Pandemic could nix new environmental funding

TALLAHASSEE – Even before the Florida Legislature adjourned on March 19 after adopting a $93.2 billion fiscal 2021 budget, there was ambient recognition the COVID-19 pandemic would require revisions in a spending plan built on revenues that will fall short of projections.

The expectation was – and still is – lawmakers will return to Tallahassee for a special session to assess the damage to the budget before it goes into effect July 1.

But Gov. Ron DeSantis now says his veto pen may preempt the need for a special session.

The pandemic “may require me to exercise a lot of vetoes, and there may be vetoes on things I personally support,” he said Thursday. “I’m going to have to look hard at what is absolutely necessary and what things we can punt until next time.”