LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — As Walt Disney World remains embattled over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ redistricting, a Texas county judge is hoping to lure the company away from Central Florida to the Houston area.
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In a letter dated Thursday, which George pens directly to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, Fort Bend County Judge KP George touts its diversity, growth, high graduation rate, strategic location and affordability as an ideal place to relocate.
“While you, your company, employees and diverse fans face authoritarian, anti-business and culture war attacks from extremists in Florida, we in Fort Bend are more than ready to welcome the Disney family with thousands of good paying jobs and billions of dollars of investments,” George writes.
READ: DeSantis signs bill to dissolve Disney’s self-governing power
Fort Bend County includes several cities, including parts of Houston.
DeSantis signed the bill to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District Friday afternoon. The state House passed the measure on Thursday.
Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph said dissolving the district could be a massive financial burden for taxpayers.
READ: End of Reedy Creek: Disney won’t pay more taxes, but you will
With the state legislature voting to terminate Disney’s self-governing privileges, taxpayers in Orange and Osceola counties will have to carry that burden starting next year.
George mentions other major employers such as Amazon, Texas Instruments, Comcast and Gallery Furniture who have set up shop in Texas.
“With a strong focus on economic development, we encourage small and large business growth through a business-friendly climate,” George writes. “We make a difference in our children’s lives everyday through youth empowerment initiatives, and aim to continue improving the quality of life through new, fresh, and innovative ideas.”
READ: DeSantis takes on Disney’s self-governance: Central Florida reacts
Read the judge’s full letter below:
2022-04-21 Fort Bend County Judge KP George Invite the Walt Disney Company by Adam Poulisse on Scribd
George also penned a similar letter to Twitter’s Miami office.
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