Governor’s Budget Recommendations
On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his recommendations for the 2023-24 fiscal year budget. His $114.8 billion spending plan, an increase of $3.8 billion over the current year, prioritizes tax cuts, education, pay for teachers, state workers, and law enforcement, conservation and water quality, and public safety. Read on for highlights of the Framework for Freedom Budget, and read the full press release here.
- Five percent across the board raises for state employees, with more for hard-to-hire positions;
- $124.3 million in pay increases for public safety agencies, including corrections officers, police, state attorneys, and more;
- $1 billion in teacher pay raises, a $200 million increase;
- $125 million to support nursing education programs and recruitment;
- $1.1 billion for Everglades restoration and protection of water resources, with a commitment of $3.5 billion over the next four years;
- $402.7 million for affordable housing and $100 million to continue the Hometown Heroes Housing Program;
- $98 million to grow the Florida National Guard;
- $2.1 billion in state and federal funds for disaster recovery and prevention; and
- $166 million in cancer research funding, including $20 million for the creation of the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund.
Special Session on Reedy Creek
The governor is expected to announce another special session, to be convened as early as the week of February 6, addressing the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Reedy Creek is Walt Disney World’s governing and taxing district, authorized by law in 1967. In April 2022, the legislature repealed the 1967 act, which goes into effect June 2023. The upcoming special session will be a follow-up to that legislation, essentially allowing the state to takeover Reedy Creek.
Other Legislative Highlights…
Universal Vouchers: A top priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, House Bill 1 is a major school choice expansion, which , if passed, gives virtually every child in the state access to an education savings account (ESA). HB1, sponsored by Rep. Kaylee Tuck, has already passed its first committee of reference.
Affordable Housing: A top priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Senate Bill 102 by Sen. Alexis Calatayud, known as the Live Local Act, would prevent rent control locally, provide incentives for private investment in affordable housing, and create flexibility in housing regulations to encourage mixed-use development in commercial areas.
Permitless Carry: On January 30, 2022, Renner announced legislation to allow Floridians to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. In a press conference, Renner noted the bill will “remove the government permission slip to require a permit to exercise a Constitutional right.” House Bill 543, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Brannan, is fully supported by the Florida Sheriffs Association.
Prescription Drugs: While there is no legislative package yet, the governor and legislators are looking at ways to lower the cost of prescription drugs for consumers. Both chambers are holding panel discussions to better understand the roles of, and relationships between, manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, retail pharmacies, and insurers.
February 6 marks the start of the fourth legislative committee week. Lawmakers will continue working in Tallahassee the weeks of February 13 and February 20 before the 2023 legislative session begins on March 7.
