veto

A lot of projects near and dear to Tampa Bay area lawmakers were put on the chopping block by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Four workgroups have looked at 2024 vetoes in different parts of the budget: water programs, health services, justice services, and libraries, cultural and historic preservation.

After the Legislature voted last month to override a couple of the Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024 line item budget vetoes, House Speaker Daniel Perez formed workgroups to reconsider $950 million worth of projects.

The morning after the measure passed both chambers, Gov. Ron DeSantis said “the veto pen is ready” as soon as lawmakers send him the bill.

A farmworker housing bill, unanimously passed by the Florida House and Senate, was vetoed by Governor DeSantis Friday. He cited "illegal foreign workers" in his veto letter.

Florida arts groups are scrambling after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed $32 million in arts funding, eliminating all state grants in a move that advocates say will devastate arts and culture in the Sunshine State.

Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in grants for cultural and museums statewide. Arts leaders say the industry pumps nearly $6 billion into Florida's economy.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' vetoes cut millions of dollars in funds for more than 600 organizations in Florida, including in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Communities throughout the greater Tampa Bay region lost funds for infrastructure programs such as water main replacements, stormwater system repairs, shoreline revitalization, and road projects.

“I'm sure there's folks in the agricultural industry that are probably like me scratching their heads wondering ‘what was he thinking?’ Because he didn't veto any of the other conservation funding,” said land broker Dean Saunders.

The measure was sparked by efforts to draw distinctions between optometrists and ophthalmologists. Also vetoed was a bill dealing with fees collected under a counselors compact.

A No Casinos organizer is expressing his disappointment after Governor Rick Scott rejected warning labels for Florida Lottery tickets.