By: Mike Vasilinda | Capitol News Service

March 5, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CNS) -- Governor Ron DeSantis outlined his priorities and urged lawmakers to be bold during his first State of the State address to a joint session of the Florida legislature, but the next 59 days will test his deal making abilities.

With the daughter and son of one of the Groveland Four,

in the gallery, DeSantis congratulated lawmakers for apologizing two years ago.

“It’s never too late to do the right thing,” said DeSantis.

Then he encouraged lawmakers to be bold.

“I’ve also requested $2.5 billion over the next four years for water resource projects and for Everglades restoration,” said DeSantis.

The governor lobbied to end a 14,000 student-long waiting list for vouchers.

“Tax credit scholarship students are forty three percent more likely to attend a four year college,” said DeSantis.

He also wants a greater emphasis on vocational education.

“I propose a plan to take Florida from the middle of the pack to number one in workforce education by 2030,” said DeSantis.

The governor wants to give teachers a bonus, but no pay raise.

“That will reward more than 40,000 teachers with bonuses approaching $10,000,” said DeSantis.

The speech drew praise from some Democrats, something the previous governor seldom got.

“I was happy to hear the things he said on the environment,” said Rep. Joe Geller.

While the governor is still enjoying a honeymoon with Florida lawmakers, the next 59 days will test that.

On day one, friction is already building with the House over university funding, and the Senate is skeptical when it comes to the governor’s plans on health care.

Both could derail the good will, but in the end, all three need each other to be successful.

The governor is also asking lawmakers to protect Florida families by making sure immigrants here illegally don’t go back on the streets after being arrested.

He is supporting legislation that would withhold state funds from cities and counties which engage is sanctuary policies.

By: Associated Press

March 5, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' first State of the state address is a message calling for environmental protections, low taxes, big changes in education and safer schools.

The speech delivered Tuesday also serves as a list of what DeSantis has already accomplished in his first two months in office.

Included on that list is securing millions of dollars in federal aid to help Hurricane Michael recover, an aggressive plan to address problems with red tide and algae, the removal of Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel for his handling of the Parkland high school shootings that left 17 dead and appointing three Supreme Court justices.

He told lawmakers, "This is just the beginning."

He said lawmakers must be bold to accomplish a big agenda in the 60-day session that began Tuesday.

By: Associated Press

March 5, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will give his first State of the State address in a speech that's expected to focus on economic issues, the environment, education, public safety and government accountability.

Tuesday's speech follows a whirlwind pace of policy announcements since DeSantis took office two months ago. He's stressed the need to address algae blooms, red tide and rising sea levels, proposed major changes to the education system and demanded that medical marijuana be more accessible.

DeSantis has enjoyed positive approval ratings since taking office as he's pushed issues that transcend party politics. But, he's also stuck to conservative policy positions like opposing so-called sanctuary cities and pushing for an expansion of school vouchers.

The speech marks the

.