The DeSantis Agenda & Florida’s State Session – Part 2
Bottom Line: Picking up from part one with what Governor DeSantis originally called on Florida’s legislators to do, and what the outcome was, from Florida’s state session. These are the 6th-10th priorities outlined by Ron in his State-of-the State speech to open the session.
Higher Education– Governor DeSantis stated that he’s proud Florida has the top ranked university system in the country & he’s begun to tell the story outside of the state. He emphasized the need for a focus on financial, technology and health-care education improvements – in that order. He emphasized the need for skills/trade related education emphasis. He also advocated workplace education and grant programs for internships. - Yes – In total $783 million more will be spent. This includes Civics education internship programs funded through grants and millions more allocated to vocational colleges like Daytona State, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University & $76 million for college construction projects with FAMU the biggest beneficiary.
Grade School Education– Ending Common Core. Streamlined testing. Emphasis on American Civics. Those were cited in that order. Next up teachers. He advocated for his proposed program boosting teacher pay by $423 million and replacing the existing bonus plans with more rewarding and broad-based bonus opportunity.Last but not least, based on the amount of time he spent making the case, was the expansion of the current voucher system – the Tax Credit Scholarship program – Yes, yes and yes. The average per student spending will rise $242. Education in the upcoming year will feature expanded vouchers for charters and private schools gain access to vouchers for the first time. More than 18,000 students statewide will have new access to these resources and schools in the 2019-2020 school year
Abortion– In the most memorable quote of his speech to me – he stated this: I wholeheartedly reject the callous disregard for human life displayed by the Governors of Virginia and New York. We won’t allow that to happen in Florida. - No – no change in policy made it through the session
Healthcare– Stated that any national effort to eliminate personal health insurance plans for Floridians will be rejected. Stated his plan to work with the federal government to import prescription drugs from Canada to help make prescriptions more affordable. Emphasized the need to improve consumer/price transparency. He called on the state government to create incentives for Floridians who seek more affordable healthcare options to further encourage competition on pricing and service – Yes – First, the CON repeal will create an estimated 104 additional medical facilities in Florida over the next decade and save the average Floridian $220+ per year in healthcare costs. Second, the state did pass the legislation allowing for the importation of Canadian drugs. This still requires a federal response but is as much as the state alone can do at this point
School Safety– Called on the state legislature to pass recommended reforms of the MSD Commission. Said he intends to follow guidance provided by the recently created Grand Jury which led to accountability. He defended his decision to replace Broward Sheriff Scott Israel and stated that Sheriff Gregory Tony is doing a great job thus far.Yes – Passed the expansion of the Guardian Program opening up teachers for Guardian eligibility.