Final preparations are underway in Tallahassee ahead of Governor-Elect Ron DeSantis inauguration as Florida’s 46th governor. The theme for the inauguration, according to the DeSantis camp, is “Bold Vision for a Brighter Future”, and one of his priorities appears to be keeping the current economic policies in place in Florida.
The chairman for the Duval County Republican Party, Dean Black, says one change you could see once DeSantis becomes governor is with education. He says parents are going to have more choices with Charter Schools and DeSantis will make it a point to increase vocational training.
“It’s possible for people to get an education, not emerge burdened by debt, and be able to step out into a really good job.” Black says.
Black says DeSantis will also make it a priority to clean up the water in the state by starting with Lake Okeechobee and the green algae in that area and help communities to get off septic systems.
“I think they’ll end up looking at communities where they can assist them with getting people on city sewer, so that waste is properly treated and doesn’t go into septic systems.” Black says.
Another big decision DeSantis will have to make is the appointment of three Florida Supreme Court Justices. Three have been forced to leave the court because of age limits. Black believes DeSantis will choose three conservatives to the court.
“Some of the candidates there are relatively young, and the mandatory age of retirement has just changed, and they could spend a very long time on the court.” Black says.
While DeSantis is getting ready for the inauguration, WOKV checked in with Democratic State Senator Audrey Gibson to see what policies Democrats in the state senate could have as DeSantis begins his time as governor. She tells us some of the policies they have discussed are improving teachers’ salaries, fighting the opioid epidemic, and helping to develop small businesses among other things.
WOKV will be bringing you updates on DeSantis’ inauguration through Wednesday.