Session's end
Florida lawmakers now have a deal on the budget, putting an end to the 2020 Session (finally) later this week. Which is just as well, because the only thing most people care about right now is the struggle to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Also, on today’s Sunrise:
— As the number of cases in Florida passes one hundred, Gov. Ron DeSantis announces a ban on visitation at nursing homes and other facilities that have elderly residents and patients.
— DeSantis is also expressing concerns about coronavirus being spread in Florida by people from other states (we’re looking at you, New York). The Governor says it would be nice to screen passengers coming from trouble spots, but there’s nothing he can do about it.
— If you’ve been shopping for groceries lately, you’ve already noticed the run on disinfectant wipes, toilet paper and cleaning supplies. But the head of the state’s emergency management office says those supplies are being replaced every day and you should stock up on emergency supplies if you haven’t already.
— The Legislature was supposed to wrap up its work by midnight Friday (it didn’t happen), so the lawmakers voted to extend the session for one week to approve a new budget and try to settle differences over a couple of bills. But they’re not in The Capitol today or tomorrow; they’ll be back on Wednesday.
— Sen. Jeff Brandes talks about the budget, coronavirus, sentencing reform, and a cap on the potency of medical marijuana.
— Checking in with #FloridaMan — who wants to fight the spread of coronavirus by deliberately infecting first responders.