TALLAHASSEE – After vetoing $1.5 billion, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Wednesday a $101.5 billion state budget that spends heavily on public works projects, the environment and $1,000 bonuses for many Floridians on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spending plan for the year starting July 1 is by far the largest in state history – 10% bigger than the current budget. And it’s propped up with billions of dollars in federal aid, much of it opposed by Republicans in Congress but a windfall for Florida’s Republican governor.
“The budget really reflects a state government that is meeting the core concerns of Floridians,” DeSantis said before signing the measure during a stop at a New Smryna Beach restaurant.