TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A record $91.1 billion spending plan for next fiscal year will soon be formally transmitted to Governor Ron DeSantis.
The budget includes more than just big-ticket issues such as education funding, health-care costs and road projects. One smaller spending decision would allow county election supervisors to draw from a $2.8 million grant to continue cybersecurity improvements in advance of the 2020 presidential election.
County supervisors, in part, would be required to provide detailed descriptions of the programs being implemented. Leon County supervisor of Elections Mark Earley says cybersecurity must be addressed every year.
“Our ability to combat the threat gets better. Our understanding of the threat gets better every year, but also the threat is evolving every year. So, it is an ongoing battle," said Earley.
Supervisors hope to get access to the funds soon, as Florida’s 2020 presidential preference primary is just over 10 months away.
