In recent weeks, the debate over gas stoves has erupted into the national spotlight.[0] On January 8, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced they were considering regulations of indoor air pollution caused by gas stoves.[0] A few weeks later, a study was released that found gas-burning stoves were responsible for 12.7 percent of childhood asthma cases nationwide.[1] Suddenly, people began to passionately defend their gas stoves, including Tucker Carlson and Florida Representative Matt Gaetz.[1]
On February 1, Governor Ron DeSantis released his proposed Framework for Freedom Budget, which included provisions to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mission to protect Florida’s natural resources.[2] This includes 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] The proposed budget also includes $2 billion in tax cuts and the Toll Relief Program which began on January 1, 2023.[3]
However, Governor DeSantis has also been called out for his remarks on changing the law to allow death penalties in Florida that no longer require a unanimous jury.[4] He has also come under fire for trying to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.
In response to the proposed budget, Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle said in a statement: “We are monitoring the progression of the draft legislation, which is complex given the long history of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”[5]
It remains to be seen what changes Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget will ultimately bring to 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. “”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/
4. “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
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/
