DeSantis Doubles Down on Funding the Police, Gives $1,000 Bonuses to Law Enforcement Second Year in a Row

On Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders will be receiving $1,000 bonuses for the second year in a row.

In a press conference, Governor DeSantis said “Through the last year there was a lot of upheaval throughout our country in terms of supporting or not supporting the men and women in law enforcement.”

He continued by stating that “Unfortunately we saw municipalities across the country slash funding for the police. Withdraw a lot of support, not just financial but moral support. There were a lot of folks wearing the uniform that understandably didn’t think that the communities had their back.”

The governor then reasserted Florida’s commitment to law enforcement saying, “In Florida, we never backed down from our support of law enforcement, not one inch.”

In a statement, Governor DeSantis stated “These bonuses are a well-deserved recognition to our law enforcement and first responders for all they do for Florida.”

Additionally, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis stated “Whether it’s policing our streets or responding to devastating hurricanes, tornadoes or tragedies like the Surfside condo collapse, I’ve seen firsthand the daily sacrifices they make to keep us safe.

He continued by stating that “What our law enforcement and firefighters do is not just a job – it’s a calling – and thank God they answer that call. While other states turn a blind eye to the badge, we are proud to support these heroes. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for your nonstop support of Florida’s first responders.”

Last year, Governor DeSantis began to give out bonuses to law enforcement after the Defund the Police movement took root in some parts of the country. At the time he stated that “While other states defund their police, in Florida, we will always support our law enforcement.”

Now just six months later, Governor DeSantis continues to show his support for first responders with him tweeting that “We depend on our first responders to serve and protect, no matter the emergency. These $1,000 bonuses are a token of our appreciation for all they do for our state every day.”