DeSantis pushes bill to strip Disney World of self-governance status
Brady Knox
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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is pushing a bill that would deprive Disney World of its special self-governance status.
Sources in DeSantis’s office told Fox News that the self-governing status of the company would be replaced by a state-run board, with members appointed by the governor himself. A notice was posted on Osceola County’s website announcing the planned legislation. Disney World is situated in Osceola and Orange counties.
The notice lists a plethora of changes the planned legislation will bring about, primarily “removing and revising powers of the District” and “increasing state oversight, accountability, and transparency of the District.” DeSantis’s communications director, Taryn Fenske, justified the decision to Fox News by arguing that it was only holding Disney to the same standards as everywhere else in the state.
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“The corporate kingdom has come to an end. Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government, will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes,” Fenske told the outlet.
“Imposing a state-controlled board will also ensure that Orange County cannot use this issue as a pretext to raise taxes on Orange County residents,” she said.
DeSantis’s former chief of staff, Adrian Lukis, told the outlet the move was fulfilling what the governor had promised previously.
“The governor is doing exactly what he said he would. Disney can no longer have its own government and own taxing authority, and Disney, not taxpayers, will have to be responsible for any financial consequences,” he told Fox News.
“While this will be painful for Disney, I expect businesses throughout the state will be proud of their governor for making it clear that he doesn’t care who you are, or how politically connected you may be — no one gets special treatment in Florida,” he said.
The legislation also seeks $700 million in unpaid debts accrued by Disney World while ensuring that the cost doesn’t fall on Orange County taxpayers.
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“Disney’s debts will not fall on the taxpayers of Florida. A plan is in the works and will be released soon,” a DeSantis spokesman said.
The assurance does away with one of the greatest concerns about stripping Disney World of its self-governance status — that local taxpayers would be required to pay off its debts.
Disney World has enjoyed self-governance status since 1967, largely through the lobbying efforts of the company.