Statement by Florida TaxWatch Relating to Governor DeSantis’ Budget Vetoes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The following statement is to be attributed to Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro, relating to today’s release of Governor DeSantis’ Budget Vetoes.
“Florida TaxWatch congratulates Governor DeSantis and his team on the signing of their first state budget. The state budget is the most important piece of public policy, the only law required by the state constitution to be passed each year, and the governor’s review of the budget is a vital part of the checks and balances process.
“As stated today by Governor DeSantis and year after year by Florida TaxWatch, funding projects outside of established processes is detrimental to good budgeting, and we applaud his use of the line-item veto to strike $131 million in individual projects from the budget, a relatively modest amount compared to the first session of many first-year governors. This total is similar to this year’s Budget Turkey Watch Report, which identified $133 million in projects that needed close scrutiny, and the Governor vetoed 49 (46%) of the 106 projects identified in our Report, for a total of nearly $45 million of taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
“Florida TaxWatch is pleased that Governor DeSantis has shown that he is willing to have a collaborative relationship with the Legislature, and we have confidence that the state of Florida is in good hands.
“We are looking forward to advising and assisting the Governor and the Legislature in protecting the taxpayers of Florida in the years ahead, just as we have for the past 40 years.”
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About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute and government watchdog for 40 years, Florida TaxWatch works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses. Florida TaxWatch is supported by voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants, and does not accept government funding. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled Florida TaxWatch to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the citizens it serves since 1979. For more information, please visit http://www.floridataxwatch.org