Republican Governor Ron DeSantis proposed slashing over 1,000 state jobs in a budget released on Tuesday, aiming to reduce the current budget by more than $4.6 billion while preserving popular sales tax holidays.
DeSantis, who is also a presidential candidate, unveiled his $114.4 billion budget at a news conference held at a charter school on Marco Island in southwest Florida, breaking from the tradition of announcing budgets near the state Capitol.
Rather than providing specific details on which jobs would be cut, DeSantis focused more on highlighting past accomplishments and expressing disappointment over the exclusion of the undefeated Florida State University Seminoles from the college football championship playoff.
Additionally, he mentioned requesting $1 million to enable FSU to sue the College Football Playoff committee, even though the championship outcome will be determined months before the budget is approved.
“My first-grader, my fifth-grader and my preschooler … they are all ‘noles and they are big-time fans and they do the tomahawk chop and they were not happy,” DeSantis stated. “We are going to set aside $1 million and let the chips fall where they may.”
DeSantis is proposing over $1 billion in tax reductions, advocating for the reimplementation of sales tax holidays for school and hurricane supplies, as well as for recreational activities.
It’s important to note that DeSantis’ proposal serves as a suggestion to the Legislature, which is set to commence its annual session next month. Following the Legislature’s agreement on a spending plan, DeSantis will possess the authority to veto specific items.
