With the 2022 midterm elections now on the horizon, many Democrats are trying to make the Florida gubernatorial election a referendum on Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL). However, in a newly released video, DeSantis appears to be promoting Florida's $1,000 bonuses and treatment of law enforcement.
Ever since the Summer of 2020, police departments across the country have been victims of mass politicization after the wrongful death of George Floyd. Big cities such as Portland saw massive budget cuts, which local governments are now backtracking, almost two years later.
Florida however, has at large remained loyal to local law enforcement with the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis. In a recent Tweet DeSantis wrote, "While other states defund their police, Florida continues to support our law enforcement - that's why we gave our officers $1,000 bonuses this year.":
While other states defund their police, Florida continues to support our law enforcement – that’s why we gave our officers $1,000 bonuses this year. pic.twitter.com/o1AwSYbSXw
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 26, 2021
The governor also released a video along with his pro-police comments, that many have interpreted as a campaign video going into his re-election bid this coming year.
DeSantis not only touched on his recent bonuses to law enforcement but also made clear that these bonuses apply to, "fire and EMTs, our first responders, police officers and folks who wear the uniform," the governor also took a jab at social distancing regulations, adding that, "you really can't do that on Zoom. You got to be out there, you got to be responding, and so I really think they've been leaders in these communities."
Not only did the governor flaunt his record on law and order, but also gave commentary on, "law enforcement being treated very poorly throughout the country," adding that, "we showed our appreciation here in the state of Florida for the folks that wear the uniform."
The DeSantis administration has been more than active as of recently in terms of beefing up the quality of local law enforcement across the state. Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) in efforts to combat the crime surge across the nation, has established a database to curb retail thefts from occurring. The Attorney General has also unveiled the, "Be a Florida Hero Initiative," to incentivize more police officer candidates to move to Florida.
