Ben Albritton

The state allocated $38 million to the Farmers Feeding Florida program. The new statewide initiative helps food banks distribute surplus and discounted farm products to families in need.

Albritton made the comments as lawmakers start to prepare for the 2026 legislative session and as Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a priority of asking voters next year to cut property taxes.

Florida lawmakers are working out the details on the budget and tax breaks. They've given themselves until mid-June to get it done.

The House and Senate are expected to vote June 16 on the budget and a tax package.

Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta said in an email that President Ben Albritton intends to revive the rural proposal next year.

The measure, a priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, is intended to improve early intervention, school readiness, educational opportunities and workforce training.

Florida Senate President Ben Albritton wrote in a memo that he believes they are making progress but are not in a position to begin the budget conference next week.

The House and Senate don't seem close on a budget deal. The House and Gov. Ron DeSantis don't seem close, period.

Perez has called for reducing the state’s sales-tax rate but indicated Tuesday he is more focused on reducing spending. DeSantis, meanwhile, has pushed for property-tax cuts.

The Florida House has taken pieces of the Senate plan and mixed them into at least three other bills, including ones that have drawn opposition.

The Senate on Friday released a proposed $117.36 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year that includes $200 million directed toward the citrus industry.

On an episode of "The Florida Roundup," host Tom Hudson speaks with Florida Senate President Ben Albritton about some of the issues he's focusing on this legislative session.