You do not mess with Gov. Ron DeSantis, this is a lesson that WOKE Disney company should learn for mingling with politics instead of minding its own business.
Sadly, Disney learned it the hard way. And I’d say DeSantis continues to prove to be a rising star in American politics after dealing Disney another blow.
On April 20, the Florida Senate passed legislation that would remove the special tax district and self-governing status that was granted to Disney as lawmakers have criticized the company for opposing a parental rights bill.
DeSantis proclaimed during a recent news conference that he’s on the front lines of the battle against Disney.
“I am announcing today that we are expanding the call of what they are going to be considering this week. And so, yes, they will be considering the congressional map, but they also will be considering termination of all special districts that were enacted in Florida prior to 1968, and that includes the Reedy Creek Improvement District”
The chamber, which was called into a special session by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, passed the bill in a 23–16 vote. The measure would dissolve Disney’s special status within Florida, which allows the firm to self-govern its property—including Disney World—around Orlando.
Specifically, the measure would dismantle the 50-year-old Reedy Creek Improvement District that allows the corporation to oversee its infrastructure laws, zoning, and even policing.
This would eliminate Disney’s special taxing district on June 1st, 2023.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday asked the Legislature to repeal a law allowing Walt Disney World to operate a private government over its properties in the state. https://t.co/LLtNCropMy
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 20, 2022
CBS News has more details of the breaking story:
The Florida state senate voted to repeal a law allowing Walt Disney World to operate a private government over its properties in the state, the latest volley in a feud between the Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the entertainment giant over what critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
DeSantis, an ascendant GOP governor and potential 2024 presidential candidate, has battled with Disney over the company’s opposition to the new law barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
On Tuesday, DeSantis raised the stakes.
As lawmakers returned to the Capitol for a special legislative session on congressional redistricting, the governor issued a proclamation that allows the GOP-controlled statehouse to take up bills eliminating Disney’s self-governing district.
“I am announcing today that we are expanding the call of what they are going to be considering this week. And so, yes, they will be considering the congressional map, but they also will be considering termination of all special districts that were enacted in Florida prior to 1968, and that includes the Reedy Creek Improvement District,” DeSantis said at a news conference, referencing the company’s governing district without mentioning Disney by name. He did not elaborate.
BREAKING: Governor DeSantis announces Florida’s special session will include ENDING Disney’s tax privilege & special exemption status.
— Tim Swain (@SwainForSenate) April 19, 2022
BREAKING NOW: Florida’s DeSantis Asks Lawmakers to ELIMINATE DISNEY WORLD’S Self-Governing Status..
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) April 19, 2022
BREAKING: The Florida Senate has approved the Congressional map submitted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and has also passed the bill that would dismantle the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which gives Disney special self governing powers.
— Benny CNN+ Lifetime Member (@bennyjohnson) April 20, 2022
HOT BREAKING NEWS: On a 23-16 vote, Florida Senate just passed legislation ENDING Disney’s tax privilege, self-governing power AND their special exemption status.
ALL REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS TAKE NOTE: You can be effective if you try.
— Lavern Spicer (@lavern_spicer) April 20, 2022
.@JackPosobiec on @GovRonDeSantis threatening Disney’s special status in Florida.
“Disney should be regulated by the government the same way as everyone else … Companies do not rule us” pic.twitter.com/4FfJIobIVB
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 21, 2022
BREAKING: Florida moves to revoke Disney’s privileged tax statushttps://t.co/Hf88KFuDcG
— Dinesh D’Souza (@DineshDSouza) April 20, 2022
Sources: WLT, Post Millennial, CBS News
