Education should expect more budget cuts in 2012

The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida legislative leaders are warning that schools, health care and other programs could get cut again in 2012.

Gov. Rick Scott and the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature earlier this year passed wide-ranging budget cuts that took effect this summer.

But a drop in tax collections the last two months is raising fears that the cuts may have not been deep enough. New estimates floated out by legislative staff on Thursday show that the state could have a $2 billion shortfall next year.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos vowed that state lawmakers would balance the state budget without increasing taxes, but he did not rule out the possibility of tuition hikes for college students.

Haridopolos said that the state should have enough in reserves to avoid the need for immediate cuts.