Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs $116.5 Billion State Budget with $1 Billion in Cuts.
Critics Decry Impact on Education, Infrastructure, and Social Services
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a $116.5 billion state budget into law, following $1 billion in cuts to local projects. He emphasized Florida’s fiscal responsibility compared to the federal government’s spending, according to the report of Orlando Sentinel.
DeSantis stated that some vetoed projects were wasteful, but specifics weren’t provided leading to criticism from the opposition particularly Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party.
The cuts impacted education, infrastructure, social services, and cultural grants, drawing backlash for potentially lowering Floridians’ quality of life.
(photo: Tallahassee Democrat)
Florida Budget Slashes Legislative Support Services and Cultural Grants
Legislative support services faced a $56 million cut, and funding for regulatory oversight was vetoed. The decision to cut cultural grants was criticized as short-sighted.
Despite cuts, the budget boasts a $17 billion surplus and includes funds for teacher pay increases, state worker raises, Everglades restoration, and road projects.
DeSantis praised the budget’s tax relief, assistance for special needs individuals, and funding for healthcare initiatives like the Live Healthy program.
