The debate over the regulation of gas stoves has been heating up in recent weeks. In January, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that it would consider regulations on indoor air pollution from gas stoves.[0] This was followed by a study which asserted that gas-burning stoves are responsible for roughly 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases nationwide.[1] This announcement stirred up strong reactions in the public and among politicians, with some seeing it as a government attempt to take away personal freedoms.
On February 20, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis released his proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, a $3.9 billion increase over the current year $110.9 billion budget.[2] The budget proposed cutting taxes by $2 billion to provide relief to Florida families, and included high-priority conservation items such as eradication and control of pythons and other nonnative fish and wildlife species, enhanced protections for Florida’s manatees and sea turtles, and support for law enforcement.[2]
The proposed budget also includes $100 million for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified faculty at state universities.[3] In response to the draft legislation, Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle said in a statement: “We are monitoring the progression of the draft legislation, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”[4]
The debate over gas stoves has become highly politicized, with many questioning why there is such a strong push to avoid confronting the daunting issues facing the planet. At the same time, the history and contributions of African Americans, including the history of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to the development of slavery, remain largely ignored. This was highlighted by Mitchell’s question to DeSantis: “What does Governor Ron DeSantis 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?” It is clear that there is still much work to be done in terms of education, understanding and acceptance of African American history and contributions.[5]
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. “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/
5. “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/
