May 20, 2013
The state House of Representatives wanted to add $68 million in additional projects around the state.
But the Senate refused and sent the bill back to the House with nothing except funding for Scripps.
The debate got emotional because many lawmakers wanted to be able to bring economic development projects home to their districts.
"If you wanted to go project to project you could have gone through the day and had $500 million worth of projects that you could justify,” comments Senate President Jim King.
“I'm sorely disappointed that we would even consider giving up what we spent all day today fighting for,” says Audrey Gibson.
The Scripps Bill calls for spending $310 million to bring Scripps Research Institute to Palm Beach.
The special session is expected to wrap up Friday.
