DeSantis Vetoes Land Management Bill

BRADENTON – Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed SB 410 this week, a bill that could have harmed local communities' ability to address their own growth and development. Florida Conservation Voters, a non-profit group that advocates for land conservation and sustainable growth, applauded the move.

"FCV thanks the governor for taking this action, and thanks our friends at 1000 Friends of Florida for leading the fight for smart growth," the group said in a press release. "The Governor’s veto highlights the power of the public’s voice and the duty that all elected officials have to meet voters’ demands. Thank you to Governor DeSantis, our environmental allies, and the thousands of passionate Floridians who made their voice heard on this important issue."

However, the group noted that, in total, DeSantis cut environmental spending by nearly $83 million as part of a billion dollars in cuts to the state budget that were announced Monday in response to revenue losses from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The biggest hit in that arena was $60 million in cuts to wastewater infrastructure, local grants and aids, and other statewide water quality projects.

Click hereto see Florida Conservation Voters' guide to the cuts.