On Wednesday, February 1, 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis released the proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, solidifying his commitment to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) mission to protect Florida’s natural resources.[0] The budget is evidence of Governor DeSantis’ continued commitment to ensure Florida’s natural resources will be abundant for future generations to enjoy.[0] The Governor’s proposed Framework for Freedom Budget includes some of the highest priority conservation items, such as eradication and control of pythons and other non-native fish and wildlife species, increased safeguarding for Florida’s manatees and sea turtles, state-wide seagrass restoration assistance, and the backing of law enforcement.[0]
The Legislature is constitutionally mandated to pass a balanced budget each year, the only bill it must pass.[1] Beginning January 1, 2023, the $500 million Toll Relief Program was initiated.[1] Referring to the budget proposal as “Framework for Freedom”, Governor DeSantis and his executive agencies will begin the process in the coming weeks of presenting the budget to the Florida House and Senate for their consideration.[1]
Governor DeSantis’s Framework for Freedom Budget has drawn criticism from some for not adequately addressing the history of African Americans, including the history of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to the development of slavery and the history and contributions of Americans of the African diaspora to society. Despite this, Governor DeSantis has made it clear that he remains committed to ensuring Florida’s streets are safe and that education is of the utmost priority. He expressed his opinion by saying, “You’re not going to have a good economy if the streets aren’t safe. You’re not going to good education if people don’t feel safe. None of it works unless you have the foundation.” It is now up to the Legislature to make their final decisions during the Session that begins Tuesday, March 7th.[2]
0. “FWC: Governor Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget …” www.midfloridanewspapers.com, 22 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, 22 Feb. 2023, https://gunster.com/alerts/the-framework-for-freedom-governor-ron-desantis-state-budget-recommendation-for-the-2023-2024-fiscal-year/
2. “Ron DeSantis tramples over Trump turf with his outreach to law …” www.msn.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ron-desantis-tramples-over-trump-turf-with-his-outreach-to-law-enforcement/ar-AA17JBSY?li=BBnbcA1
