Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has announced recommendations for Florida to invest $100 million in cancer research. However, Florida lawmakers have proposed healthcare budgets that do not meet the $100 million threshold.
“Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Florida,” Ron DeSantis said on Twitter. “I have recommended to the Legislature $100 million for cancer research so we can fight this terrible disease.”
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Florida.
I have recommended to the Legislature $100 million for cancer research so we can fight this terrible disease.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 4, 2022
Last month, Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis visited Nemours Children’s Hospital, where they unveiled the plan.
“I’m proud of Governor DeSantis’ proposed historic $100 million investment to fight cancer in Florida — this funding will enhance the quality and competitiveness of cancer treatment across the state,” said Casey DeSantis. “Florida’s top-rated cancer institutions, such as Nemours Specialty Care Clinic, take a patient-centered, quality care approach, as demonstrated by Ms. Craver. She is well-deserving of today’s recognition for her more than twenty-five years of bringing joy to kids undergoing treatment.”
The money would be used to advance research at three Florida-based cancer institutes: Moffitt Cancer Center, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and University of Florida Health Cancer Center through the Florida Consortium of National Cancer Institute (NCI) Centers Program.
DeSantis’ requested increase in funding would be a 59 percent increase in healthcare funding, but the Florida House proposed an early healthcare budget totaling $47.1 billion, and the Florida Senate proposed $47.8 billion. Neither plan includes the increase DeSantis requested.
Casey DeSantis took to Twitter echoing her husband’s tweet.
“@GovRonDeSantis’ nearly 60% increase for cancer research and care will fund institutions that are developing innovative solutions to save lives in Florida — the $100 million in the Governor’s recommended budget will help Florida continue to lead in the fight against cancer,” Casey DeSantis said.
.@GovRonDeSantis' nearly 60% increase for cancer research and care will fund institutions that are developing innovative solutions to save lives in Florida — the $100 million in the Governor’s recommended budget will help Florida continue to lead in the fight against cancer. https://t.co/PhI88pWg2S
— Casey DeSantis (@FLCaseyDeSantis) February 4, 2022
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo extended his support for Ron DeSantis’ plan back in December when the first lady originally touted the $100 million figure.
“The Florida Department of Health fully supports the first lady and governor in their request for comprehensive funding to support the Florida Consortium of National Cancer Institute Centers Program,” said Ladapo. “Florida’s cancer institutes are critical in providing treatment that saves the lives of patients with cancer. This funding will also continue supporting advancements in cancer research and treatments that can potentially lead to new cures. Thank you for your continued dedication to protecting Floridians now and into the future.”
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
