In an Orlando appearance earlier Dec. 10, DeSantis released budget recommendations for the state. He told reporters that the state’s rainy day fund is now maxed under state law and Florida has paid down half of its outstanding debt.
Watch video from the press conference below
More: DeSantis seeks $117B Florida budget with boost for teacher pay
The governor also mentioned his proposed artificial intelligence bill of rights and the problems of resource-hungry data centers. “Obviously we’re not going to allow them to take away from rate-payers, make them poay more for that,” he said. But he also said the growing trend of using AI could be a danger to teachers.
DeSantis’ recommendations include “a record $1.56 billion solely for teacher pay increases.” DeSantis blamed teacher unions in some districts of withholding funds for raises as political bargaining chips.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis offers plans for his upcoming state budget