The DeSantis Agenda & Florida’s State Session – Part 1
Bottom Line: When Governor DeSantis kicked off his state-of-the-state address, I broke down every agenda item he laid out and discussed the implications in the state session. Why? Because he’d literally already acted on every thing, he’d initially laid out in his Inaugural address less than two months prior. In other words, if Ron DeSantis says something’s a priority, he’s expecting action. With record high approval heading into his initial state session – he also had the wind at his back with legislators taking notice. Let’s review what he outlined and what happened during the session. He outlined 14 priorities in his speech to open the session, 12 of which required a response by the state legislature to enact his policy preferences. Here they are and here’s what happened.
Hurricane Michael recovery(said he’s received a “historic” commitment by President Trump) - Yes - While still waiting to see additional federal assistance,money totaling $1.85 billion has now been allocated by the state for Michael relief
Environmental reforms – Highlighted by his record proposed $2.5 billion Everglades Restoration project, Overhaul of the South Florida Water Management District – combating algae blooms and red tide, Appointment of a Chief Science Officer to advise on future planning– Yes - More than $1.1 billion was allocated specifically to environmental causes in Florida for the upcoming year, a record for Florida, including funding for the Everglades Restoration Project that exceeded even what the Governor had requested in year one
Economics – Stated that Florida will remain a low tax state and will never have a state income tax. Encouraged businesses from high tax states to relocate to Florida. He’s proposing $330 million in additional tax cuts with an emphasis on cutting property taxes– Partial - $121 million in tax breaks approved
Infrastructure – Spoke of the need to prioritize modernization of infrastructure and the need to reform Florida’s property insurance market (AOB)- Yes – Reform ending Florida’s Assignment of Benefits for future property insurance claims in excess of $3,000 passed. 97% of Floridians with property insurance should benefit. Also, the infrastructure package for the expansion of the Turnpike to Tampa, highways connecting Florida to the Georgia border and Collier to Polk counties passed.
Occupational licenses – Stated that there’s less red tape in becoming a Marine Sniper than a licensed interior designer in Florida and reforms for occupational licenses are generally needed –No – Failed to pass in this session