News Service of Florida file image
The Florida Senate on Wednesday cut in half the amount of money it would put into a new emergency fund that critics called a “blank check” for Gov. Ron DeSantis.
According to the News Service of Florida, the Senate overwhelmingly approved two bills (SB 96 and SB 98) that would shift $500 million of general revenue into the pot of money that the governor could tap during declared states of emergency over the next four years. The Senate initially had considered putting $1 billion into the pot.
Meanwhile, a House committee moved forward with its version of the proposal, which would provide $1 billion that DeSantis could use at his discretion. The House and Senate would ultimately have to agree on any final amount.
The idea for the fund came after the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission has long had authority to make mid-year budget changes and act on spending requests from the executive branch, though it does not meet frequently.
Supporters of the new fund say it would allow the governor to move more quickly during emergencies without having to wait for the legislative panel to convene. Those opposing it argued this year’s proposal fails to place limits on what constitutes an emergency and how money could be spent.
Lawmakers approved an emergency-fund proposal last year, but DeSantis vetoed it after questions were raised about using federal stimulus dollars for the fund.