Tallahassee, FL – Sharing testimonials from residents, business owners, educators and students from across the state, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis opened the 2021 Legislative Session with the annual State of the State address, one day before Florida’s 176th birthday.
Recapping what had been a challenging year for states across the nation, DeSantis succinctly summarized the administration’s response to the pandemic of 2020, while keeping the focus on three key topics – healthcare workers and protecting seniors, kids and education, and the economy and job protection for Floridians.
“So Florida is right to put seniors first, we’re right to have kids in school, and we’re right to have saved the economy and you don’t even have to look at the statistics, just look at how people vote with their feet,” said DeSantis.
“There aren’t a whole lot of Floridians who are itching to move from Florida to lockdown states, but there are thousands and thousands of people who are seeking to leave the lockdowns behind for the greener pastures here in the state of Florida.”
As Florida begins to come out on the other side of one of the world’s most daunting health emergencies in modern history, DeSantis reminded legislators of the differences between Florida’s response and peers like New York, Texas and California, and the decisive actions that helped keep Florida’s economy robust while keeping Floridians safe.
“The Florida sun now serves as a beacon of light to those who yearn to live in freedom,” he said.
Sharing a forecast that is significantly different than the one predicted just 12 months ago, the Florida governor noted that by vetoing $1 billion from this year’s budget and instructing agencies to reduce spending, the state was able to navigate the pandemic without touching the rainy day fund.
“I’m pleased to report that our current fiscal outlook is much better than the bleak forecast from last spring,” said DeSantis. “Because Florida’s economy is open, revenue is coming it at levels far higher than even the most recently revised estimates.”
With Florida’s economy picking up and tourism trends moving in a positive direction, DeSantis said the state has seen an $800 million increase in revenue estimations during the last three months – a point directed to legislators and their leadership – House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson, in Tallahassee to take note of as they head into session and begin the budget process.
“They’ve already demonstrated leadership on issues that matter to Floridians and I know you guys will be great partners for progress,” said DeSantis.
Encouraging legislators to focus on key initiatives, projects and legislation among those DeSantis highlighted were support for Florida’s nationally recognized education system, the funding of natural resource protections and the creation of the Resilient Florida Program to help address storms and sea level rise, support for law enforcement with anti-riot, pro-law enforcement reforms, along with legislation addressing COVID liability protections for business and healthcare, reducing foreign influence in Florida, general reforms to the state’s legal climate, and Florida’s infrastructure projects.
“The priorities we’ve championed from water resources, to education and infrastructure can still be honored, so let’s get it done,” he said.
Not escaping notice, big tech and election integrity were also on the governor’s radar during the address.
“We’ve gotten the big issues right in the state of Florida. We’ve put our seniors first, we have our kids in school, our economy’s been saved and we need to move forward together for the betterment of our people,” he said.
Closing on a positive note, DeSantis sees sunny skies ahead for Florida’s future.
“Our nation and our state have endured a tumultuous year. Floridians have responded in ways that would make our Founding Fathers proud. And because of these efforts, the sun is rising here in Florida and the Sunshine State will soon be reaching new horizons.”
