Recently, the debate around gas stoves has been heating up. In January, the Consumer Product Safety Commission mentioned the possibility of a ban on the sale of gas stoves, due to the emissions they produce, which can contribute to climate change and also pose health risks inside the home.[0] In October 2020, a study found that gas-burning stoves were responsible for roughly 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases nationwide, leading to passionate defenders of the appliance, including Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, who tweeted a video of a gas stovetop flame accompanied by the words: “You’ll have to pry it from my COLD DEAD HANDS! #FoodieRevolt.”[1]
On Wednesday, February 1, Governor Ron DeSantis released his proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, which included high-priority conservation items like eradication and control of pythons and other nonnative fish and wildlife species, enhanced protections for Florida’s manatees and sea turtles, statewide seagrass restoration support, and support for law enforcement.[2] This budget is evidence of Governor DeSantis’ continued commitment to ensuring Florida’s natural resources will be abundant for future generations to enjoy.[2]
In addition, the Governor’s proposed Framework for Freedom Budget includes $100 million for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified faculty at state universities.[3] This budget, if approved, would also reduce taxes by $2 billion to provide relief to Florida families.[4]
However, Governor DeSantis is also angling to change the law so that death penalties in his state no longer require a unanimous jury.[5] This has caused outrage among many, and civil rights activist Jesse Mitchell has questioned what Gov. DeSantis does not know about black history and the black experience when he says that slavery and the aftermath of slavery should not be taught to Florida schoolchildren.[6]
Lastly, DeSantis has announced his plan to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.[7] In his first public comments this year about the Reedy Creek issue, Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle said that regardless of the outcome, Disney remains committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.[8]
Overall, the debate around gas stoves, death penalty regulations, and diversity initiatives has been intense and ongoing in Florida.
0. “Ron DeSantis pushes permanent Florida sales-tax exemption for …” www.morningstar.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/202302011202/ron-desantis-pushes-permanent-florida-sales-tax-exemption-for-gas-stoves
1. “The Fiery Gas Stove Wars | The New Republic” newrepublic.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://newrepublic.com/article/170246/fiery-gas-stove-wars
2. “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
3. “Governor Ron DeSantis unveils higher education reform” www.fox4now.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.fox4now.com/news/state/governor-ron-desantis-makes-stop-in-bradenton
4. “”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/
5. “Florida’s DeSantis announces crime-fighting initiatives | Florida …” www.thecentersquare.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.thecentersquare.com/florida/floridas-desantis-announces-crime-fighting-initiatives/article_c96b4546-9dbc-11ed-bb2d-7ff961831785.html
6. “NBC Won’t Correct, Comment on Ron DeSantis Slavery Lie – OutKick” www.outkick.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.outkick.com/nbc-wont-correct-comment-on-ron-desantis-slavery-lie/
7. “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
8. “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/
