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The legislature was burning the midnight oil as a budget deal came together around the 12 o’clock hour. But as Matt Galka tells us, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars surfaced at the last minute.

There wasn’t much optimism from the Senate President Monday.  The legislature was believed to be strapped in a year when money had to be shuffled to fill a healthcare funding hole.

“When you take over 400 million out of the budget and put it into healthcare there’s going to be impact and I think you’re going to start seeing that,” said Senate President Andy Gardiner on Monday.

A smaller tax cut package which was signed by the Governor Tuesday was an indicator.  But around midnight Monday night into Tuesday morning – $300 million dollars worth of member projects appeared and funding for top priorities of the Senate President, House speaker, Governor and other lawmakers surfaced.

“This has been one of the most remarkable sessions for open transparent debate, additions on both sides, respecting each other, respecting their positions, and having that debate. This is the way Government should work,” said Rep. Richard Corcoran, the House’s Budget Chief.

“We have members that have issues that relate back to their local communities, the community college system, the state university system, economic development,” said Senate Budget Chief Tom Lee.

Democrats weren’t exactly singing the praises of transparency on Tuesday.

Of course they’re going to claim it’s transparent that’s politics 101, it’s unfortunate for the people of the state of Florida that 300 million of their hard earned tax dollars will be going to fund pet projects around the state for key members of the legislature,” said Rep. Evan Jenne (D-Hollywood).

Budget leaders insist the 11^th hour additions were discussed throughout the year.

There is a 72 hour cooling off period before the budget can be voted on Friday. The Governor can use his veto power after the budget is voted on to narrow down the spending plan.