Here is an open letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
I was pleased with what I saw in Tallahassee when you were first elected. However, something has changed, and, as my governor, I respectfully ask that you answer the following concerns without excuses or diversion, just plain reasoning.
• Why did you find it necessary to divert so much funding from our public schools to private schools? The estimated per-pupil diversion from state funds for getting the FES vouchers averages $8,833, while state aid to public schools averages $4,405 per pupil. Our public schools are currently ranked nationally 21st in 2025 including academic performance, funding, safety, class size, and instructor credentials. Why is it that 7 out of 10 vouchers are awarded to those who never attended public schools, but only private schools?
• Why did our Florida government transparency drop from being tied 1st in 2019 to current 31st in Truth.
• Why did you create so many obstacles limiting voter access to the ballot, especially for the marginalized communities? Please don’t use immigration. We have many minority immigrant communities eligible to vote, but you’ve made it harder for them, especially with registering, redlining new districts to create more GOP dominant districts and the new hours for both early and general voting.
• Why have you allowed Florida big insurance to raise rates prohibitive to the low-income families preventing them from achieving the American dream of owning their own home?
• How can you cage men, women and children in the Everglades, most of whom are not criminals but hard-working people who pay taxes and then you brag about it?
• Last question, what happened to the $10 million that you took from the Medicare Funds and gave to your wife’s foundation?
Is this the legacy you wish to leave for your children and grandchildren to continually live under?
I look forward to your response. I know that you are busy, but I truly hope that you personally are given the chance to both read and respond to this inquiry.
Respectfully,
Judy Stuart
Judy Stuart is a resident of the Village of Virginia Trace.