More graft from the Republicans.
A Florida grand jury has found that the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis “misappropriated” $10 million in taxpayer money, saying the funds were diverted through a charity linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis and ultimately used for political purposes.
The money came from a $67 million Medicaid settlement with Centene Corp. over alleged prescription-drug overbilling. Rather than remaining with the state, $10 million was directed to the Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit associated with Casey DeSantis.
The funds were used in political efforts opposing Florida’s 2024 recreational-marijuana amendment. The grand jury described the arrangement as part of a “sophisticated scheme to fund political activities” and said taxpayer money was misused.
Importantly, the grand jury did not recommend criminal charges, saying it could not establish who specifically authorized the transfer. DeSantis and his allies have denied wrongdoing and called the allegations politically motivated.
The report has nevertheless raised fresh questions about the use of public money, political influence and oversight within the DeSantis administration.
