This week, in the Florida House of Representatives, we passed our general budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The $97 billion budget is a modest increase over last year and includes funding for education, human services, environmental projects, and much more.
Certainly, there are some favorable provisions in this year's budget. However, given the $10 billion in extra funding we received from President Biden's American Rescue Plan, a Democratic Majority would have done significantly more to support Florida's working families.
A few things that we must improve going forward...
Affordable Housing: The Sadowski Trust fund is used to finance Florida's statewide affordable housing programs and is crucial to expanding housing opportunities for low-income families. In this year's budget, the Republican Majority is sweeping nearly $300 million away from these critically needed programs. Even worse, they are pushing legislation that would make the trust fund sweeps permanent!
Public Education: Over the years, Republicans have systematically reduced funding for public education. Instead, redirecting taxpayer money to one of their largest campaign donors, the for-profit charter school industry. This year, while Florida's per-student spending ranks 46th in the nation, for-profit charter schools will receive $183.5 million for renovations and much more through the school choice voucher program.
Environmental Protection: Many Republicans in the state legislature have adjusted their rhetoric on environmental issues; however, they still voted to cut funding for the Department of Environmental Protection by over $286 million , including a $134 million reduction in wastewater management grants.
Healthcare: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding healthcare coverage to 800,000 of Florida's most vulnerable citizens is excellent policy. Nevertheless, Republicans continue playing partisan politics by refusing to accept $4 billion in federal money to expand Medicaid coverage.
The 2021-2022 budget process is not over, and you can still have an impact.
Click here to find your Senator and email them, asking to prioritize funding for affordable housing, public education, environmental protection, and Medicaid expansion in the Senate budget.
Thank you for your advocacy and continued support.
Andrew Learned
Candidate for Florida House (FL-59)
AndrewLearned.com
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