DeSantis wants to cut 1,000 jobs, but asks for $1 million to sue over Florida State's football snub

TALAHASSEE, Fla. — Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis recommended Florida cut more than 1,000 state jobs in a spending proposal released Tuesday that cuts the current budget by more than $4.6 billion while keeping popular sales tax exemptions.

DeSantis is calling for a budget of $114.4 billion. Unlike in previous years, the presidential candidate announced his budget far from the Capitol during a news conference at a charter school on Marco Island in southwest Florida.

Instead of explaining which jobs he wants to eliminate, DeSantis spent more time highlighting past achievements and lamenting the decision to eliminate the undefeated Florida State University Seminoles from the college football championship playoffs.

DeSantis said he is asking for $1 million to have FSU sue the College Football Playoff committee even if the championship is decided months before a budget is approved.

“My first-grader, my fifth-grader and my kindergartner… they're all 'noles' and they're big fans and they do the tomahawk chop and they weren't happy,” DeSantis said. “We're going to set aside $1 million and let the chips fall where they may.”

DeSantis also recommends more than $1 billion in tax cuts, including a repeat of sales tax exemptions for school and hurricane supplies and for recreational activities.

DeSantis' recommendation is simply a suggestion to the Legislature, which begins its annual session next month. Once the Legislature agrees on a spending plan, DeSantis has the power to veto individual items.