The Florida Legislature has overridden Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto of a $57 million budget allocation for legislative operations. This marks the first time the Republican-controlled Legislature has overridden a DeSantis veto since he took office in 2018. The decision reflects growing divisions among GOP leaders in Florida, particularly regarding the governor’s immigration agenda.
House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton criticized DeSantis’ tactics, describing them as political stunts designed to generate headlines. Instead of supporting the governor’s preferred bills, lawmakers adopted their legislative package. This includes measures to repeal a 2014 law allowing undocumented immigrant students to avoid paying higher out-of-state tuition rates and providing $500 million to support local law enforcement agencies in tackling illegal immigration.
DeSantis recently called a special session to address immigration and other issues, but the Legislature deemed it premature and rejected it. Instead, they convened their session, introducing the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy, or “TRUMP,” Act. While this Act includes some of DeSantis’ proposals, it also diverges in key areas. The governor expressed dissatisfaction with the Legislature’s actions, describing parts of their proposals as unconstitutional and insufficient.
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