Florida Lawmakers May Trim Funds from Land-Preservation Fund.

Byline: David Twiddy

Mar. 22--To provide more dollars for education and human services, Senate budget writers Thursday moved to take money from Preservation 2000, the popular state program that buys environmentally sensitive land.

The Senate Appropriations Committee overwhelmingly approved the deal, a complex accounting exercise that uses $100 million in preservation program money to fulfill next year's state tab for restoring the Everglades with the federal government. That frees up general dollars for classrooms, low-performing schools, FCAT training, substance abuse treatment and health care for the poor.

It's part of the Senate's proposed $47.7 …