Florida Senator Shevrin Jones (D-Miami Gardens) today released the following statement on Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2024-25 budget proposal:
Budgets are a statement of priorities, and Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget makes it clear where his priorities lie. He avoids adding any meaningful impact to address the affordability crisis that impacts all Floridians. The limited housing stock and rising cost of living are not sustainable as more and more families are priced out of communities they have called home for many years.
The Governor also continues to promote Florida’s private school voucher program – despite a lack of accountability on how much money it will cost, how the money is used and delays in getting money to families. This comes after he has weaponized education for the past several years, attacking what our kids are learning, rewriting history, and censoring what our teachers can and cannot say. These attacks harm our students, schools, and communities at large – and our long-term success as a state.
Moreover, the Governor’s budget calls for the reduction of 1,000 state jobs from an already overworked and underpaid workforce. As a public official, my top priority will always be addressing the needs of the people. I am hopeful that we can engage in a constructive budget process with colleagues from across the state and aisle as we develop a budget that does just that.
