Florida Senate leadership is considering halting the state's premiere land-buying program, Florida Forever, as a way to save about $20 million.

The proposal, which is expected to be in the Senate's budget bill to be released this afternoon, would stop the state from issuing some $250 million worth of bonds to buy conservation land throughout the state.  That move would save the state about $20 million in debt and interest payments that the state would not otherwise have to make on issuing the rest of those bonds.

The Florida House, which has historically been less generous to Florida Forever programs than the Senate, is also considering the measure, House budget guru Rep. Marcelo Llorente confirmed.

"It's hard to look law enforcement officers, who haven't had a raise in years, in the eye and tell them we're buying land," said Senate Ways and Means Chariman Sen. J.D. Alexander. "It's tough to continue to borrow money that will be here three years from now while we try to keep essential services running."

Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, was making the rounds on Capitol Hill today to encourage the state's congressional delegation to back President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package.

Wilson said he's also trying to impart the need for the package to address education, growth management and infrastruture, from roads and bridges to water plants.

For those keeping score at home, U.S. Rep Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, has landed a coveted seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, though she may have to give up her seats on other committees to take it.

Ways and Means is the House's tax-writing committee, but also holds jurisdiction over  Social Security, Medicare and trade. Her office said her Fifth Congressional District has the highest concentration of Social Security and Medicare recipients in the country.

"I will work to protect Social Security benefits, find comprehensive solutions to the health care crisis facing our nation, fight to keep taxes low, and stimulate job creation," Brown-Waite said.