Hearing this new move from Gov. Ron DeSantis, Democrats went full panic and are screaming in horror.
Included in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newly proposed military budget is a plan to reestablish the Florida State Guard.
During a press conference in Sarasota Thursday, DeSantis decided to “re-establish the Florida State Guard to assist our National Guard in state-specific emergencies.” This would help increase the state’s quick response capability during times of emergency, DeSantis noted.
Further, the mothballed force will be reactivated to “assist local law enforcement in situations that are prevented by the federal government.”
DeSantis said a budget he will propose next week for the 2022 legislative session will include $3.5 million to re-establish the Florida State Guard, which was a defense force set up during World War II to replace Florida National Guard members who were deployed abroad.
I am proposing more than $100 million for our National Guard, active-duty military and veterans, and to re-establish the Florida State Guard to assist our National Guard in state-specific emergencies.
I am committed to supporting our military and keeping our state safe.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 2, 2021
DeSantis said during an appearance at the Pensacola National Guard Armory:
“This funding will support the necessary training, equipment and other support functions for up to 200 members who can aid in the response to hurricanes, natural disasters and other state emergencies. We want to be able to have a quick response capability. And re-establishing the Florida State Guard will allow civilians from all over the state to be trained in the best emergency-response techniques and have the ability to mobilize very, very quickly.”
The unit has been inactive since 1947 but remains in law as the Florida State Defense Force. Having dedicated Florida forces “will enable civilians to be trained in the best emergency response techniques.” They’ll soon be the “23rd state with a state guard recognized by the federal government.”
DeSantis said his budget requests also will include $87.5 million to expand the National Guard’s Miramar Readiness Center and to build three new armories across the state.
An additional $8.9 million would go to upgrading armories. Another $2.2 million is being sought to build a new headquarters for the guard’s counter-drug program.
Also, DeSantis wants $5.1 million to support members of the guard seeking higher education and $12.2 million to go to scholarships for children and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans.
One progressive in Texas noted that the “Texas State Guard isn’t an armed force and doesn’t have any law enforcement authority.”
Just because there are others out there doesn’t mean liberals aren’t whining about it. Well too bad for them, then.
Source: TheGOPTimes
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