The Walt Disney Company has instructed its lobbyists to escalate the fight against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his Republican Party allies who dominate the state legislature, while Mouse House is stepping up its efforts to maintain semi-autonomous power over its theme parks.
Disney wants lobbyists to use their power of persuasion to persuade Tallahassee lawmakers to reject proposed laws that might limit the company’s decision-making authority on issues such as land use, taxes and infrastructure maintenance, CNBC reported on Thursday.
Disney lobbyists are paying particular attention to a bill introduced in the Florida State Senate that might void the 11 o’clock deal between the Disney-dominated Reedy Creek Improvement District and Disney, which essentially gave Mouse House control of the land where its theme parks were built.
The deal got here just before Reedy Creek Improvement District was dissolved by a recent board of trustees, whose members were chosen by DeSantis.
DeSantis, a probable Republican presidential nominee who has continuously attacked the “awake Disney,” said the company has long operated with an “unfair advantage” in the state through the district.
He previously complained about the deal Disney made with departing board members to preserve the company’s ability to add a fifth major theme park and more retail space and hotel rooms at the resort.
DeSantis’ recent board of directors said Wednesday it had uncovered one other “eleventh hour deal” that permits Walt Disney Co to set its own utility rates at Orlando theme parks.
A Disney subsidiary that gives utilities to Florida’s central district, including the Walt Disney World Resort, negotiated an agreement in February to extend its contract until 2032, CEO Martin Garcia said in a public meeting.
Disney didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
“Last Friday afternoon, I first learned of one in every of these recent 11-hour deals between Disney and the District. This one is for our utilities,” Garcia said.
“We could have to assess the legality of this deal, which mainly allows Disney to set media rates.
“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” said Garcia.
State Republicans began attacking Disney last 12 months after it publicly clashed with DeSantis over a law that restricts classroom teaching about gender and sexual orientation.
Republicans dubbed the bill the Parental Rights in Education Act, while opponents criticized it as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Disney CEO Bob Iger called the moves to reduce Disney’s oversight of its theme parks “anti-business” and “anti-Florida”.
With Postal Wires