Navigation Proposed 2023-24 budget includes 150% hike for governor’s litigation expenses
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2023-24 state budget includes a 150 percent spike in anticipated litigation expenses to defend against lawsuits challenging the governor on multiple issues, including congressional redistricting and the transportation of migrants to other states.
Under the proposal, which was released last week, the litigation budget for the Executive Office of the Governor would go from $1.6 million for the current fiscal year to $4 million in 2023-24. Under the plan, the additional funds would be used to hire outside attorneys to deal with litigation deadlines and filings.
“The department has legal staff and resources to handle ongoing lawsuits,” an explanation in the budget recommendations states. “However, in recent years, the department has been involved in a large number of time-sensitive, short-deadline cases, and the resources required to effectively handle the litigation duties have necessitated hiring outside counsel.”
