DeSantis proposes ‘Framework for Freedom’ budget bolstering education, infrastructure, tax breaks

Lydia Nusbaum contributed to this report.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his proposed budget that would include increases for education, public safety and infrastructure.

DeSantis said his “Framework for Freedom” Budget totals $114.8 billion, with total reserves exceeding $15 billion. Four years ago, the reserves were $5.2 billion, according to the governor.

The governor said it builds on Florida’s successes as the state continues to outpace the nation in building a robust economy, safeguarding students’, parents’, and teachers’ rights; restoring our environment; and maintaining healthy reserves to respond to natural disasters.

“We’re doing really, really big things,” DeSantis said as he applauded the toll rebate and the proposed tax relief package. 

“It’s only possible because we’re a state that’s been able to thrive over the last few years.”

The proposal includes making the sale of gas stoves tax free. Even though the governor said much of the state relies on electric, he believes that the government should not “go after” gas stoves.

“No tax permanently on gas stoves,” DeSantis said. “They want your gas stove, and we’re not gonna let that happen.”

DeSantis announced they would launch a debt reduction program, seeding it with $400 million.

“This will be able to retire debt ahead of schedule and continue to make sure that the people of Florida are in good shape,” he said.

The governor said he wants the state to invest $1 billion to create a new state investment fund. It will invest the money from the state’s surplus instead of allowing it to just “sit there.”

“We are going to continue to lead in fiscal responsibility,” DeSantis said. “Florida, we’re built to succeed now and deep into the future.”

Regarding K-12 education, the governor announced he had a “great budget” for Florida. It would have a record $26 billion for K-12 education. There is $1 billion allotted for salary increases for teachers in the categorial budget. 

“This is the biggest investment that’s ever been made,” DeSantis said. “That’s a big, big win for teachers”

There is a proposed increase of $205 in per pupil spending, bringing the total to $8,453 per student, making it the largest state increase in base student allocation.

The governor announced $10 million dollars for a teacher recruitment program for K-12 that aims to enlist retired military veterans and first responders. His budget would mean $614.5 million is allotted for the bright future scholarships.

The governor touted Florida’s tuition prices compared to other states. 

“Our out-of-state tuition is lower than some places’ in-state tuition,” he said. “We’re proud of that.”

He announced $100 million for universities to compete and recruit professors and assistants. 

“If you find really good people, we’re now putting money where our mouth is,” he said. 

DeSantis announced $124 million to increase salaries across the state for law enforcement agencies including FDLE, Highway patrol, and Florida Fish and Wildlife. It would result in thousands of dollars for salary increases. 

“That’s going to make a big difference for retention but also for recruiting new people into these state agencies,” DeSantis said. 

The governor wants to double-down on a recruiting bonus program, including a $30 million allocation. 

“Its a signal to say – we appreciate what you’re doing,” DeSantis said. “It’s not just recruiting from other states, when you have new people going into the profession they are also eligible for that bonus.”

He also wants to allocate $20 million to help local law enforcement with the fentanyl epidemic. 

“This is really trying to jump start, take some risks, to maybe get some very promising results,” DeSantis said.

He said they are going to use $76 million to help women and children by increasing hospital rates for inpatient services for acutely ill newborns and for pediatric patients, as well as $143 million for enhanced services to pregnant and postpartum women and children.

“In terms of the opioid epidemic, you have the 20 million that we mentioned. But we’re going to do 334 million to support for the full array of services,” he added.

DeSantis said there are very critical infrastructure projects in places like Central Florida, Tampa Bay, South Florida, and even the Panhandle – some that may take up to 20 years to complete.

“We’re doing $7 billion, including $4 billion in general revenue this year to be able to accelerate that. So you’re going to have some of those programs that are going to be done a decade earlier than what it was ever doing,” he said.