Orlando State Representative Rita Harris responded to Governor Ron DeSantis’ budget vetoes after he slashed over $500 million. Rep. Harris also took aim at the Republican Governor’s political ambition.
“Governor DeSantis’ budget vetoes are not only irresponsible, but they are harmful to Florida’s taxpayers,” said Rep. Harris, a Democrat. “Instead of investing in Florida’s economy, Governor DeSantis has withheld over $500 million from Floridians in need of support simply because of Governor DeSantis’ political ambitions.”
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Framework for Freedom Budget, which totals $116.5 billion for the people of Florida. Governor DeSantis vetoed $510.9 million.
“I am frustrated that millions of dollars will not be distributed to help the local community, including funding that would have supported local food drives, not only in Orlando but throughout the entire state of Florida,” Rep. Harris said. “The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the National Letter Carriers, allows Floridians with the means to donate to easily help their neighbors and would have brought an incredible amount of needed food into organizations that help distribute it in areas it is needed the most.”
The Orlando Democrat said Governor DeSantis may claim “fiscal responsibility” for his vetoes, but he is doing so on the backs of hardworking Florida families.
“Unfortunately, many good projects that would have relieved Florida’s taxpayers with everything from flood water mitigation to neighborhood resource centers were vetoed because the Governor is disconnected from the needs of average Floridians,” Rep. Harris said.
The Orlando State Representative did give a little credit to the budget, which will fund critical priorities and support tourism in Central Florida.
“While I firmly disagree with the decision to veto $500 million from the state budget, I am grateful that our bipartisan efforts to fund tourism programs survived the Governor’s veto and will be distributed to Central Florida,” Rep. Harris said. “Programs like Visit Florida support the critical workers that help make Orlando one of the best tourist destinations in the world.”
Here is the full 2023 veto list from Governor DeSantis:
2023vetolist_governordesantis
