DeSantis proposes reestablishing Florida State Guard

Gov. Ron DeSantis has unveiled a military budget proposal that would reestablish the Florida State Guard, "a civilian volunteer force that will assist the National Guard in state-specific emergencies," according to a press release.

The State Guard would consist of 200 civilians who would "be trained in the best emergency response techniques." Its purpose is to further support the Florida National Guard with "emergency response efforts in the event of a hurricane, natural disasters and other state emergencies," the governor's statement reads.

DeSantis is requesting $3.5 million to reestablish the State Guard, which began in 1941 and was disbanded in 1947 after filling in for National Guardsmen deployed during World War II, according to The Hill.

The governor said in a press conference Thursday that he wants to make sure Florida has "the flexibility and the ability needed to respond to events in our state in the most effective way possible, and some of that will require us to be able to have access and be able to use support in ways that are not encumbered by the federal government or don't require federal government."

If the budget proposal is approved, then Florida will be the 23rd state with a state guard recognized by the federal government.