TAMPA, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis held a news conference in Tampa on Tuesday
Speaking at The Vault, a venue for events, weddings, and more, the governor highlighted the state’s financial management.
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“If you take all the debt that the state accumulated over 180 years, we’ve retired 41% of that just since I’ve been in office,” said DeSantis.
The governor also emphasized the importance of running surpluses and paying down debt, noting the debt per capita is the lowest in the country and the state’s accelerated infrastructure projects, which have been completed ahead of schedule.
Education was another key topic, adding that Florida boasts the number one ranked higher education system in the nation, with an average cost of $6,300 for residents attending public universities.
DeSantis highlighted the Bright Futures program, which provides free or significantly reduced tuition for qualifying students.
The state has also increased funding for K-12 education, particularly for teacher salaries.
“We’ve done more money for teacher salaries just since I’ve been governor than Florida has ever done,” DeSantis stated.
Both the governor and the first lady discussed Hope Florida.
The initiative has partnered with over 500 employers to create job opportunities for participants.
“Today, over 3,000 Hope Florida participants have secured employment, with 87% achieving a wage increase after their first six months on the job,” DeSantis noted.
The program, designed to assist Floridians struggling with poverty and reduce government dependence on welfare, faced backlash due to accusations of diverting funds intended for the program’s intended beneficiaries to the governor’s political committees.