Members, based on a careful review of the status of the 2008-09 state budget, and after consultation with Governor Crist's office, we have concluded that it is in the best financial
interests of the state that we convene in a special session from January 5 through January 16. The purpose of the special session will be to address the estimated $2 billion-plus shortfall in the current fiscal year's budget through a combination of spending reductions and trust fund transfers. Our joint proclamation officially convening and specifying the agenda for the special session will be released prior to January 5.
The House and Senate budget committee meetings this week will provide you an opportunity to begin to prepare for the special session. The budget challenges before us are serious; we are prepared to meet those challenges. We intend to provide essential services to the citizens in a fiscally prudent way.
