DeSantis returns nearly $1 billion in federal funds

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida announced that he is returning nearly $1 billion in federal funds. He claimed this move supports Florida's stance against what he calls federal "DOGE efforts." However, the money he is returning was either turned down in the past or never requested. DeSantis shared this news on social media after meeting with Elon Musk in Washington, D.C. He stated that Florida has been trying to return federal funds due to conditions he believes are imposed by the Biden administration. Critics argue that not accepting the funds is a loss for Florida taxpayers. The federal funds could have been used for reducing carbon emissions and assisting legal refugees, primarily from Cuba and Haiti. Representative Anna Eskamani pointed out that rejecting this money means taxpayers lose out on resources that could have benefited them. Florida receives substantial federal funding each year, which covers around 37% of the state’s revenue. DeSantis's administration has previously turned down about $11 billion in federal aid, citing ideological reasons. Among the returned funds is $320.4 million that was refused in December 2023. This funding would have helped improve highway facilities and address climate change issues. The other portion of the returned funds includes $557.7 million intended for refugee social services. Florida had received $1.2 billion for these services, which help support refugees with housing and healthcare. Critics, like Eskamani, say that these decisions are politically motivated and harm Florida's growing refugee communities.