TALLAHASSEE -- State lawmakers opened a special session at the Capitol to work on closing a $2.3 billion hole in the state's $66 billion budget.
The budget patches proposed so far by Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican legislative leaders rely chiefly on spending cuts and draining reserves.
Tax hikes and fee increases look unlikely, but only for the time being.
Some lawmakers said they only really have two choices: Raise taxes, or take a hard look at spending programs.
Crist has proposed reducing the education budget by $100 million, half from state universities, and half from K-12 schools. See Previous Story.
Community colleges and work force training programs would also be hurt under the cuts.
More budget cuts will likely be needed when the legislature meets for its regular session in April.
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