Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Florida lawmakers during his visit to Fort Myers, stating that the Florida House is not producing any significant legislation this term.
He also said fellow Republicans are not allocating more money in the budget to pay for law enforcement. During his news conference, he brought up the Hope Florida program, which helps people on public assistance.
"To be manufacturing smears against me and the First Lady, they are not on your team. What they did yesterday was a total flop. I think they're trying desperately for any attention they can get, not doing people's business. Nothing coming out of the Florida House that will rival Hope Florida in any shape or form," DeSantis said.
State lawmakers are questioning how $10 million in taxpayer money was routed to a private charity affiliated with the welfare assistance program, saying the money was then used by a political committee to fight last year's recreational marijuana amendment. The president of the Hope Florida Foundation acknowledged mistakes were made.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis held a press conference in Pensacola on Wednesday, defending their Hope Florida initiative.
"I cannot confirm what the funds were used for. We have monetary procedures; we have no staff," said Joshua Hay, president of the Hope Florida Foundation.
However, DeSantis responded by saying, "They are trying to manufacture smears to support their political agenda."
While this plays out, a state Senate bill to codify Hope Florida under the governor's office was put on hold.
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