By The newspaper
05 Feb 2024, 21:18 PM EST
The Republican governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, today revealed his collaboration with the state legislature to promote a law that prohibits “camping on streets, sidewalks and parks” in the state’s cities. The proposal, aimed at addressing the growing problem of homelessness, seeks not only to restrict activity in public places, but also to increase funding for homeless shelters.
At a press conference in Miami Beach, DeSantis stated emphatically: “We cannot allow any city in Florida to become like San Francisco, where homelessness, drugs and crime have decimated the quality of life, harmed the economy. and eroded freedom.”
The governor of Florida, who withdrew from the Republican primary on January 21, highlighted his commitment to policies that promote responsibility and community safety, contrasting the situation with what he described as “dangerous policies” in California.
The governor’s initiative includes not only a ban on public camping, but also increased funding for homeless shelters. In addition, it is proposed to require the occupants of these shelters to refrain from using drugs.
The measure also provides for a significant increase in funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment, according to a statement issued by DeSantis’ office.
Mayors support the initiative
The mayor of tourist Miami Beach, Steven Meiner, supported the initiative, noting that since the implementation of a similar ordinance last October “we have seen more homeless people use the available beds in the shelters and, therefore, receive the services they need.”
Meiner highlighted the effectiveness of the local measure and expressed hope that the state proposal would have similar results.
The bill, which must be approved by the Rules Committee before reaching the Senate floor, also contains provisions that would encourage individuals and businesses to file lawsuits if local governments do not comply with established rules.
These legal incentives could open a new front in the fight against homelessness in Florida, by putting additional pressure on local authorities to ensure compliance with proposed provisions.
With information from EFE.
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