Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advocated for law enforcement and criticized the House budget by warning it is failing to follow his recommendations.
Governor Ron DeSantis recently joined Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner to advocate for critical pay raises and funding for Florida State Troopers and other state law enforcement.
“In my Focus on Fiscal Responsibility proposed budget, I advocate for a 20% pay raise for state entry-level officers and 25% pay raise for veteran officers and all state firefighters,” said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida House is blocking these raises, and other critical resources for law enforcement. We must support and equip law enforcement to be successful in defending our communities.”
Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his recommendation for massive pay increases for state law enforcement officers and firefighters in his Fiscal Responsibility Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
The Governor’s Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommends $118.3 million in pay increases for more than 4,700 state sworn law enforcement officers and more than 730 state firefighters:
- 20% pay increase for state entry level sworn law enforcement officers.
- 25% pay increase for veteran sworn law enforcement officers and all state firefighters.
These pay increases would build on the support already delivered to support law enforcement and first responders. As a result of these initiatives, Florida continues to have record-low crime rates; continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family; and remains the friendliest state in the country for first responders.
The currently proposed state budget from the Florida House fails to follow Governor Ron DeSantis’ recommendations. Instead, the Republican Governor said it:
- Defunds ballistic armor;
- Fails to replace law enforcement vehicles with over 100,000 miles;
- Fails to fund replacement for in-car cameras;
- Defunds raises for law enforcement officers;
- Cuts 84 current state trooper positions; and
- Cuts 73 current state law enforcement dispatcher positions.
Democrats do not really have a voice in the process with the numbers, but the infighting by Republicans does signal political problems for the party in power.
More on Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget online.
