Capitol Report December 10, 2021

Governor Ron DeSantis released his budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2022-23. Included within his proposal are following issues:

A 3% increase to the employer contribution for members participating in the FRS Investment Plan;

Over $75 million in pay raises for state law enforcement officers;

Over $124 million in pay raises for state correctional and correctional probation officers;

Establishment of a Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship;

Establishment of Out-of-State Law Enforcement Equivalency Reimbursement to help cover the cost of law enforcement officers moving to Florida.

The Governor is leading the way to making Florida a destination employment hotspot for law enforcement, probation, and correctional officers. His proposals are a baseline for the Legislature to begin the process of crafting the final budget. We should expect legislative changes to his plan, yet, from the outset of interim committee meetings, both the House and Senate have agreed with the Governor’s overall objectives.

Our lobby team will work with the Governor and the Legislature to implement the goals of his proposals while ensuring that your needs are addressed. Right now, our concern should be less about the specifics of his proposals and more about the direction of his proposals. Take a second to enjoy the positive momentum as it builds to the start of session on January 11th. You and your family are fully supported by this Governor, this Cabinet and this Legislature.

As always, please stay safe.

Sincerely,

Matt Puckett