DeSantis anounces plan to take over Disney's Land

Sarah Arnold
Townhall
Fri, 06 Jan 2023 06:45 UTC

© Lynne Sladky/AP

Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis

The state of Florida announced a plan to take control of woke Walt Disney's land once and for all.

The legislature would replace Disneyland's special self-governing power with a state-run board, according to a notice posted on the website of Osceola County, which is home to part of Disney World. Sources from Gov. Ron DeSantis' (R-Fla) office said that his intention with the legislature is to mandate members of the board to be appointed by the governor.

DeSantis's communication director, Taryn Fenske, told Fox News that the corporate kingdom has come to an end.

"Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its 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.

"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."

She added that it will ensure that Orange County cannot raise taxes on its residents and make sure that the county pays up to $700 million in unsecured debt that has been accumulated by Disney's special jurisdiction, known as the Reedy Creek District.

Lukis acknowledged that this may financially hurt Disney, but suggested that businesses in the state will be proud DeSantis stood his ground.

In 2022, DeSantis signed a law terminating Disney's special governing power after the woke corporation opposed the governor's Parental Rights in Education bill.

DeSantis's team vowed that everyone in Florida will be treated equally and nothing will fall on hard-working taxpayers.

Comment: Another strong move by Governor DeSantis:

At the bill signing ceremony, DeSantis said Disney lied about the "Parental Rights in Education" law's contents and that he viewed the company's vow to fight it as unacceptable.

Adrian Lukis, 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."

The Financial Times in December reported that lawmakers were preparing to reverse course on the move to eliminate Disney World's special status. A DeSantis spokesperson denied the claim:

"Governor DeSantis does not make 'U-turns. We will have an even playing field for businesses in Florida, and the state certainly owes no special favors to one company. Disney's debts will not fall on the taxpayers of Florida. A plan is in the works and will be released soon."