Gov. DeSantis Signs 2020-21 State Budget Into Law
Thursday, Jul 02, 2020
This week, Gov. DeSantis took action on the fiscal year 2020-2021 General Appropriations Act (
HB 5001
) by signing the state budget into law. The new state budget totals $92.2 billion and was adjusted to provide flexibility given the recent economic volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In terms of higher education, I was heartened by the Governor’s protection of the $560 million State University System Performance Based Funding, which has become crucial to our system and its continued operation. I also am pleased to report that the $26.1 million in Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds FAU received for the Jupiter Research Building ($11.1 million) and Henderson Replacement Facility remained in the budget, and the projects will be funded in full. Both projects are “shovel-ready,” and this funding will allow FAU to make an immediate economic impact on our region as we help get our state back to full operation. In addition to the PECO funding, the $2 million in recurring operational support that FAU received also remained in the budget.
Through his budget announcement, Gov. DeSantis also initiated a plan to hold back six percent of state agency allocations in the 2020-21 fiscal year. This is intended to curtail state agency spending during the upcoming fiscal year, to allow for a review of state services and programs. This holdback does include the State University System, which means a reduction of approximately $13 million to FAU for the coming year. We will begin developing a process shortly to adjust our budget to account for this reduction.
I extend our thanks and appreciation to our Board of Trustees, the Governor, and the local, state and federal officials, who work tirelessly to help FAU and our community. This continues to be an incredibly challenging time for us all, but our teamwork and commitment to this institution and the students it serves give me great hope for the future.
As a reminder, FAU will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Please stay safe, and enjoy the holiday weekend.
In terms of higher education, I was heartened by the Governor’s protection of the $560 million State University System Performance Based Funding, which has become crucial to our system and its continued operation. I also am pleased to report that the $26.1 million in Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds FAU received for the Jupiter Research Building ($11.1 million) and Henderson Replacement Facility remained in the budget, and the projects will be funded in full. Both projects are “shovel-ready,” and this funding will allow FAU to make an immediate economic impact on our region as we help get our state back to full operation. In addition to the PECO funding, the $2 million in recurring operational support that FAU received also remained in the budget.
Through his budget announcement, Gov. DeSantis also initiated a plan to hold back six percent of state agency allocations in the 2020-21 fiscal year. This is intended to curtail state agency spending during the upcoming fiscal year, to allow for a review of state services and programs. This holdback does include the State University System, which means a reduction of approximately $13 million to FAU for the coming year. We will begin developing a process shortly to adjust our budget to account for this reduction.
I extend our thanks and appreciation to our Board of Trustees, the Governor, and the local, state and federal officials, who work tirelessly to help FAU and our community. This continues to be an incredibly challenging time for us all, but our teamwork and commitment to this institution and the students it serves give me great hope for the future.
As a reminder, FAU will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Please stay safe, and enjoy the holiday weekend.