Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced a budget proposal on Thursday that includes plans to establish a militia that would answer solely to him.
Unlike the Florida National Guard, the Florida State Guard wouldn’t receive federal funding or embark on federal missions.
DeSantis wants to use $3.5 million of the $100 million budget proposal to fund the state guard he said will “not be encumbered to the federal government.”
The guard, made up of up to 200 volunteers, would support the Florida National Guard during state emergencies, the proposal says.
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“The $3.5 million to establish the Florida State Guard will enable civilians to be trained in the best emergency response techniques. By establishing the Florida State Guard, Florida will become the 23rd state with a state guard recognized by the federal government.”
DeSantis’ proposal isn’t completely outside of the norm. There are 22 states who currently have defense forces independent from the National Guard.
However, DeSantis’ track record, including violently quelling protesters has some Democrats sounding the alarm over the governor’s plan.
“No Governor should have his own handpicked secret police,” said Rep. Charlie Crist, who represents Florida’s 13th District in Congress.
