On Wednesday, Feb. 1, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis released the proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, a $3.9 billion increase over the current year $110.9 billion budget.[0] This new budget is evidence of DeSantis’ commitment to protect Florida’s natural resources while also providing K-12 educational support, environmental resource protection, law enforcement support, and cutting taxes by $2 billion to provide relief to Florida families.[0]
DeSantis’s Framework for Freedom Budget proposes a realignment of priorities across state agencies, reducing excess vacant positions to accommodate the additions of new positions for critical programs and services where they are needed.[1] In addition, the budget includes $500 million for the Toll Relief Program, which began on January 1, 2023.[1]
In addition to the budget proposals, DeSantis has also sought to change the law so that death penalties in Florida no longer require a unanimous jury.[2] He has also announced a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges, with $100 million allocated for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified faculty at state universities.[3]
Finally, DeSantis and his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, recently made news when it was announced that Casey had been diagnosed with breast cancer.[4] The Governor expressed his support for his wife and her courage in facing this difficult diagnosis.
0. “FWC: Governor Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget …” www.midfloridanewspapers.com, 23 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, 23 Feb. 2023, https://gunster.com/alerts/the-framework-for-freedom-governor-ron-desantis-state-budget-recommendation-for-the-2023-2024-fiscal-year/
2. “Florida’s DeSantis announces crime-fighting initiatives | Florida …” www.thecentersquare.com, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.thecentersquare.com/florida/floridas-desantis-announces-crime-fighting-initiatives/article_c96b4546-9dbc-11ed-bb2d-7ff961831785.html
3. “New College students, faculty protest Gov. DeSantis’ changes to …” www.abcactionnews.com, 23 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. “Florida first lady Casey DeSantis diagnosed with breast cancer, Gov …” www.fox13memphis.com, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/trending/florida-first-lady-casey-desantis-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer-gov-ron-desantis-says/article_9888401b-7580-5ab0-a06b-69c25bb29f07.html
