On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis threatened state lawmakers that he was about to exercise his line-item veto power.
The Republican governor criticized the Legislature for being late in passing a budget at a long press conference on higher education on the Florida Atlantic University campus. He added that there are enough local projects in the final $115.1 billion budget for him to get somewhat numb.
Before July 1, he must sign the budget and exercise any line-item vetoes.
DeSantis, who vetoed $949.6 million worth of projects from the budget that expires on Monday, stated that there will undoubtedly be vetoes. The governor vetoed a staggering $3.1 billion in 2022 and $510.9 million in 2023 from the state’s budget plan.
DeSantis’ comments on the topic were succinct but scathing.
For those of you who follow state politics and legislative matters, I believe we had anticipated receiving a budget in early May. The fiscal year concludes on June 30. They didn’t quite accomplish that, and they ultimately produced one, which is, you know, their prerogative, most likely 45 days beyond the deadline. However, the truth is that there is a lot to endure. Thus, we have been experiencing it. I mean, with all the various line items in it, I’m kind of numb.
During the ordinary 60-day session, the budget was not passed by the GOP-led Legislature. On June 16, leaders finalized a $115.1 billion budget and a $1.3 billion tax cut plan after agreeing to an extended session. The budget for 2025–2026 is half a billion less than what DeSantis had suggested spending and $3.5 billion less than this year’s.
As part of the budget, the House and Senate also decided to allocate $1.5 over the next two years to the Budget Stabilization Fund in order to prepare for a possible recession. Florida may be able to weather the impending federal funding cuts with the emergency reserve.
Two Democrats in the House voted against the budget, but the Senate voted in favor of it unanimously.
Florida’s Christine Sexton The Phoenix
