ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 State senators may soon argue over extending Florida\u2019s emergency fund because of its controversial use on immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n
The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a bill Monday that would keep the state\u2019s Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund active through the end of next year.<\/p>\n
The measure moves forward as lawmakers remain divided over using emergency disaster dollars to fund immigration enforcement efforts.<\/p>\n
According to state records, nearly $5 billion from the fund has been used to respond to hurricanes.<\/p>\n
However, the allocation of $600 million for immigration enforcement over the past three years has drawn criticism from opponents who argue the fund should be reserved for natural disasters.<\/p>\n
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund was established to provide the state with immediate capital during natural disasters. <\/p>\n
Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Republican from Indian Rocks Beach, spoke in favor of the extension during the committee meeting. He described the current state of immigration as a long-term national issue that necessitates state-level emergency funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that it\u2019s been pretty clear across this country that we\u2019ve had an immigration problem,\u201d DiCeglie said. \u201cWe had open borders for a number of years, which has created a significant crisis in our state and across our country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of oversight for funds unrelated to weather events. Sen. Tina Polsky, a Democrat from Boca Raton, questioned the classification of immigration enforcement as a state emergency.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can all agree that the natural disasters make sense, but shouldn\u2019t we have oversight into something that\u2019s a kind of a made-up emergency that\u2019s been going on for three years, with respect to immigration?\u201d Polsky said.<\/p>\n
State senators are expected to debate the bill further as it moves through the legislative process.<\/p>\n
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