By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-12 07:22:07 | Updated at 2024-12-12 09:31:04
2 hours ago
The state of Florida has given more than 100,000 workers extra days off for the holidays.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday that all state workers will get an additional three days off this holiday season.
'In addition to Christmas Day and New Years Day, our state workers will get three extra days off - December 23, 24 and 31 to spend more time with their families and loved ones this holiday season,' Desantis wrote on X.
The governor said he decided to give the early gift to Floridians because the state 'is in great shape,' and he wants 'to reward our state employees.'
'After a full year, including three costly hurricanes, we hope these extra days off allow for state workers to spend more time with their families and loved ones during this holiday season,' he continued, referring to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton that tore through The Sunshine State.
State employees were previously given off the day before Thanksgiving last month, Dan Borrow of the Florida Department of Management Services told Fox News Digital.
According to the department's website, Florida offers nine 'observed as paid holidays by state agencies' in 2024.
Those days include New Year's Day, the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has gifted state employees an extra three days off for the holiday season this year
The governor said he decided to give the early gift to Floridians because the state 'is in great shape,' and wants 'to reward our state employees.' (Pictured: Stock image)
Many people from Florida and out of state expressed their gratitude toward DeSantis for his decision.
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin labeled the Governor's move a 'welcome' change.
'The gesture of adding additional paid holidays to the calendar is always a welcome one, and Governor DeSantis' decision to do so is certainly in line with past decisions by governors of other states,' he told Newsweek.
Beene added that the 'expansions of holidays like this one typically happens when the state budget allows it.'
He also noted that Florida's 'revenues are strong' because many employees worked overtime this past year due to the natural disasters.
Others on social media also expressed how happy they were that DeSantis granted extra days off.
'Family time is important…we must support mom, dad and children being together. Make the family unit important in our society,' a user wrote on X.
Another said: 'MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your lovely family, Ron. We appreciate you!'
According to the department's website, Florida offers nine 'observed as paid holidays by state agencies' for 2024. (Pictured: The state supreme court building in Tallahassee)
'I wish you were my governor,' another jokingly said.
While many are pleased with the decision, others questioned why DeSantis chose to gift state employees this holiday season.
Bryan Driscoll, an HR consultant, told Newsweek that the governor's announcement is a 'cheap political stunt'.
'He's trying to paper over years of anti-worker policies with a feel-good headline. It's the equivalent of tossing crumbs to workers while gutting unions and stripping away job protections,' Driscoll said, adding that while the decision will allow state employees time off, it does not address the other issues impacting Florida.
'This move does nothing to address the real issues facing workers in Florida, like the lack of paid family leave or protections for low-wage workers,' he continued.
'It reflects a government more interested in optics than substance, prioritizing political games over real, lasting change for the workforce.'
Online users appeared to agree with Driscoll, as one said: 'WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT FLORIDIANS HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE?'
While many people were happy with DeSantis' decision to gift additional days of to state employees, others were upset that he did this but has yet to address other issues the state is facing
Someone else wrote: 'I'm 68 years old. Why am I still forced to pay property taxes in Florida? Must be other ways to raise revenue. Sure glad there is no waste in government.'
'So State services will not be available,' another commented.
When he ran for the GOP nomination for president, DeSantis highlighted how he oversaw the state's small employee base, despite it being one of the most populated states in the US.
'Florida state government [has the] lowest number of state employees per capita in the country,' he told CNN in January.
While Florida had just 82 state employees per 100,000 residents in 2022, the national average was 198 state workers per 10,000 residents, according to Newsweek.
