Ron and Casey DeSantis, Florida AG, could be in a huge trouble after GOP Rep. launches investigation
Florida – The Republican Rep. Alex Andrade announced his plan to issue a subpoena for communications including Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in what appears to be a surprising twist in the Florida political landscape. This move results from mounting concerns about the allocation of significant Hope Florida Foundation donations, an organization overseen by First Lady Casey DeSantis.
The foundation, which seeks to take Floridians off support from the government, has come under fire following claims that it sent large sums to politically connected organizations. Rep. Andrade’s decision comes after conversations with heads of two “dark money” organizations—groups not obligated to reveal their contributors who can receive unlimited donations. Last year, these organizations supposedly got $5 million in donations from the Hope Florida Foundation, money Uthmeier is alleged to have coordinated.
Rep. Andrade explained that one of the group leaders said Uthmeier had personally ordered her to apply for the grant; the other did not deny this arrangement. Both organizations then sent several million dollars to a political committee connected to Uthmeier, which was running against a Florida ballot change that would legalize recreational cannabis.
Particularly because the money at issue came from a $67 million Medicaid settlement set aside to support the foundation, this scenario calls into question the suitability of the foundation’s financial transactions. The DeSantis administration’s decision to send this money from Centene—a Medicaid contractor charged with overbilling—to the foundation and finally to politically engaged organizations has drawn more attention.
Read also: Trump says Americans are happy with the current administration: “It was legendary”
Using his position on the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, Rep. Andrade is leading the charge in investigating the legality of these transactions. His investigation picked up speed with disclosures that the $10 million allocated to the foundation actually helped groups like Secure Florida’s Future Inc. and Save Our Society from Drugs, which ultimately helped Uthmeier’s political activities.
The narrative changed even more when Amy Ronshausen, executive director of Save Our Society From Drugs, reportedly verified Uthmeier told her to ask for the grant, suggesting an intentional flow of funds. These transactions and their resulting political consequences have attracted significant attention, prompting Andrade’s intended subpoenas for further Uthmeier and other connected communication records.
Read also: People laugh at Trump after Biden-like funny incident
Rep. Andrade plans to question three Hope Florida officials during an upcoming subcommittee meeting as part of his investigation: Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch, Hope Florida Executive Director Erik Dellenback, and Hope Florida Foundation Chairperson Joshua Hay. The spotlight on these proceedings highlights the growing concern over the use of charity funds for potential political gains.
Critics of the investigation, like Uthmeier’s spokesperson Jeremy Redfern, claim Rep. Andrade’s activities are politically driven, especially meant to undermine the anti-marijuana campaign backed by the questioned funds. Andrade, on the other hand, is determined, citing what he sees as a blatant abuse of donations to charities to sway political results.
DeSantis commented the on the investigation:
“Not only are they trying to sabotage that agenda,” he added, “but they are stabbing the voters in the back with their behavior. Shame on you in the Florida House and your terrible behavior and leadership,” WLRN reported.
Not only for individuals directly involved but also for the larger political scene in Florida, the results of this investigation could be far-reaching. As the process develops, it becomes clear that the result might affect people’s confidence in how the state uses and controls charitable funds.
