Disney self-government in peril after Florida House vote

The Associated Press ^ | April 21, 2022 | By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE

[Oldeconomybuyer]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida House of Representatives on Thursday gave final passage to a bill that would dissolve Walt Disney World’s private government, handing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis a victory in his feud with the entertainment giant over its opposition to a measure that critics have dubbed the “ Don’t Say Gay ” law.

The move could have huge tax implications for Disney, whose series of theme parks have transformed Orlando into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and serves to further sour the relationship between the Republican-led government and a major political player in the state.

For DeSantis, the attack on Disney is his latest salvo in a culture war waged over policies involving race, gender and the coronavirus, battles that have made him one of the most popular GOP politicians in the country and a likely 2024 presidential candidate.

[Tell It Right]

In other words, poor pitiful Disney will have to abide by the same rules as other businesses.

The real story is that they've had special treatment for decades.

[NWFree]

Sounds like they need anal inspections from the UN too 🤪

[Quality_Not_Quantity]

Disney will fight this tooth & nail, hammer & claw, all the way to the Florida Supreme Court and perhaps even to the SCOTUS.

DeSantis & Co. need to push back, saying that “it’s for the children”...

[Jonty30]

At one time it was worth giving them those special privileges, because the amount of tourism they brought to the state. I reckon those extra tax considerations paid for themselves many times over.

But those days are now gone, with Disney going hostile on the family.

[j.havenfarm]

This is just way too delicious. I think there will be a negotiated resolution and a new bill before the 6/1/23 effective date, but this example of getting a political 2X4 devliered squarely in the teeth might convince some woke corporations to get back in their box

[lastchance]

Wasn’t the bill eliminating all such districts?

[McGavin999]

All the benefits were given to The Magic Kingdom. Recently Disney has transformed itself into The Magic Cesspool complete with employees being arrested for pedophilia.

Corporations should stay out of politics. Any corporate leaders who don’t understand this should be replaced with those who do.

[livius]

This was pretty fair, because all other “special tax” districts created before 1968 were revoked. They were created at a time when Florida needed development in certain central areas (the coast has never needed it!).

It’s certainly not needed now, and in fact our big problem is over-development. I suspect you’ll hear howls from the homeowners in those special subdivisions, who have benefitted for over 50 years from having special tax breaks at the cost of other Floridians, but probably not from the rest of Florida.

[brownsfan]

Hey, the Colorado governor loves you Disney. Go ahead and pick up and move! I dare you.

[cuban leaf]

If DeSantis vetoes, a serious deep stater is outed.

But I very seriously doubt he will.

[brownsfan]

*** DeSantis & Co. need to push back, saying that “it’s for the children”... ***

It’s about “equity”! :)

[proust]

Desantis is showing leadership that I haven’t seen in many, many years.

[dynachrome]

“The rich need to pay their fair share!”

~ Karen

[Still Thinking]

Actually I thought he was pushing the legislature for it.

[SuperLuminal]

Pervs everywhere outraged...

[dljordan]

It’s not in peril it’s over.

[AndyTheBear]

They should abolish the special privilege because its a special privilege and not tie it to Disney going woke.

[fastrock]

Disney, due to their special status, provided the Disney properties with a bought and paid for Disney Police and Fire Dept. This is why young mothers and older teen females would be “pawled” by Disney characters and the incidents would be swept under the rug. Orange County will pick up those public services and tax Disney for the additional costs.
Today, Disney caters to “woke” young adults who are willing to drop $7 for a soda. Being a park for families with young children has been gone for prob 20 years.
Also Disney is not being singled out, all companies with tax advantaged cut-outs from 1968 to present will be affected equally.

[cowboyusa]

I think DisneyWorld has gotten too big. I liked it better when it was just The Majic Kingdom, Epcot, Dhs and a few hotels. Disneyland, and the Disneyland Resort still has Walt’s values.