UnidosUS Florida State Director Jared Nordlund on today’s Florida State of the State Address
“Today, Governor Ron DeSantis took to the podium for his 2025 State of the State address, painting a picture of Florida that simply does not exist. He claimed our state is ‘number one in the country’ for economic prosperity, education and quality of life. Yet, his words ring hollow for millions of Floridians struggling under the weight of skyrocketing food, housing and health care costs.
“The governor’s celebration of a mere 6% decrease in car insurance premiums is insulting when rates have doubled under his leadership, leaving Florida with the highest auto insurance premiums in the nation.
“He continues to push tax breaks on guns and ammunition, calling it ‘Second Amendment Summer.’ At the same time, nearly 800,000 children in Florida go hungry each summer because his administration refused to accept federal food assistance. Rather than addressing the real causes of food insecurity, his policies exacerbate them.
“DeSantis’ latest scheme to eliminate property taxes threatens the very services that keep our communities safe and functioning. These taxes fund schools, fire departments, police, trash pickup and safety on our roads and in our waters, among other essential services. Eliminating them will drive local governments into financial ruin, allowing the state to seize more control — a blatant attack on home rule and local democracy.
“He touted school choice as a solution for children with autism and special needs while simultaneously making it nearly impossible for families to access Medicaid to cover the necessary services. The hypocrisy is staggering.
“The reality is stark: Florida ranks near the bottom in education metrics, health care access and cost-of-living affordability. Food prices rose by 7%, health care by 5% and housing by 12% last year alone.
“Florida leads the country in housing-burdened renters and has the second-highest ratio of median rent to income. Meanwhile, his anti-consumer economic policies — including forthcoming tariffs on key trade partners like Mexico and Canada — will only worsen the crisis.
“After six years of inaction and mismanagement, Governor DeSantis still refuses to acknowledge the truth. By the way, where was the update on his much-hyped DOGE initiative? Just weeks ago, DeSantis promised a major push on this program — yet today, there was not a single mention of it. Was it just another empty headline grab? Floridians deserve answers, not political theater.”
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