DeSantis Signs Budget, Vetoes $1 Billion

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.

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.

Article reposted with permission from The News Service of Florida.