The sudden shutdown of the Florida House that derailed the 2015 session Tuesday makes it even more difficult for the Legislature’s presiding officers to agree on the framework for a special session. The ugliness between House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senate President Andy Gardiner won’t easily subside, and Gov. Rick Scott has already said he would consider calling a special session if the Legislature’s leaders can’t pull it off.
If it’s possible for things in Tallahassee to go from very bad to worse, here’s how: Scott unilaterally calls the Legislature back into special session without any consensus among legislative leaders on how to break their budget impasse.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon, said that would be a mistake. Speaking to reporters Monday night, before the House went home, Lee said Scott should stay on the sidelines and let lawmakers try to resolve their differences on their own.
