Gov. DeSantis signs legislation aimed at helping foster parents, children

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday morning signed a bill aimed at helping foster parents and foster children in the state.

DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7034 which will give $19 million to bring the monthly stipend for relatives or family friends who foster a child to the same level as other foster parents.

It will also include $25 million to give $200 per month for foster parents of newborns to 5-year-olds to be able to afford childcare and expands the ability for foster children to receive tuition and fee waivers at Florida colleges, universities and workforce education programs.

“The signing of this bill which we will do momentarily should leave no doubt in the minds of anybody in the state of Florida, that this state stands committed to the proposition that every life counts. All these kids deserve an opportunity. And we’re going to do what we can to make sure that their dreams and hopes and aspirations can become a reality in a loving home,” DeSantis said.

It comes a day after Gov. DeSantis signed a bill to provide more than $70 million to support fatherhood initiatives in the state.