On Wednesday, February 1, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis released his proposed Framework for Freedom Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.[0] This $114.8 billion budget is a $3.9 billion increase from the current year’s budget of $110.9 billion.[1] High-priority items included in the budget are 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] This budget also cuts taxes by $2 billion to provide relief to Florida families.[1]
Governor DeSantis has also pushed for a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.[2] To support this ban, he has proposed $100 million for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified faculty at state universities.[3]
The Governor’s budget recommendations will now be presented to the Florida House and Senate for their consideration. The legislators will come to their final conclusions during the Session commencing on Tuesday, March 7th.[1] Disney has responded to the news, stating their commitment to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.[4]
0. “FWC: Governor Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget …” www.midfloridanewspapers.com, 24 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, 24 Feb. 2023, https://gunster.com/alerts/the-framework-for-freedom-governor-ron-desantis-state-budget-recommendation-for-the-2023-2024-fiscal-year/
2. “Trust & Verify: Gov. Ron DeSantis takes steps to ban diversity, equity …” www.winknews.com, 24 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/
3. “Governor Ron DeSantis unveils higher education reform” www.fox4now.com, 24 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, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.themeparktribune.com/ron-desantis-would-pick-disney-world-district-board-under-new-bill/
