News Update
DeSantis announces proposed budget for FY 2020-2021
Staff report
Enviro-Net
On Nov. 18, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis released his budget proposal for FY 2020-2021, calling it a plan for a “bolder, brighter, better” future.
“My budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 builds on our successes of the past year, placing emphasis where it is needed while remaining fiscally responsible to Florida taxpayers,” said DeSantis. “The budget includes key investments in our K-12 education system, our environment and the well-being of our residents while recommending over $480 million in savings and over $300 million in tax relief. Although there is still more we can do to improve our state, which we hope to accomplish through this budget, Florida’s future has never been bolder, brighter or better than it is today.”
The budget continues the focus on Florida’s environment, including more than $625 million in recurring funding for Everglades restoration and the protection of water resources.
More than $322 million is included for Everglades restoration projects, $150 million for water quality improvements, $50 million for springs restoration and more than $22 million to combat the harmful effects of algal blooms and red tide.
The budget also invests $50 million in beach nourishment to address Florida’s critically eroded shorelines, nearly $9 million in coral reef protection funding, as well as $154 million to protect Florida’s prized properties and water: $100 million for the Florida Forever Program and $54 million in new funding for state parks.