The Elephant vs. the Mouse

🏛️ Florida’s Republican-led Senate passed a bill along party lines yesterday that would eliminate a special tax district that has allowed Disney to govern the land where its theme parks sit.

• The special district, known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, was created in 1967 and exempts Disney from a host of regulations, taxes, and fees; a source told the WSJ that Disney saves tens of millions of dollars per year as a result.
• Florida’s move is in response to Disney coming out against a piece of GOP legislation restricting classroom instruction on gender and sexuality (which opponents call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill).
• Disney initially didn’t respond to the education law, but came under pressure from its employees to oppose it. After the measure passed, Disney pledged to push for its repeal and to fight similar bills in other states.

👀 Looking ahead… Yesterday's measure still needs to pass the GOP-led House, which is expected to approve it. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has already said he intends to sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.

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