DeSantis Stomps on Unsupportive GOP Lawmakers, Leaves Florida in Shock

Photo byDefense Visual Information

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis cut approximately $511 million from the state's new budget before the final whistle.

At least one Republican criticized the governor for his actions, claiming he was being punished for endorsing Donald Trump for president.

Punishing for impartiality

Florida governor stomped hard on the plans of GOP Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

DeSantis eliminated $100 million aimed to pay farmers who agreed to keep their land undeveloped, and he also vetoed roughly $30 million in energy initiatives under Simpson's direction.

Simpson, who has remained impartial between Trump and DeSantis, questioned DeSantis' support for agriculture, making the governor worry that gaining support in Iowa, a vital early-voting state, will be difficult.

Who pays for these political games in the end? Farmers, workers, and everyday Floridians.

The spending plan

DeSantis' spokesperson Jeremy Redfern also mentioned that this year's budget included hundreds of millions for conservation-related purchases.

DeSantis signed the nearly $116.5 billion spending plan, the largest in state history, at a ceremony hosted at an exclusive yacht club in Fort Pierce on the east coast.

He avoided discussing his budget vetoes during his speech. His staff only made the list public for several hours after that.

The governor also used the occasion to criticize President Joe Biden's administration for the nation's economic problems, blaming the record-high inflation partly on the millions of dollars Congress allocated for Covid-19 relief initiatives.

DeSantis omitted to highlight that Florida has gotten additional federal cash totaling billions over the last three years, money that he and other Republican legislators can direct toward their top goals.

DeSantis sure loves receiving federal support. He's often asking Biden for money to fund everything from hurricane relief programs to personal pet projects.

Do you think Governor should seek endorsement through budget cuts?

Leave your comment below and share this story on social media.