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11:00 AM, Hot Topics, Unkindest Cuts: The Cost of Government Downsizing
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Hot Topics Luncheons
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LUNCHEON & PROGRAM
Unkindest Cuts:
The Cost of Government Downsizing
May 14 Panel Focuses on Funding Cuts to Critical Resources, Services
League of Women Voters of Orange County Lunch and Discussion Series
ORLANDO, Fla. (April 24, 2025) —Florida public schools and public media, food banks, health services and assistance to vulnerable populations are facing steep reductions this year in government funding. The League of Women Voters of Orange County hosts a May 14 Hot Topics panel — “Unkindest Cuts: The Cost of Government Downsizing” — that will focus on local needs, efforts to soften the blow and how Florida responds to the current economic uncertainty.
The moderator of the panel discussion is Steve Mort, host and executive producer of WUCF-TV’s NewsNight, Central Florida’s PBS affiliate. Panelists include Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools; Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank; Kelly Astro, senior vice president of community impact for the Heart of Florida United Way, and Skyler Swisher, an Orlando Sentinel reporter who covers the Florida Legislature.
The Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) project to downsize federal government — and Congress’ potential cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food benefits — would impact health and food services in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis established a Florida DOGE that is auditing universities and colleges and has asked local governments for detailed information about spending and inefficiencies. Florida also may face a revenue shortfall in the next fiscal year, which could affect many state and local services. The Senate, the House and DeSantis have proposed different ways to reduce sales and property taxes, which could further decrease state revenue. Tourism is down this year, and consumers are spending less because they fear a recession. Adding to the uncertainty is how President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods will play out.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration canceled a program that delivered $11 million in fresh food to Second Harvest Food Bank every year. OCPS announced recently that it expects to lose 3,100 students and almost $28 million in state funding for next school year, a development that will have a huge impact on the school district. All departments were asked to reduce operating budgets by 2 percent.
Among the issues to be discussed:
--What are the critical shortfalls that nonprofits and local government face?
--What are some proposed ways to work around the funding cuts?
-- What did the Legislature and Gov. DeSantis decide to do about sales and property tax reforms?
The panel discussion will be streamed live on the League’s Facebook page Facebook and an edited version will be available later on the League’s YouTube channel, League of Women Voters Orange County - YouTube.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Winter Park Events Center for a buffet lunch. The discussion starts at 11:45 a.m. at 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park and ends at 1 p.m. Tickets are $30 for League members, $37 non-members.
Hot Topics is streamed live on the League’s Facebook page Facebook and an edited version will be available on the League’s YouTube channel, League of Women Voters Orange County - YouTube.
Visionary sponsors: Phil and Jennifer Anderson. Silver sponsors: Lyn and David Berelsman and Voting Voices — Michele Levy, Charley Williams, and Laurie and Richard Wack. Bronze sponsors: Alex and the Hon. Cynthia Mackinnon.
The League of Women Voters of Orange County, Florida, is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy
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