Governor's Shocking Budget Request: Why 2023 Could Change Everything for Your Wallet!

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a significant budget proposal on Wednesday morning, totaling **$117 billion**. This budget marks a **two percent** increase—approximately **$2.6 billion**—over the current state budget, signifying the first year-over-year increase since **2022**.

DeSantis emphasized that the budget, aptly named **"Floridians First,"** aims to prioritize the needs of Florida residents while ensuring responsible financial stewardship. “What the budget does is it builds off the success that we’ve had. This budget is entitled Floridians First because that’s the focus of it, putting our people first and making sure we’re good stewards, but also making sure that folks, the needs that we have are being addressed,” he stated.

A large portion of the budget is earmarked for education, with a record **$30.6 billion** allocated for K-12 public schools, alongside nearly **$1.6 billion** specifically designated for teacher pay raises. Furthermore, the budget allocates **$2 billion** for state colleges, **$6 billion** for universities, **$106 million** aimed at school hardening measures, and **$20 million** for Schools of Hope charter schools.

Florida Commissioner of Education **Anastasios Kamoutsas** defended the budget, asserting that it invests in education at unprecedented levels despite criticisms from various groups. “Despite the claims of unions, activist school board members and the media, under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is investing in education at record levels across multiple areas,” he remarked.

However, not all responses have been favorable. State Representative **Anna Eskamani** (D-Orlando) raised concerns about the budget's transparency, particularly in areas affecting education funding. “The Governor’s budget leaves more questions than answers,” she stated, highlighting uncertainties regarding funding levels for private school scholarships and the potential impact of **Schools of Hope** on traditional public schools. She remarked, “And of course it’s forcing public schools to potentially close for fear of this co-location scheme.”

Transport infrastructure is another focal point of the proposed budget, with DeSantis seeking nearly **$30 billion** allocated to the **Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)** and the state’s transportation work program. In addition, he has requested **$13.5 million** for law enforcement pay raises, **$25 million** to extend **$5,000** recruitment bonuses, and a combined **$160 million** for both the state and national guards.

Healthcare initiatives are also prioritized, with funding requests including **$278 million** for cancer research, **$8.6 million** for improvements to veterans' nursing homes, **$159 million** for behavioral health services, and **$31.8 million** to combat opioid addiction.

In a continued effort to restore the **Everglades**, DeSantis is pushing for an additional **$1.4 billion** this year, along with **$208 million** for coastal resilience and restoration projects.

One of the most significant proposals remains the elimination of property taxes on primary households, although details surrounding this request are still forthcoming. He has also asked for **$300 million** in next year’s budget to support fiscally constrained counties if the legislature chooses to proceed with this priority.

Despite the comprehensive nature of the budget, Eskamani has expressed skepticism regarding its reception in the legislature. She predicts that the proposal may lack support due to ongoing tensions between DeSantis’s office and the House Speaker. “Governor Ron DeSantis avoided sharing any details of this budget because I think he knows the legislature is going to ignore him,” Eskamani concluded.

As the budget proposal moves forward, Floridians will be watching closely to see how these ambitious plans translate into action, especially in key areas such as education, transportation, and healthcare.