On Wednesday, Feb. 1, Governor Ron DeSantis released the proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, which includes high-priority conservation items such as eradication of pythons and other nonnative fish and wildlife species, enhanced protections for Florida’s manatees and sea turtles, and statewide seagrass restoration support.[0] The budget also proposes cutting taxes by $2 billion to provide relief to Florida families, including the $500 million Toll Relief Program which began on January 1, 2023.[1]
The total amount of the Freedom Budget is $114.8 billion, with a surplus of $15 billion.[2] This includes a “Freedom Summer” tax holiday which will run from Memorial Day through Sept. 4, estimated to save Florida families more than $224 million.[1] Items included are a 15-week Freedom Summer sales tax holiday, a permanent sales tax exemption on baby and toddler necessities, and an expansion of the annual Back to School tax holiday. Additionally, the Governor’s budget saves Florida businesses $141.4 million by permanently increasing the amount of savings provided to businesses who e-file to the first $60 of the sales tax return.[1]
Governor Ron DeSantis is also angling to change the law so that death penalties in Florida no longer require a unanimous jury. He has questioned the jury process on the death penalty and suggested the law should be changed so only “maybe 8 out of 12” jurors have to agree, instead of requiring a unanimous decision.
Moreover, Governor DeSantis is pushing for a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.[3] He made his intentions clear at a press conference in Bradenton, Florida.[4] In Disney’s first public comments this year about the Reedy Creek issue, Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle said in a statement that they “remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year” regardless of the outcome of the legislation.[5]
The Legislature will come to their final decisions during the Session commencing on Tuesday, March 7th.[1]
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. “Gov. Ron DeSantis highlights plan to provide a historic $2 billion in …” www.chronicleonline.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.chronicleonline.com/weeklies/levy_county_citizen/local_news/gov-ron-desantis-highlights-plan-to-provide-a-historic-2-billion-in-tax-relief-for/article_31dd7ec5-4725-52a6-aa42-88bc504af8b8.html
3. “New College students, faculty protest Gov. DeSantis’ changes to …” www.abcactionnews.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/new-college-of-florida-students-faculty-and-alumni-protests-gov-desantis-changes-to-campus
4. “Trust & Verify: Gov. Ron DeSantis takes steps to ban diversity, equity …” www.winknews.com, 22 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/
5. “Ron DeSantis would pick Disney World district board under new bill …” www.themeparktribune.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.themeparktribune.com/ron-desantis-would-pick-disney-world-district-board-under-new-bill/
