LGBTQ advocates in Florida are calling Gov. DeSantis 'heartless' in the wake of funding cuts that they say strip mental health resources for survivors of the Pulse nightclub massacre and other support systems for the community.
George A. Wallace, the center's executive director, said 2020's veto of $45,000 for mental health counseling at the center was expected, but this year's $150,000 cut"stings" in light of a report from Equality Florida that the state has a record budget surplus of $6.6 billion this year due to the American Rescue Plan.
"Yesterday marked the first day of Pride Month and Governor DeSantis has once again proved that he is one of the most homophobic and transphobic Governors in the United States," he said.“This money would have helped LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, physical and sexual abuse, and drug abuse,” executive director Heather Wilkie said.
Democratic state Rep. Carlos Smith, the state's first openly gay Latino legislator, shared his dismay on Twitter. "VETOING funds for LGBTQ homeless youth is indefensible," he wrote."VETOING funding for @pulseorlando survivors days before the 5 year remembrance is heartless."
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