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Gov. DeSantis signs $92.2 billion Florida budget, vetoes $1 billion

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Pointing to “difficult circumstances,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday said he signed a $92.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year after vetoing about $1 billion in spending.

The large numbers of vetoes came as state revenues plummet because of economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers passed a proposed $93.2 billion budget in March as the effects of the virus started to be felt.

“We always knew that we could see an economic downturn,” DeSantis said of COVID-19 closures.

The new budget will take effect Wednesday, the start of the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

DeSantis said the budget includes $500 million to increase teacher salaries and more than $625 million for Everglades and other water-related projects --- two of his top priorities of the legislative session.

Also, he said it includes pay raises for state employees.

As an example of the vetoes, he said they include $20 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund, an economic-development program. To see a complete list of the vetoed budget items, click here.

Other budget items in the bill included:

  • $6 million for correctional facility improvements, including $3 million for security equipment.
  • $17.5 million for pay increases for correctional officers.
  • $8.1 million to expand Florida’s crime databases.
  • $2.3 million to implement Florida behavioral threat assessment strategy.
  • $138.1 million to fight the opioid crisis in Florida
  • $117.5 million to Florida’s child welfare system

Check back for updates on this developing story.


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