Public Safety and COVID-19 Response
The 2020-2021 state budget directs more than $52 million in immediately available state and federal dollars to continue the state’s response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). An additional $300 million has also been added into state reserves, which may be used to respond to the coronavirus and its effect on Floridians and our state’s economy.
Funds will be used to address the state’s most pressing needs, which may include laboratory supplies, additional staffing to expand capacity to investigate and monitor individuals with COVID-19 and those at risk for contracting the virus, personal protective equipment, test kits, and enhanced communication to the general public.
In an effort to improve public safety and emergency response measures, the Florida Legislature also passed the following measures this Session:
Senate Bill 7018: Essential State Infrastructure
includes provisions for the design and construction of permanent Staging Areas for Emergencies (SAFE) as part of Florida’s Turnpike System. The staging areas created through this legislation will be designed to accommodate the staging of a significant amount of emergency-related supplies and equipment; provide space in support of emergency preparedness and evacuation activities, such as fuel reserve capacity; and could be used during non-emergency periods for commercial motor vehicle parking.
House Bill 969: Broadband Internet Service
, creates the Florida Office of Broadband within the Department of Economic Opportunity to lead efforts for high-speed internet installation within or adjacent to Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance. This legislation will help ensure broadband internet is available in rural areas so that first responders can quickly and accurately reach Floridians during times of need on and around these multi-use corridors.
Education
This year, the Florida Senate passed major, comprehensive K-12 education legislation that ensures all students in Florida have access to a world-class education by supporting our public schools teachers and giving parents the opportunity to choose the best education for their child.
House Bill 641: Funds for the Operation of Schools
provides $500 million to increase teacher salaries. Of these funds, $400 million must be used to increase the minimum salaries of classroom teachers to at least $47,500, or to the maximum amount achievable, and $100 million is allocated to increase salaries for other instructional personnel who also play a pivotal role in our students’ success.
House Bill 7067: K-12 Scholarship Programs
increases access to school choice options for both low and middle-income families by raising the cap on total enrollment growth for the Family Empowerment Scholarship. This gives parents the opportunity to receive a voucher to enroll their child in the school that best fits their needs.
Tax Relief
The Florida Legislature is committed to reducing the tax burden facing families and businesses in a meaningful way. This year we passed the 2020 Tax Package which delivers broad-based tax relief to families and businesses across the state.
House Bill 7097: Taxation
establishes several tax saving measures, including the creation of two sales tax holidays, which will save Florida families millions in tax dollars. The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday creates a sales tax holiday from August 7 through August 9, 2020. The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday creates a sales tax holiday from May 29 through June 4, 2020 for disaster supplies.
If you would like to express your support or concerns about any specific legislation or items included in the Legislature's budget, please
Contact Governor DeSantis's Office
.