase the projected deficits by hundreds of millions.
"March 13 scores the game for us all," Alexander said.
Meantime, House lawmakers plan to discuss what sales tax exemptions they should review and contemplate eliminating.
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