Page 2 - R Ormond Beach News Today

With differences on issues such as funding prisons, a health-care plan and home-hardening grants, Senate and House budget committees on Wednesday approved spending plans that top $115 billion.

Florida House and Senate Republican budget chiefs this week brushed aside concerns about Gov. Ron DeSantis' $114.4 billion spending plan. Lawmakers will prepare to negotiate a final budget during the legislative session that will start Jan. 9.

Describing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed 2024-2025 budget as “very responsible,” House and Senate Republican budget chiefs on Tuesday brushed aside concerns about the $114.4 billion spending plan.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to ask for an additional $1 billion for the state Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund during the upcoming legislative session.

House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said a negative cash balance “looks like a blemish on our financial planning.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to ask for an additional $1 billion for the state Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.

A fund set up for the governor to quickly dispense money during emergencies would be nearly $59 million in the hole if all obligations for hurricane clean-up, immigration enforcement and Israel relief and rescue efforts came due today.

A fund set up for the governor to quickly dispense money during emergencies would be nearly $59 million in the hole if all obligations for hurricane clean-up, immigration enforcement and Israel relief and rescue efforts came due today.

DeSantis has used the fund, created in 2022, for hurricane response, immigration enforcement and Israel rescue efforts.

Moody pegged theft of more than $3.7 million in bonuses and vacation alone was paid to CEO Carr and CFO Duarte by a compliant Board of Directors.