How would you spend a $1,000 bonus? EMS1 Editorial Director, Greg Friese, MS, NRP, shares 7 ways to spend a $1,000 bonus to compound the benefit on you, your family and others. Read his tips and share what you would do with $1,000.
By Laura French
SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis officially announced Wednesday that approximately 174,000 first responders across the state will receive $1,000 bonuses as part of the state’s 2021-22 budget.
DeSantis spoke at a press conference at the Satellite Beach Police Department on Wednesday, saying he expects the bonuses to be distributed by this summer, according to Local 10.
“Supporting our law enforcement and first responders has been a top priority for my administration and it has never been more important than over the last year. As a state, we are grateful for their continued service to our communities,” DeSantis said in a statement. “This one-time bonus is a small token of appreciation, but we can never go far enough to express our gratitude for their selflessness.”
The state legislature approved the budget, including the bonuses, on March 30 and DeSantis said he plans to sign the budget shortly. The bonuses were first proposed by DeSantis when he announced his budget recommendations in March.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity will distribute the approximately $208 million in bonuses to approximately 49,405 law enforcement officers, 40,732 EMTs, 35,811 firefighters and 33,185 paramedics. The bonuses will be funded through the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan funds.
“I say all the time that these men and women work 24/7, 365-days a year to protect our communities – and they performed with honor and distinction during this global pandemic,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “The bonus checks that Governor DeSantis proposed, and secured from the Legislature, means a lot to these first responders and their families who had to live through this crisis.”