DeSantis Lands on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022 List

May 23, 2022 Updated 11:49 A.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis made TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2022, applauding the Governor’s decisions to keep Florida’s economy open during the pandemic. 

“Despite relentless criticism, Governor Ron DeSantis kept schools open, ensured Florida’s economy remained open for business, and allowed individuals to determine their own risk tolerance,” TIME said. “His approach works.”

“It’s one that has allowed Florida to emerge from the pandemic as a national model of personal freedom, economic growth, environmental protection, and education excellence.”

The Governor briefly shut down businesses for a few weeks because of COVID-19 but quickly reversed course and kept businesses open. Florida was one of the first states to reopen schools. A new study found that Florida handled COVID-19 among the best compared to California and New York. 

“Florida continues to see record population growth, unemployment remains below the national average, the private sector is growing, and Florida remains a national leader in school choice,” TIME said.

Florida’s job rate more than doubled that of the United States. Florida had 0.7% job growth while the U.S. at large had .3%. Florida is also now registering almost 45% of the US market share for international tourism. 

Governor DeSantis announced Florida will have $20 billion in reserves, making it the largest budget surplus in the state’s history. 

“On top of that, DeSantis has demonstrated his environmental credentials with major investments to restore America’s Everglades, preserve and expand wildlife corridors, and protect Florida’s precious waterways,” TIME said. “While the Beltway crowd may not like his style, it’s his record that will become his legacy.”