Governor DeSantis has presented the framework for the proposed Florida’s Freedom Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The proposed budget totals $114.8 billion which is a $3.8 billion increase over the current $110.9 billion budget. The general revenue budget is $42.4 billion with a 7% decrease from the current General Revenue Budge of $42.7 billion. Total reserve dollars exceed $15 billion. Governor DeSantis stated “Through the Framework for Freedom Budget, we are establishing freedom first policies to benefit Florida workers and families and to provide a framework for future prosperity. Florida will fight against headwinds by putting forth sound fiscal policies that keep more money in the pockets of Floridians. Our budget proposal not only builds on the success of the past four years but ensures that Florida will continue to thrive.”
The proposed budget provides four permanent tax cuts and several temporary holiday tax cuts. Permanent tax cuts include sales tax exemptions for baby, toddler necessities, cribs, strollers, over-the-counter pet medications, and gas stoves. Temporary holiday cuts include children’s books, children’s toys, children’s athletic equipment, certain household items and clothing, disaster preparedness items, outdoor recreations, items, dental and oral hygiene products, pet food, hand and power tools, energy star appliance and natural gas.
The budget also provides a 5% across-the-board pay increase for all state employees. An increase in the rate of pay for correctional officers to $23 per hour for specific positions raising the annual minimum pay to $47,840 with a proposed $107.2 million. An additional $3.4 million is being provided for a retention step plan for the Correction Officer services, the Correctional Probation Officer services and the Inspector services. This will provide a $1,000 pay increase at two years, a $500 pay increase at five years and a $1,000 pay increase at eight years of service. Also included is an additional $146 million not including pay issues and compression to help with office retention and make correctional facilities safer.
There is a $20 million allocated for the creation of the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) in Florida Program. This allocation will assist local law enforcement to fight fentanyl trafficking and sale within Florida. Priority of the allocation will be given to fiscally constrained counties. It also expands the capabilities of the Anti-Heroin Task Force statewide to battle against the opioid epidemic which is intensely affecting communities. The budget also includes $2 million to provide body amor to local law enforcement agencies with precedence being given to fiscally constrained counties. In addition to funds provided by the Opioid Settlement Agreement, the budget includes $187.3 million to ensure access to treatment, prevention services, medication assisted treatment, recover support and continued research and surveillance activities. Also included is $76.6 million for sworn law enforcement officers to raise the annual minimum pay to $55,000, providing pay adjustments to certain salary brackets. The budget framework includes $30 million for a second round of bonus payments for law enforcement officers who are new to the profession and $5,000 bonus payment to eligible law enforcement officers.
The Governor’s proposed budget appropriates an increase in teacher salaries from $800 million to $1 billion. There is also an increase of $121 in the Base Student Allocation in the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). A $20 million increase for a total of $160 million for metal health allocation in the FEFP. An allocation of $42 million for public school hardening grants (improve physical security of K-12 school buildings) and $250 million for safe schools component of the FEFP. An appropriation of $6.4 million for school district access to a mobile panic alert system. Also a $10 million appropriation for a secure statewide student safety and support portal and the creation of a threat management system.
Florida’s rural areas are proposed for another $25 million to support local infrastructure projects, roads, storm and wastewater system and telecommunication facilities. Another $100 million for broadband equity, access, and deployment. Which could provide high-speed internet access to the unserved and underserved rural areas of Florida.
The framework also provided $22.5 million for state-level election oversight with a focus on cybersecurity enhancement to Florida’s election system. This amount includes $3.1 million to fully staff the Office of Election Crimes and Security. This newly created entity will investigate potential election fraud and irregularities and refer cases to authorities for prosecution. Also included is the modernization of the Florida Voter Registration system with $3 million.
Florida’s agricultural industry is being supported with $2.7 billion. State parks infrastructure improvements and resource management is budgeted to receive $45 million. The Job Growth Grant Fund to support local infrastructure and job training projects targeted towards economic recovery and development is appropriated $100 million. Visit Florida is dedicated $100 million for the continued vital state marketing and promotion efforts.
The budget includes $18 million to provide salary increases to State Attorneys and Assistant State Attorneys and $15.7 million for State Court System for due process staff, including court reporters, court interpreters, case managers, trial court staff attorneys and court program specialists.
Included in the budget is $13.4 billion for the Transportation Work Program, providing 119 new lane miles and 2,657 resurfacing miles, seaport infrastructure improvements, aviation improvement, 64 bridge repairs, 19 bridge replacements, rail investment projects, safety initiative and community trail projects.
Overall the budget framework reduces positions in state government, reduces state debt, reduces tax burdens to citizens and provides newly proposed state financial reserves. The budget provides a continued commitment to education, a continued commitment to law enforcement to keep our communities safe, provides continued commitment for unserved and underserved communities and provides fiscal strength to keep Florida strong and resilient for the future.
Published | Jackson County Times | February 9, 2023