On Wednesday, February 1st, Governor Ron DeSantis released the proposed Framework for Freedom Budget for fiscal year 2023-2024, which includes $114.8 billion, a $3.9 billion increase from the current year’s $110.9 billion budget. This budget serves as evidence of the Governor’s continued commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s natural resources, including eradication and control of pythons and other nonnative species, enhanced protections for manatees and sea turtles, and support for law enforcement.[0]
The budget proposal also includes a realignment of priorities across state agencies, a $2 billion reduction in taxes for Florida families, and $100 million for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified faculty at state universities.[1] Governor DeSantis’ proposed Framework for Freedom Budget is now being presented to the Florida House and Senate for their consideration, with the Legislature ultimately deciding the state budget for the year.
In addition to the budget release, Governor DeSantis is also pushing to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.[2] He made his intentions clear at a press conference on January 31st in Bradenton, Florida.[3] Furthermore, the Governor has questioned the jury process on the death penalty and suggested the law should be changed so that only “maybe 8 out of 12” jurors have to agree, instead of requiring a unanimous decision.[4]
Finally, Disney has made its first public comments this year about the Reedy Creek Improvement District, with Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle affirming that regardless of the outcome, Disney remains committed to providing the highest quality experience for visitors.[5]
0. “FWC: Governor Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget …” www.midfloridanewspapers.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/polk_news_sun/fwc-governor-ron-desantis-framework-for-freedom-budget-promotes-natural-resource-restoration-initiatives-and-supports/article_9a37a7f8-aed1-11ed-87eb-abdaed5e19d2.html
1. “”The Framework for Freedom,” Governor Ron DeSantis’ State …” gunster.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://gunster.com/alerts/the-framework-for-freedom-governor-ron-desantis-state-budget-recommendation-for-the-2023-2024-fiscal-year/
2. “New College students, faculty protest Gov. DeSantis’ changes to …” www.abcactionnews.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/new-college-of-florida-students-faculty-and-alumni-protests-gov-desantis-changes-to-campus
3. “Trust & Verify: Gov. Ron DeSantis takes steps to ban diversity, equity …” www.winknews.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.winknews.com/2023/02/02/trust-verify-gov-ron-desantis-takes-steps-to-ban-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-programs-at-florida-colleges/
4. “Ron DeSantis wants to end unanimous jury for death penalty, thus …” boingboing.net, 24 Feb. 2023, https://boingboing.net/2023/01/24/ron-desantis-wants-to-end-unanimous-jury-for-death-penalty-thus-more-executions-video.html
5. “Ron DeSantis would pick Disney World district board under new bill …” www.themeparktribune.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.themeparktribune.com/ron-desantis-would-pick-disney-world-district-board-under-new-bill/
