Over the years, many budget votes in Jacksonville proceeded without real controversy.

2025 broke the mold, with myriad floor amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposed by Mayor Donna Deegan .

The final 15-2 vote suggested a consensus that was hard won and didn’t reflect the drama of the 13 hour meeting.

And the most controversial proposal almost made it into the budget despite heated objections: Republican Rory Diamond looking to axe money for “illegal aliens,” Diversity Equity and Inclusion, “affinity boards and commissions,” and “abortion and abortion-related services.”

“This is a disgusting amendment … a travesty,” said Jimmy Peluso , a Democrat from the Urban Core.

Democrat Rahman Johnson said he wouldn’t back the budget if this “big batch of bull” is

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