Race Day Live Governor Ron DeSantis is asking for $8.2 million to keep the Florida National Guard in state prisons until the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
This request is part of an effort to deal with ongoing staffing shortages and rising inmate numbers, which have put pressure on the state’s correctional system for more than two years.
The request was sent to the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, a group of lawmakers that handles mid-year budget changes. The commission is expected to review the proposal in an upcoming meeting.
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has been struggling to keep enough correctional officers on staff. Many positions remain vacant, forcing the agency to rely on overtime to keep prisons running.
The FDC stated that while hiring efforts have improved, recruits must go through a 13-week training program before they can take on full responsibilities. This has created a gap that the National Guard has been filling.
Governor DeSantis first deployed the National Guard in September 2022 due to the severe staff shortages.
Since then, he has extended their presence multiple times, with the latest extension running until June 9, 2024. The Guard has been helping keep prisons secure while new officers complete training.
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The budget request highlights the importance of the National Guard’s support.
According to officials, their presence has been crucial in maintaining order and allowing new hires to train without leaving prisons understaffed.
The $8.2 million would cover personnel and operational costs for the Guard’s deployment through June.
Despite recent improvements in hiring, the FDC is still facing challenges. The National Guard has provided much-needed relief, but the continued reliance on military personnel raises concerns about long-term staffing solutions.
The DeSantis administration has stressed that the Guard’s role is temporary and meant to bridge the gap until new officers are ready.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission will decide whether to approve the funding. If granted, the money will help keep National Guard troops in prisons for the next few months.
However, questions remain about how the state plans to address the staffing crisis in the long run and whether further extensions will be needed.
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