Statement by State Senator Kelli Stargel on the SCOTUS Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson

Governor Ron DeSantis this week announced his Framework for Freedom Budget, which will provide an additional $42.6 million in funding to enhance Florida’s juvenile justice system. These unprecedented investments will provide for high-quality, effective services and infrastructure enhancements within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to create better opportunities for youth and build a stronger, safer Florida.

Today in his “Framework for Freedom” budget, Governor Ron DeSantis announced strong support for Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book (D-Davie)’s continued quest to prevent Florida families from being charged sales tax when purchasing diapers and adult incontinence undergarments — building on the Democratic leader’s landmark victory last year, which resulted in the elimination of diaper sales tax through June 30, 2023.

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie S. Griffin today commended Governor Ron DeSantis’ budget recommendations and affirmed the targeted funding will enhance Florida’s business climate by continuing to modernize the technological capabilities of the department, increasing levels of service for businesses and professionals regulated by the department’s programs, and ensuring that Florida remains a leader in occupational licensing.

“While the Governor’s budget is a recommendation and guide to his own priorities as the Executive of our State, passing a balanced budget is the official task of the Florida Legislature each session. As Senate Democratic Leader, I am glad to see bipartisan priorities in the Governor’s proposed budget, such as historic tax breaks for hardworking Floridians.

LeadingAge Florida, Florida’s only association representing the entire continuum of care for older adults, issued a statement following the release of Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom budget proposal. The following statement is attributable to President and CEO Steve Bahmer. “We’re appreciative of the Governor’s budget proposal that includes...

In response to the governor’s budget proposal, Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) issued the following statement. “The Florida Legislature’s annual obligation is to pass a budget that works for every Floridian. Governor DeSantis’s budget proposal is a financial wish list of recommendations to influence decisions made in the Capitol. While I am encouraged to see recommended allocations that will benefit Floridians, like the permanent removal of the diaper tax, which Representative Anna Eskamani has championed the past few years, I am also concerned to see troubling recommendations like the ‘Unauthorized Alien Transport Program,’ which I worry could lead to further political stunts like when the Governor previously used taxpayer dollars to lure unsuspecting individuals seeking political asylum from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard.

Governor Ron DeSantis today announced his Framework for Freedom budget recommendations showing his steadfast commitment to helping Floridians with developmental disabilities served by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). Last year, the Governor allocated unprecedented funding to APD’s budget which totaled more than $2 billion in strong investments in the Agency and Floridians served.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today commends Governor Ron DeSantis for proposing historic investments to support economic growth and prosperity for Floridians, businesses, and rural communities in his Fiscal Year 2023-24 Framework for Freedom Budget. “Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom budget solidifies Florida’s economic mission to support generational...

FY2023-2024 Budget Investments Expand Access to Community Services and Supports. Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the Framework for Freedom Budget with $4.4 billion in funding for the Department of Children and Families (Department) to continue to support strong and resilient families. This funding includes investments in enhancing prevention services, increases access and availability of behavioral health services, and supports updates to the Department’s systems to increase efficiencies and program effectiveness.

Destinations Florida applauds Governor Ron DeSantis’ recommended $100 million budget for Visit Florida next fiscal year. Funding for Visit Florida initiatives that attract visitors to Florida play a critical role in generating local and state revenue that helps keep the tax base low for residents and to create job opportunities that put Floridians to work.

During a press conference this morning, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the first set of awards through the Broadband Opportunity Grant Program. Over $144 million has been awarded for 58 projects, all aiming to expand broadband internet access to underserved communities in Florida. The award is set to impact nearly 160,000 individuals; ranging from residential, educational, community, and business locations.

More Than $144 Million Awarded to 58 Projects Across 41 Florida Counties. Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the first set of awards through the Broadband Opportunity Grant Program to expand access to broadband internet for Florida’s underserved communities. More than $144 million was awarded for 58 projects in 41 Florida counties for broadband internet expansion that will impact nearly 160,000 unserved residential, educational, business, and community locations.