Democrats Want to "Defund the Police"; DeSantis Funds the Police and Stops Rioters

Earlier today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed anti-riot legislation into law. HB 1 was proposed in response to the civil unrest experienced across the country over the past year. The legislation was a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls for the 2021 Legislative Session.

As reported by Florida Politics:

HB 1 stiffens penalties against violent protest, including so-called “mob intimidation.”

“You’re going to be held accountable,” DeSantis said.

Arguably DeSantis’ signature bill this Legislative Session, the legislation requires those arrested for street violence to stay in jail until first appearance, and also protects police budgets from cuts by allowing local lawmakers to appeal proposed reductions to the Governor and his Cabinet.

Under the law, state attorneys and members of governing bodies who object to reducing operational budgets of municipal law enforcement agencies can appeal to the state Administration Commission, made up of the Governor, the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer and the Agriculture Commissioner.

“This bill actually prevents against local government defunding law enforcement. We’ll be able to stop it at the state level,” DeSantis said. “It’s an insane theory. It’s not going to be allowed to ever carry the day in the state of Florida.”

The bill is being enacted at a poignant time. Just this weekend, Minnesota National Guardsmen were fired upon while activated due to public safety concerns surrounding the Derek Chauvin Trial. The unrest over the trial and other recent police-involved shootings has extended to several major cities including the nation's capital.

At HB 1's signing, Governor DeSantis and other state leaders made it clear that such behavior is not welcome in Florida.

While Democrats want to defund the police, DeSantis and Republican leaders fund the police and stop rioters.