Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) shocked many when he cut $32 million from the state budget that would have otherwise gone to arts and culture organizations in the state. The move incited a swift response from groups and lawmakers alike, and one lawmaker is now hoping to lead the charge in the upcoming session. State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) is making it a top priority to restore funding for the arts.
During an appearance on Political Connections, a weekly local and state politics show hosted by Ybeth Bruzual, the state senator shared some of his priorities as a member of the state senate. “We’re certainly gonna be advocating for more affordable housing dollars,” the state senator commented, calling it a top priority of his. Aside from affordable housing, state Senator Smith also wants to restore full funding for arts and culture groups, noting that it’s especially important for Orlando.
“We have to restore funding for the arts (after DeSantis’ job-killing veto). That’s going to be a key priority for me on the Senate Appropriations Committee because of the impact on Central Florida and the JOBS that we know these arts groups are creating here.” [email protected]/lOUIrANLjY…