Here’s what Gov. Ron DeSantis said during his State of the State address

On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis laid out his agenda for this year’s legislative session discussing immigration, education, housing, and more.

“We have the opportunity and indeed the responsibility to swing for the fences so that we can ensure Florida remains number one,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis plans to work with lawmakers to get things done. For example, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s top priority is affordable housing. DeSantis promised he would work with her to get results for the working class.

“We defied the experts. We buck the elites. We ignored the chatter. We did it our way, the Florida way. And the result is that we are the number one destination for our fellow Americans who are looking for a better life,” DeSantis said.

During Tuesday’s Governor’s State of the State address, he talked about what he says puts Florida on top. Noting the Parental Rights in Education law banning instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in Kindergarten through third-grade classrooms.

DeSantis also discussed Florida’s growth.

“Florida is the fastest growing state in the nation. We ranked number one for net in migration, we ranked number one in the nation for new business formations. We are number one in economic growth amongst large states, Florida as more people employed today than before the pandemic,” DeSantis said.

Senator Lauren Book didn’t see it the same way.

“That is not freedom,” Book said.

In the Democratic response, Book accused DeSantis of ignoring what she called the “real issues,” Floridians face. A couple of examples are affordable housing for Florida’s workforce and high property insurance rates.

“When you look at how our legal system is set up, it is designed in the state of Florida to invite litigation rather than invite settlement. And you see that part of the reason we’ve had problems with property insurance, which we’ve addressed, we’re going to have to do more there,” DeSantis said.

But, DeSantis didn’t deny issues surrounding insurance and housing. Book said that since Republicans dominate the legislature, it was time for the GOP to do something.

“It’s true Florida’s economy is booming. But from the southernmost point to the Gulf Shores, working people continue to struggle. When Floridians can’t earn a living wage to create their own version of the American dream. It’s time to ask ourselves why when homeowners can afford property, health, and car insurance, with no relief in sight, it’s time to ask why,” Book said.

“I can promise you this,” DeSantis said. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

DeSantis noted in his State of the State address people who make the economy tick should be able to find a place to live that is ‘affordable’ in the area they work.

However, it could be a tall order considering what we know about the lack of affordable housing in Southwest Florida.

In a media Q and A after his address, DeSantis explained this will be the “most productive session the legislative session we’ve had.”