The Florida Senate voted 23 to 16 Wednesday to pass a bill that would end Walt Disney World’s self-governing status by June 2023.
This bill is followed by Disney’s opposition to the controversial "Parental Rights in Education" bill—dubbed by the opposition as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill—which passed last month.
The entertainment giant said it would suspend the donations provided to the state.
Disney’s long-running self-governance
Following a legislative session in 1967, Reedy Creek District became a special district, and the entertainment company has been governing the area of Orlando for over 55 years.
The consequences
If the bill clears the house, Reedy Creek District’s tax exemption will be revoked with huge tax bills that can be imposed on Disney and locals who reside in the area. It is uncertain how the company’s employees will get affected as Disney is Florida’s largest employer, with over 60,000 employees.
