Governor Ron DeSantis signing the state budget guarantees $29.9 million for multiple Central Florida projects that were championed by Orlando State Senator Linda Stewart, a Democrat.
The Senator said the budget items will provide a variety of important services to constituents and organizations throughout the community.
“Crafting a $116.5 billion dollar budget is not an easy task, and I applaud all of my colleagues for their hard work in responsibly allocating dollars across our state,” Senator Stewart said. “While this session was tough, there are many things to be proud of in this budget, such as $850 million for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, $100 million recurring funding for Florida Forever, over $400 million towards affordable housing, $112 million towards broadband equity, and $46 million to arts and culture grants, just to name a few.”
Senator Stewart’s secured projects include the following:
- Developing STEM Learning Zones in City Communities – $250,000
- Adolescent Mental Health Services for the Uninsured – $175,000
- Devereux support services to individuals with Dual Diagnosis – $500,000
- AdventHealth – Type 1 Diabetes Research Pilot – $796,063
- Valencia College – Lake Nona Campus Building #2 – $5,000,000
- University of Central Florida – College of Nursing Building – $14,781,430
- City of Apopka – Regional Trail Connections – $2,000,000
- Homeless Services Network of Central Florida – Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project – $1,000,000
- City of Belle Isle – Hoffner Avenue Traffic Improvements – $1,500,000
- IDignity – Statewide Operational Headquarters – $1,000,000
- BRIDG – Microchip Advanced Packaging Design Center $2,950,000
“I’m pleased to personally bring home $29.9 million to our community,” Senator Stewart added. “These projects will have large positive impacts directly in Central Florida, and provide many needed services, create job opportunities, and continue to make our community a safe place to call home.”
Governor DeSantis signed the Framework for Freedom Budget and vetoed $510.9 million, including some Central Florida funding priorities.
