TAMPA (WFLA) – Governor Ron DeSantis is calling for Florida first responders to receive an additional $1,000 stimulus check for their work during the coronavirus pandemic.
DeSantis says the state is expected to receive $9-$10 billion in stimulus spending from the federal government but at this time is only proposing to spend $4.1 billion in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
DeSantis says he knows a lot of strains were put on Florida first responders during the pandemic.
“EMT’s, sworn law enforcement, firefighters, we believe that we should recognize their sacrifice over the last year, so I am proposing a one-time $1,000 bonus payment to all first responders,” DeSantis said. “Fire, sworn law enforcement, EMTs, which totals about $208.4 million and will be administered by DEO.”
The governor went on to announce additional expenditures including $73.2 million to modernize the unemployment CONNECT system, $150 million for the Florida job growth grant fund, $50 million to boost tourism, and $50 million for road infrastructure.
The governor also wants to use some of that money to bail out the state’s struggling seaports.
