Gov. DeSantis announces $1 billion in budget vetoes due to coronavirus pandemic

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $1 billion in vetoes to the state budget Monday.

The cuts will impact the $92.3 billion budget that was passed in the spring.

The vetoes apply half to the general revenue portion of the budget and half to trust funds.

READ: Orange County surpasses 10,000 total COVID-19 cases as Florida reports statewide increase of 5,200 cases, 28 deaths

DeSantis said between federal coronavirus relief money and reserves that Florida will be able to “weather the storm” caused to the budget by the coronavirus pandemic.

A $20 million job growth grant fund was among the budget items vetoed by DeSantis on Monday.

DeSantis said water projects — including money for green algae, red tide and spring restoration — survived the cuts as well as money for corrections officers hours and pay and Florida Department of Transportation work program funds for bridges and ports.

The biggest cut was to affordable housing along with cuts to what schools get from the Florida Lottery, with $800 million reverted back by the state agencies. DeSantis said the state needs to have a buffer to weather any storm going forward.

READ: Keeping track of Central Florida face mask mandates

Watch DeSantis’ full news conference below:

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

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