After vetoing a record $3.1 billion Governor Ron DeSantis signed a $109.9 billion state budget Thursday in The Villages. The governor dubbed it the 'Freedom First' budget because it prioritizes the freedoms of Floridians to live, work, and have successful businesses in the state.
"However you slice it," Governor DeSantis said, "record-breaking tax relief, record-breaking line-item vetoes, record-breaking budget surplus, record-breaking education, record-breaking environment and conservation and I think that's a sign of good governance."
Governor DeSantis said what it doesn't 'break' is 'the bank' noting that the state of New York has 3 million fewer residents than Florida but their budget is more than twice as large as ours and he said Florida's services, roads and schools are all better.
Speaking of schools, and in the wake of the Texas school shooting, Governor DeSantis said the budget not only funds a quality education for Florida students but keeps them safe while they're hitting the books.
"To support safe and secure learning environments at our K-12 schools, this has almost $400 million for school safety and for mental health initiatives for K-12 schools so that's a huge deal."
The budget takes effect July 1.
Image courtesy Getty