JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s new state budget is now in effect, but not without some changes.
Gov. Ron DeSantis used his line-item veto power to cut certain projects approved by the Legislature.
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State Senators Tracie Davis and Jennifer Bradley joined us on This Week In Jacksonville to share the inside story on what made the cut, what didn’t, and how the veto process works behind the scenes.
When asked if the governor’s vetoes felt personal, Davis shared some perspective.
“In the years past, sometimes I did think it was personal. But this year, for the first time, it was really just looking... They really assessed projects. They really evaluated things. I had community members calling, saying, ‘Hey, I got a call from the governor’s office.’ So they’re doing that due diligence to make sure funding went to the organizations with the greatest need.”
Bradley agreed, emphasizing the importance of communication.
“It doesn’t [feel personal]. Communication with the governor’s office helps. I had a project vetoed one year, but they told me about a grant program that fit the project better. So we applied for that instead. This year, we saw new schools, roads, and fire trucks funded...projects that really support our communities.”
Despite some vetoes, Jacksonville and the surrounding areas scored significant wins. Baptist Medical Center will receive a $4.5 million expansion to improve labor and delivery services.
The Jacksonville Fairgrounds’ move to the west side was fully funded with $3.2 million, supporting the city’s ongoing development plans.
Bradley highlighted the importance of persistence and fine-tuning projects.
“Sometimes the whole project isn’t funded and you only get a piece of it. We have several projects where we’re looking to do phase two next year and make sure that we can finish out some things,” Bradley said.
Both senators agree that staying engaged and maintaining open communication with the governor’s office is key to success. Projects that don’t make it through this year can be adjusted and resubmitted in future sessions.
Watch the full interview with State Senators Davis and Bradley this Sunday at 9 a.m. on This Week In Jacksonville.
