Governor Ron DeSantis has made a bold statement with his proposed “Framework for Freedom” budget recommendations totaling $114.8 billion for fiscal year 2023-2024.[0] This budget includes priorities such as 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.[0] It also calls for realigning priorities across state agencies, and cutting taxes by $2 billion to provide relief to Florida families.[1]
DeSantis has been criticized for his decision to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.[2] At a press conference in Bradenton, Florida on January 31, 2023, his intentions became evident.[3] He has yet to make any public statements about his position on the entitlement programs as the Governor of Florida, instead focusing on culture war issues.[4]
The Governor’s proposed budget is evidence of his commitment to supporting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mission to protect Florida’s natural resources, and ensuring Florida’s resources will be abundant for future generations to enjoy.[0] It is now up to the Florida House and Senate to make their final decisions during the Session that begins Tuesday, March 7th.[1]
DeSantis’ proposed budget has raised the question of the importance of teaching African American history to Florida schoolchildren. As of now, he has yet to make any comments on the matter, instead prioritizing “public safety” as the foundation for his Freedom Blueprint. As the Governor continues to campaign for the 2024 presidential race, the fate of African American history in Florida hangs in the balance.
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. “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
3. “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/
4. “Ron DeSantis once expressed support for privatizing Social Security …” www.cnn.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/politics/kfile-ron-desantis-privatize-social-security-medicare/index.html
