State funding wins highlighted for Treasure Coast; Rep. Brackett outlines budget wins and policy work

State Representative Robbie Brackett addressed the Board on July 1, 2025, summarizing outcomes of the 2025 legislative session and itemizing appropriations the Treasure Coast received that he said would benefit Indian River County and neighboring jurisdictions.

Brackett told commissioners the Legislature adopted a budget that reduced overall spending by more than $3.5 billion and increased the state rainy‑day fund. He said the session eliminated the business rent tax (a statewide tax) and enacted permanent sales‑tax exemptions on certain items.

On local appropriations, Brackett said the Treasure Coast received approximately $6 million for elderly and transportation needs routed through a regional senior resource center; he also named specific appropriations he said would benefit the area, including $1 million for Sebastian Inlet, $1 million for the Treasure Coast Food Bank, $500,000 for the Mental Health Association, and $350,000 for the Humiston Park boardwalk (all amounts reported by the representative). He also said the state provided funding for communications upgrades to a local police department; the representative and staff described project‑level details as contingent on grant agreements and department implementation.

Brackett said he was appointed to a special committee to review property tax issues and described outreach plans including local town halls to discuss potential changes; he emphasized the committee’s stated goal of seeking options to lower the cost of living without undermining local revenue needs.

Commissioners thanked Brackett for the update and for his availability to meet with staff and local officials on follow‑up questions.