As Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis prepares for a 2024 run for the Presidency of the United States, he has been picking high profile fights. And there has been none more high profile than against one of Florida’s largest employers: Disney.
However, recent reporting shows that Disney may have quietly struck a giant blow back against the Governor and his plans.
This story stretches back a year ago, to March 2022. Governor DeSantis was pushing his ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill that would prevent public school teachers from instructing on sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through third grade. Disney came out against the bill, and then-CEO Bob Chapek pledged $5 million to groups working to protect LGBTQ+ rights.
That put Disney in Governor DeSantis’ crosshairs. He responded by announcing an end to Disney’s special tax district – since 1967 Disney World has had state tax exemptions so they can develop the theme park at no cost to the Florida taxpayer and in return Disney provide their own services (street cleaning, garbage collection etc.).
As this article explains, Disney didn’t take that move lying down. Instead, they quietly worked to blunt the effect of Governor DeSantis’ move and gave themselves power over the district right before the Florida government enacted DeSantis’ plan.
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