In response to Governor Ron DeSantis signing this year’s budget, State Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson (D-Gainesville) released the following statement:
“Though many significant losses came from yesterday’s budget approval, I want to highlight two very important projects that received funding for this fiscal year. Alachua Central Receiving Facility (HB 4607) will expand the existing Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Facility in Gainesville to provide care such as medical screening, evaluation, crisis services, counseling, medication, referral for services, peer support, and care coordination for the betterment of individuals in North Central Florida. Willie Mae Stokes Community Center (HB 9259) will provide a structured after-school program to youth and extended day tutoring in reading, math, science, mentoring, counseling, including access to food and other social services to families and members of the community. Both projects will bring necessary change to our community in North Central Florida, and I am committed to building upon these efforts during the following legislative session.
However, I am still deeply disappointed that the Governor vetoed $3.1 billion worth of projects for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, including three critical projects for North Central Florida: restorations for the McIntosh Hall (HB 2319), the Gainesville Woman’s Club Restoration (HB 2411), and funding for the City of Gainesville Paramedic Program (HB 2577). While he is happy to take resources from the federal government and the American Rescue Plan, he continues to use the funds for unintended purposes all while attacking President Joe Biden. Partisan politics should not supersede the responsibility of our state government to ensure the safety and well-being of Floridians.”
