Florida's local jurisdictions and public universities are embracing Governor Ron DeSantis' newly established state-level DOGE Task Force.
This acceptance is demonstrated through formal resolutions, the formation of independent committees, and the allocation of additional resources to support the initiative.
As reported by Fox News, Governor DeSantis announced the launch of "Florida DOGE" in February, a program akin to the federal initiative spearheaded by Elon Musk. The audit, which employs artificial intelligence among other tools, aims to uncover concealed waste, scrutinize state university and college operations and spending, abolish "redundant" boards or commissions, and investigate entities' expenditure habits.
The initiative's ultimate goal is to ensure financial compliance with all state laws, offer recommendations, and refer any necessary cases to the appropriate enforcement agencies.
Following the announcement, the governor in March issued official directives to various counties, municipalities, and public colleges and universities, seeking their commitment to comply with the audit. The directive also mandated the appointment of a representative to serve as the primary liaison throughout the initiative.
In response, several of Florida's most significant jurisdictions and public institutions, including Hillsborough County, the City of Jacksonville, and Florida Atlantic University, have expressed their readiness to comply with the audit. Their commitment is demonstrated through the passage of formal resolutions and the establishment of independent committees to bolster the governor's initiative.
"Completing this DOGE audit is a no-brainer when you consider the inefficiencies weve already stumbled across like old, forgotten bank accounts sitting there with millions of dollars just gathering dust," stated Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal, who played a crucial role in passing the resolution affirming the county's willingness to participate.
In Jacksonville, the city has formed a "Duval DOGE" task force, which has already initiated meetings and is focusing on capital improvement projects worth tens of millions of dollars that have been dormant since 2023. The task force also launched a website this week to monitor the progress of the ongoing audit.
However, not all residents are supportive of the initiative. "DOGE is a misnomer, catchy misnomer for lets see what we can take away from the working class, the needy, the elderly. We dont need it," voiced Duval County resident Russell Harper during a city hall meeting discussing the new "Duval DOGE" committee. Other residents echoed Harper's sentiments, arguing that the "Duval DOGE" lacked sufficient Democratic representation and was merely a ploy to curry favor with political elites.
The audit will also encompass Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public colleges and universities. The governors DOGE task force is committed to ensuring that no state funds are allocated to these programs, aligning with a resolution passed by the state board of education last year that prohibits such spending.
"Florida was DOGE before DOGE was cool," quipped DeSantis spokesperson Brian Wright in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Over the past five years, Florida, under Governor Ron DeSantis, has eliminated dozens of unnecessary boards, lifted needless regulations, and reduced spending. Florida has paid down 41% of our states debt, strengthened our economy, and increased our rainy-day fund by nearly $10 billion all without raising taxes."
Wostal echoed this sentiment, arguing that the new DOGE audit is a more effective solution than simply increasing taxes to fund necessary services. "Instead of the knee-jerk response of raising taxes putting even more strain on already stretched households its time for the government to turn the lens inward," he said.
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