Tallahassee, Fla. — The State of Florida’s 2020-2021 budget was signed by the governor. As COVID-19 cases increase, and the pandemic causes state revenue shortfalls and funding needs for response efforts across the board, $1 billion in cuts was announced from projects for affordable housing, education, social services, and more. Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement:
“During this unprecedented global pandemic, we knew difficult decisions had to be made and spending rolled back. However, some of the programs that saw their resources slashed are crucial to the lives of Florida’s children and working families. Key funding was cut from programs supporting affordable housing, at-risk and blind children, heath care workers, employment for young adults transitioning out of our foster care system, and a program to raise awareness on systemic inequalities faced by Black and Brown children. And while our teachers finally got the raises they have earned, it’s disappointing that so many important initiatives which could make an impact in communities across our state were left on the chopping block.”
