Gov. DeSantis' new DOGE task force gains momentum as universities, localities commit to being audited
Local jurisdictions and public universities in Florida are latching on to Gov. Ron DeSantis' new state-level DOGE Task Force, including through formal resolutions, independent committees and additional resources supporting the new initiative.
DeSantis announced the creation of "Florida DOGE" in February, a program similar to the one led at the federal level by Elon Musk. The audit intends to utilize artificial intelligence and other measures to uncover hidden waste, review state university and college operations and spending, eliminate "redundant" boards or commissions, and examine entities' spending habits. The initiative intends to ensure financial compliance with all state laws, provide recommendations and submit referrals to the appropriate enforcement agencies when necessary.
The governor subsequently sent out official guidance in March to various counties and municipalities, as well as to public colleges and universities, requesting they confirm their willingness to comply with the audit. The guidance also ordered the appointment of a proxy to be the primary point of contact throughout the initiative.
Democratic Senator States He 'Does Not Believe' Doge Is Tackling Waste In Federal Agencies
In response, some of Florida's largest jurisdictions and public institutions – like Hillsborough County, the City of Jacksonville, and Florida Atlantic University – have signaled their willingness to comply with the audit. Their efforts include passing formal resolutions and creating independent committees to support the governor's initiative.
"Completing this DOGE audit is a no-brainer when you consider the inefficiencies we've already stumbled across – like old, forgotten bank accounts sitting there with millions of dollars just gathering dust," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal, who helped spearhead the resolution affirming the county's willingness to open its doors.
Read On The Fox News App
In Jacksonville, the city created a "Duval DOGE" task force that has already begun conducting meetings and is zeroing in on tens of millions of dollars in capital improvement projects that have sat idle since 2023, according to WJXT Channel 4 in Jacksonville. This week, the "Duval DOGE" task force also launched a website to track the work being done with the ongoing audit.
Elon Musk Says Doge Will Investigate 'Strangely Wealthy' Lawmakers: 'Nobody Can Explain That'
However, while residents in Jacksonville have been supportive of the effort, others have pushed back.
"DOGE is a misnomer, catchy misnomer for let's see what we can take away from the working class, the needy, the elderly. We don't need it," Duval County resident Russell Harper said during a city hall meeting about the new "Duval DOGE" committee. Other residents complained that the "Duval DOGE" lacked adequate Democratic representation and was just an effort to gain favor with political elites.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public colleges and universities will also be part of the audit. The governor's DOGE task force aims to ensure that no state funds support these programs, in line with a resolution passed by the state board of education last year prohibiting such spending.
Florida DOGE also intends to "abolish" 70 redundant boards and commissions around the state, per a February press release from the governor's office announcing the new audits.
"Florida was DOGE before DOGE was cool," DeSantis spokesperson Brian Wright said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Over the past five years, Florida, under Governor Ron DeSantis, has eliminated dozens of unnecessary boards, lifted needless regulations, and reduced spending. Florida has paid down 41% of our state's debt, strengthened our economy, and increased our rainy-day fund by nearly $10 billion – all without raising taxes."
Wostal said the new DOGE audit was a better response than just raising taxes to pay for needed services.
"Instead of the knee-jerk response of raising taxes – putting even more strain on already stretched households – it's time for the government to turn the lens inward," he said.Original article source: Gov. DeSantis' new DOGE task force gains momentum as universities, localities commit to being audited
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
36 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
ZA Miner Introduces Intelligent Cloud Mining Platform for 2025, Capitalizing on Bitcoin Halving Momentum and Market Growth
London, UK, June 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZA Miner Introduces Intelligent Cloud Mining Platform for 2025, Capitalizing on Bitcoin Halving Momentum and Market Growth Platform leverages simplified mining contracts, smart infrastructure, and accessible rewards to drive passive income for global users London, UK– As Bitcoin's 2024 halving continues to influence mining profitability and blockchain upgrades reshape the crypto landscape, ZA Miner has launched a next-generation cloud mining service, designed to offer users a smarter, lower-risk path to digital asset earnings. Focusing on simplicity, performance, and accessibility, the ZA Miner platform enables users to mine major cryptocurrencies like BTC, DOGE, and LTC without needing technical knowledge or hardware, unlocking passive income opportunities during a pivotal moment for the industry. Cloud Mining, Simplified and Rewarding ZA Miner's platform streamlines the entire mining experience through pre-configured smart contracts, which automatically allocate computing power, calculate earnings in real time, and process daily payouts. Users can now take advantage of crypto's upward momentum without navigating the complexities of traditional mining setups. At the center of this launch is ZA Miner's $100 trial bonus, available to all new users. This limited-time offer enables users to experience real cloud mining operations with no investment required—an ideal entry point into the market. Positioned for 2025's Crypto Upswing With the Bitcoin halving reducing supply issuance and projects like Ethereum continuing to advance network scalability, 2025 is poised to be a landmark year for blockchain adoption and token value. ZA Miner's cloud infrastructure is strategically designed to harness this growth while minimizing individual risk. 'As the industry enters a new phase of expansion, we're focused on making crypto mining more inclusive,' said a ZA Miner representative. 'Our platform allows everyday users to earn crypto daily—without the learning curve or upfront hardware costs.' Transparent Contracts and Steady ROI Users can select from a range of contract durations and investment levels, each offering predictable daily income and clear terms. The intuitive dashboard allows for real-time monitoring of earnings, mining performance, and wallet activity. All contracts include automated withdrawals, multi-currency mining support, and a secure earnings environment, backed by data centers optimized for efficiency and uptime. Affiliate Growth Model and Global Accessibility In addition to smart contracts, ZA Miner now supports a referral-based affiliate program that rewards users for sharing the platform with others. Commissions are earned based on the mining activity of referred users, providing a second layer of passive income potential. Currently available in over 150 countries, ZA Miner continues to expand its presence across Asia, North America, and Europe, offering multilingual support and seamless registration for all users. ZA Miner's Core Advantages: Free $100 trial miner with no upfront deposit with no upfront deposit Real-time earnings from Bitcoin and other top coins from Bitcoin and other top coins Flexible contracts with stable daily returns with stable daily returns User-friendly interface and mobile access and mobile access Scalable infrastructure tuned to 2025's crypto cycle As digital currencies evolve, ZA Miner offers a future-ready cloud mining platform that brings real earning power to users worldwide, without complexity or risk. To explore contract options or register for the free trial, visit: About ZA Miner ZA FUNDINGS LTD ZA Miner, established in 2020 and based in the UK, delivers advanced cloud mining services backed by renewable energy and enterprise-grade security. The company's goal is to build an inclusive, sustainable mining network that empowers global users to participate in digital asset ecosystems efficiently and responsibly. Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Axios
38 minutes ago
- Axios
Trump has not called Walz following shooting of Minnesota lawmakers
President Trump has not called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz more than 24 hours after a prominent Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband were killed in what officials have described as a "politically motivated assassination." The big picture: Saturday's fatal shooting of Minnesota House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman has exacerbated bipartisan security concerns among elected officials amid a volatile political landscape. Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman were injured in a separate shooting at their home on Saturday. What we're hearing: Walz spokesperson Teddy Tschann confirmed to Axios that the governor had not heard from the president directly as of early Sunday afternoon. Walz spoke to both Vice President Vance and former President Biden on Saturday, Tschann said. The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. What he's saying: When asked by ABC News Sunday morning whether he planned to reach out to the Democratic governor, the president criticized Walz but left the door open to a conversation. "Well, it's a terrible thing. I think he's a terrible governor. I think he's a grossly incompetent person. But I may, I may call him, I may call other people too," he told ABC's Rachel Scott. On Saturday, Trump condemned the shooting as "horrific," saying such violence "will not be tolerated in the United States of America." Context: Law enforcement say 57-year-old Vance Boelter posed as a police officer when he killed Hortman and her husband in their suburban Twin Cities home early Saturday. Boelter is also wanted in connection with a separate shooting that wounded Hoffman and his wife. He remained on the run as of midday Sunday. Investigators recovered a manifesto featuring a target list that included the names of Democratic lawmakers and prominent individuals who support abortion rights in Minnesota. Zoom out: While Trump has not reached out personally, the state is receiving assistance and support from the administration. The FBI, which is on the ground in Minnesota, has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter's capture and conviction. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the "horrific violence" in a post on X Saturday, pledging to prosecute "to the fullest extent of the law."
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Political violence is threaded through recent U.S. history. The motives and justifications vary
The assassination of one Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband and the shooting of another lawmaker and his wife at their homes are just the latest addition to a long and unsettling roll call of political violence in the United States. The list, in the last two months alone: the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.; the firebombing of a Colorado march calling for the release of Israeli hostages; and the firebombing of the official residence of Pennsylvania's governor — on a Jewish holiday while he and his family were inside. Here is a sampling of other attacks before that — the assassination of a healthcare executive on the streets of New York City late last year; the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally during his presidential campaign last year; the 2022 attack on the husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) by a believer in right-wing conspiracy theories; and the 2017 shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) by a gunman at a congressional softball game practice. 'We've entered into this especially scary time in the country where it feels the sort of norms and rhetoric and rules that would tamp down on violence have been lifted,' said Matt Dallek, a political scientist at Georgetown University who studies extremism. 'A lot of people are receiving signals from the culture.' Politics have also driven large-scale massacres. Gunmen who killed 11 worshipers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018, 23 shoppers at a heavily Latino Walmart in El Paso in 2019 and 10 Black people at a Buffalo, N.Y., grocery store in 2022 each cited the conspiracy theory that a secret cabal of Jews was trying to replace white people with people of color. That has become a staple on parts of the right that support Trump's push to limit immigration. The Anti-Defamation League found that from 2022 through 2024, all of the 61 political killings in the United States were committed by right-wing extremists. That changed on the first day of 2025, when a Texas man flying the flag of the Islamic State group killed 14 people by driving his truck through a crowded New Orleans street before being fatally shot by police. 'You're seeing acts of violence from all different ideologies,' said Jacob Ware, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who researches terrorism. 'It feels more random and chaotic and more frequent.' The United States has a long and grim history of political violence, including presidential assassinations dating to the killing of President Abraham Lincoln, lynchings and other violence aimed at Black people in the South, and the 1954 shooting inside Congress by four Puerto Rican nationalists. Experts say the last few years, however, have reached a level not seen since the tumultuous days of the 1960s and 1970s, when political leaders the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., President Kennedy, Malcolm X and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated. Ware noted that the most recent surge comes after the new Trump administration has closed units that focus on investigating white supremacist extremism and pushed federal law enforcement to spend less time on anti-terrorism and more on detaining people who are in the country illegally. 'We're at the point, after these six weeks, where we have to ask about how effectively the Trump administration is combating terrorism,' Ware said. One of Trump's first acts in office was to pardon those involved in the largest act of domestic political violence this century — the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob intended to prevent Congress from certifying Trump's 2020 election loss. Those pardons broadcast a signal to would-be extremists on either side of the political debate, Dallek said: 'They sent a very strong message that violence, as long as you're a Trump supporter, will be permitted and may be rewarded.' Often, those who engage in political violence don't have clearly defined ideologies that easily map onto the country's partisan divides. A man who died after he detonated a car bomb outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic last month left writings urging people not to procreate and expressed what the FBI called 'nihilistic ideations.' But each political attack seems to inspire partisans to find evidence the attacker is on the other side. Little was known about the man police identified as a suspect in the Minnesota attacks, 57-year-old Vance Boelter. Authorities say they found a list of other apparent targets that included other Democratic officials, abortion clinics and abortion rights advocates, as well as fliers for the day's anti-Trump 'No Kings' parades. Conservatives online seized on the fliers — and the fact that Boelter had apparently once been reappointed to a state workforce development board by Democratic Gov. Tim Walz — to claim the suspect must be a liberal. 'The far left is murderously violent,' billionaire Elon Musk posted on his social media site, X. It was reminiscent of the fallout from the attack on Paul Pelosi, the former House speaker's then-82-year-old husband, who was seriously injured by a man wielding a hammer. Right-wing figures falsely theorized the assailant was a secret lover rather than what authorities said he was: a believer in pro-Trump conspiracy theories who broke into the Pelosi home echoing Jan. 6 rioters who broke into the Capitol by saying: 'Where is Nancy?!' No prominent Republican ever denounced the Pelosi assault, and GOP leaders including Trump joked about the attack at public events in its aftermath. On Saturday, Nancy Pelosi posted a statement on X decrying the Minnesota attack. 'All of us must remember that it's not only the act of violence, but also the reaction to it, that can normalize it,' she wrote. After mocking the Pelosis after the 2022 attack, Trump on Saturday joined in the bipartisan condemnation of the Minnesota shootings, calling them 'horrific violence.' The president has, however, consistently broken new ground with his bellicose rhetoric toward his political opponents, whom he routinely calls 'sick' and 'evil,' and has talked repeatedly about how violence is needed to quell protests. The Minnesota attack occurred after Trump took the extraordinary step of mobilizing the military to try to control protests against his administration's immigration operations in Los Angeles during the last week, when he pledged to 'HIT' disrespectful protesters and warned of a 'migrant invasion' of the city. Dallek said Trump has been 'both a victim and an accelerant' of the charged, dehumanizing political rhetoric that is flooding the country. 'It feels as if the extremists are in the saddle,' he said, 'and the extremists are the ones driving our rhetoric and politics.' Riccardi writes for the Associated Press.
