Latest news with #DuvalDOGE
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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 article source: Gov. DeSantis' new DOGE task force gains momentum as universities, localities commit to being audited
Fox News
07-04-2025
- Business
- Fox News
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. 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. 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. 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.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Duval DOGE mulls roughly $100 million in capital projects
The Duval DOGE Special Committee officially convened for the first time Tuesday afternoon and laid out hundreds of millions of dollars of city spending that might warrant a closer look in the upcoming budget season. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Duval DOGE committee members began their work digging into potentially unnecessary city spending by taking a look at 88 capital improvement projects. 22 of those projects have been designated as complete but have a combined total of almost $11 million sitting untouched. Auditors explained four JFRD projects identified on the list do still have outstanding expenditures, but members plan to further scrutinize the remaining 18 projects that have unused funds totaling more than $5 million. Additionally, members were shown a list of 66 projects totaling almost $91 million that have been funded by the city but haven't expended any dollars since at least October of 2023. Duval DOGE Chair Ron Salem (R-Group 2 At-Large) said the committee intends to find out why that is, and whether the funds are still necessary. 'I'm not suggesting all $90 million are dollars that we can reallocate, but if we got 10 percent of that, that's $9-$10 million,' said Salem. Auditors also showed members a breakdown of how city departments have been funded relative to expected growth. Overall, citywide departments saw a 7.1 percent funding increase over the past five budget years, which is higher than the anticipated 5.4 percent increase. 'We're definitely spending more than we should be spending and we need to address that by about 3 percent,' said Councilmember Raul Arias (R-District 11). Salem explained decisions on department funding will not be made by Duval DOGE, but the information the DOGE effort has compiled will help inform council spending decisions during the regular budget process. 'I said from the very beginning this would be surgical. We're not looking to whack departments or anything close to that,' said Salem. 'We're looking at savings such as the CIP. Very surgical where dollars appear to be sitting there and can be used in other places.' The committee will continue meeting to delve through the projects and possibly even other cost savings recommendations at least through June. Some possible ideas floated Tuesday included limiting overtime, updating to the city travel policy, and creating new whistle-blower protections for reporting waste, fraud, and abuse. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Salem Witch Trial': Second Duval DOGE meeting sparks fiery comments from community members
The second Duval DOGE hearing brought fireworks from council members and members of the public alike, with many raising concerns about the appearance of politics and partisanship surrounding the push for spending cuts. It was standing room only during the Tuesday meeting and sparks started flying almost immediately. 'If this is how DOGE is going to start then it is clear that it's going to crash and burn, and I hope that it does,' said Councilmember Jimmy Peluso (D-District 7). Peluso criticized Committee Chair Ron Salem (R-Group 2 At-Large), accusing him of using his Duval DOGE effort as a publicity stunt. 'If you don't want to be here then you don't have to be here,' Salem fired back at Peluso. Of the roughly 25 people who came to the podium to speak, only two spoke in support. 'This can only help save taxpayer dollars. I think the biggest thing I'm hearing is DOGE derangement syndrome,' said DOGE supporter John Scott. The majority of speakers voiced concerns, including the fact no Democrats were selected to serve on the DOGE committee. 'The fact that you do not have any Democratic representation on this committee is a crime!' said Leslie Andreda, an opponent of the Duval DOGE Special Committee. Some questioned why JSO, the largest item in the budget, will be off-limits. Others like Mike Ludwick suggested the committee's true intent is to attack Mayor Donna Deegan. 'It's time to rename it what it really is, The Salem Witch Trial,' said Ludwick. Related: 'Duval DOGE' meeting sparks protests as mayor urges council members to avoid 'chainsaw' approach to cost-cutting Chair Salem defended the special committee after the meeting wrapped up. When we asked whether he regretted using the 'DOGE' monicker, he argued opponents are conflating the national DOGE with his local effort. 'I think they're mainly upset about the national DOGE effort and I understand they're upset about that. But our efforts are more targeted,' said Salem. According to Salem, the special committee will begin by looking at seven specific areas. Related: 'The rest of it's on the table': Council Finance Chair details new 'Duval DOGE' effort Those include analyzing banking and credit card services across city agencies, along with the use of city credit cards by city employees. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Salem suggested possibly hiring a private company to monitor their use and possibly reduce the total number of cards. The committee will also look at potentially consolidating city facilities like community centers, parks and libraries. Additionally, children's services were identified as a possible service that could be consolidated. Duval DOGE committee members will also look at capital projects that have not seen any financial activity for a least a year, city agencies that have grown faster than the county's population, and how much the city charges its independent authorities. Salem also indicated he doesn't expect the committee member lineup to change, despite the lack of Democrats. Members of the public who wish to share their thoughts with the committee can email DuvalDOGE@ Read: Springfield warehouse demolished after partial collapse onto road [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Duval DOGE' meeting sparks protests as mayor urges council members to avoid 'chainsaw' approach to cost cutting
Public outcry preceded the first meeting discussing the new 'Duval DOGE' effort as dozens of protesters gathered outside city hall ahead of the meeting. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Michele, who declined to give her last name out of fear of 'being doxed by MAGA people', told Action News Jax she believes local Republicans want to cut critical services. 'Probably they will be more than happy to retain funds for law enforcement, but beyond that, yeah anything that helps people, they want rid of,' said Michele. Moments prior, Mayor Donna Deegan held a meeting in the atrium of City Hall, highlighting her administration's success cutting more than 216,000 employee hours by improving efficiencies through the 904 LEAN program. The mayor also said her office is planning to utilize artificial intelligence while crafting her next budget proposal. She explained the technology can help identify redundant and or unnecessary spending. 'These changes are practical, proactive and not political,' said Deegan. But the approach council members are taking with the 'Duval DOGE' initiative is looking to cut costs more directly. Council auditors advised members to look at cutting capital projects that haven't seen activity for over a year, reducing the mayor's transfer authority to boost reserves and analyze city departments and programs where spending growth has outpaced the county's population growth. Finance Chair Ron Salem (R-Group 2 At Large) suggested with the city looking at budget deficits exceeding $100 million in the coming years, there's a need to reduce spending in advance of the storm. The initial proposal would be to reduce the budget by two percent, by cutting controllable expenses. 'We've got a DIA and an economic development department in the City of Jacksonville. Why do we have two? Could we merge those together? Save some efficiency,' said Salem. The mayor encouraged the council to be deliberate in its cost-cutting efforts. 'We don't want to take a chainsaw to something that really needs a finer instrument. We want to make sure we're preserving our quality of life,' said Deegan. The next 'Duval DOGE' meeting will be held next week. Salem told Action News Jax the next step will be the establishment of a special committee, so council members can officially get to work. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
