Latest news with #HopeFloridaFoundation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DeSantis punches back at Hope Florida controversy, likens 'lawfare' to attacks on Trump and nominees
The office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis punched back at allegations linking the governor and his wife, Casey DeSantis, to $10 million given to the Hope Florida Foundation after the state settled with a government-sponsored healthcare provider. "Governor DeSantis and Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis have been subject to politically motivated lawfare in the state of Florida, and now the same lawfare is being perpetrated against President Trump and his nominees," Communications Director Bryan Griffin told Fox News Digital. "It's ridiculous and especially shameful coming from Republicans who hate to see others delivering results." Desantis Goads Congress To Follow Fl's Doge Blueprint As Musk's Cuts Still Wait For Vote Centene, a large medical insurance provider that specializes in government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare, returned $67 million in a settlement with the state's Agency for Health Care Administration over claims that Centene was overbilling Medicaid payments. Following the settlement in September 2024, $10 million of the funds were sent to the Hope Florida Foundation. The $10 million given to the Hope Florida Foundation was then split into two separate $5 million grants to 501(c)(4) organizations. One went to Save Our Society from Drugs and the other to Secure Florida's Future, Inc. Read On The Fox News App Subsequently, $8.5 million of those funds were dispersed to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee that previously targeted Florida Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment to recreationally legalize marijuana. Casey DeSantis has been outspoken against the legalization of marijuana. A senior official from DeSantis's office told Fox News Digital that the Hope Florida Foundation is a separate entity from the Hope Florida initiative that has been spearheaded by Casey DeSantis. Gop Rails Against 'Blatantly False' Dem Claims About Medicaid Reform In Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' A senior official from DeSantis' office also told Fox News Digital that there is no official investigation being conducted by the Leon County State Attorney's office, despite reports that a record custodian in the state attorney's office referred to the matter as "an open, ongoing investigation." In a May 21 email exchange obtained by Fox News Digital, the New York Times corrected a headline stating that "Casey DeSantis [Is] Under Investigation" after a DeSantis official clarified to the publication that there is no official investigation taking place. Florida state Republican Rep. Alex Andrade, chairman of the healthcare appropriations subcommittee, originally unearthed the funds. Andrade told Fox he was unaware if there was an actual ongoing investigation, but added that he had a "long conversation with the [Department of Justice]" about documents and communications related to the movement of funds. He noted he does nOt "see how Casey or [Ron] DeSantis are involved." Dr. Oz Says Taxpayers Footing $14 Billion Bill For Medicaid Fraud While Eligible Patients Struggle For Care Andrade went on to explain that he believes DeSantis's chief of staff at the time was involved in brokering the grants between the Hope Florida Foundation and the two entities which received $5 million each. He also slammed the Hope Florida initiative itself, saying "they can't back up any of the claims about what state employees are doing." "The concept of Hope Florida is telling existing employees to do a better job of helping people," Andrede added. "That's it." DeSantis previously addressed Andrade's claims at a May 21 press conference in Westin, Florida. Desantis Excoriates Fl House Leadership Amid Republican Civil War, Accusing Them Of 'Revolt Against' Voters "You had one state representative with a political agenda, and he has a political agenda to try to smear Hope Florida—to try to smear people associated with the administration," DeSantis explained. "My wife, who's done a great job for this state by the way, not just on Hope Florida, saving taxpayers $100 million, getting 30,000 people off means-tested welfare. Show me someone else in this country that has been able to do that?" The Hope Florida Foundation controversy has shaken up political implications for the upcoming governor's race. Gov. DeSantis is termed out, but his wife, Casey, is widely rumored to enter the field. Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida is the only GOP candidate declared so far, and he received an endorsement from President Donald Trump shortly after his announcement. Fox News Digital reached out to the Leon County State Attorney's office but did not receive a response in time for article source: DeSantis punches back at Hope Florida controversy, likens 'lawfare' to attacks on Trump and nominees
Fox News
3 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
DeSantis punches back at Hope Florida controversy, likens 'lawfare' to attacks on Trump and nominees
The office of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis punched back at allegations linking the governor and his wife, Casey DeSantis, to $10 million given to the Hope Florida Foundation after the state settled with a government-sponsored healthcare provider. "Governor DeSantis and Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis have been subject to politically motivated lawfare in the state of Florida, and now the same lawfare is being perpetrated against President Trump and his nominees," Communications Director Bryan Griffin told Fox News Digital. "It's ridiculous and especially shameful coming from Republicans who hate to see others delivering results." Centene, a large medical insurance provider that specializes in government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare, returned $67 million in a settlement with the state's Agency for Health Care Administration over claims that Centene was overbilling Medicaid payments. Following the settlement in September 2024, $10 million of the funds were sent to the Hope Florida Foundation. The $10 million given to the Hope Florida Foundation was then split into two separate $5 million grants to 501(c)(4) organizations. One went to Save Our Society from Drugs and the other to Secure Florida's Future, Inc. Subsequently, $8.5 million of those funds were dispersed to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee that previously targeted Florida Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment to recreationally legalize marijuana. Casey DeSantis has been outspoken against the legalization of marijuana. A senior official from DeSantis's office told Fox News Digital that the Hope Florida Foundation is a separate entity from the Hope Florida initiative that has been spearheaded by Casey DeSantis. A senior official from DeSantis' office also told Fox News Digital that there is no official investigation being conducted by the Leon County State Attorney's office, despite reports that a record custodian in the state attorney's office referred to the matter as "an open, ongoing investigation." In a May 21 email exchange obtained by Fox News Digital, the New York Times corrected a headline stating that "Casey DeSantis [Is] Under Investigation" after a DeSantis official clarified to the publication that there is no official investigation taking place. Florida state Republican Rep. Alex Andrade, chairman of the healthcare appropriations subcommittee, originally unearthed the funds. Andrade told Fox he was unaware if there was an actual ongoing investigation, but added that he had a "long conversation with the [Department of Justice]" about documents and communications related to the movement of funds. He noted he does nOt "see how Casey or [Ron] DeSantis are involved." Andrade went on to explain that he believes DeSantis's chief of staff at the time was involved in brokering the grants between the Hope Florida Foundation and the two entities which received $5 million each. He also slammed the Hope Florida initiative itself, saying "they can't back up any of the claims about what state employees are doing." "The concept of Hope Florida is telling existing employees to do a better job of helping people," Andrede added. "That's it." DeSantis previously addressed Andrade's claims at a May 21 press conference in Westin, Florida. "You had one state representative with a political agenda, and he has a political agenda to try to smear Hope Florida—to try to smear people associated with the administration," DeSantis explained. "My wife, who's done a great job for this state by the way, not just on Hope Florida, saving taxpayers $100 million, getting 30,000 people off means-tested welfare. Show me someone else in this country that has been able to do that?" The Hope Florida Foundation controversy has shaken up political implications for the upcoming governor's race. Gov. DeSantis is termed out, but his wife, Casey, is widely rumored to enter the field. Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida is the only GOP candidate declared so far, and he received an endorsement from President Donald Trump shortly after his announcement. Fox News Digital reached out to the Leon County State Attorney's office but did not receive a response in time for publication. Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to and on X @MizellPreston
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal agency ‘reviewing' potential investigation into Hope Florida
Casey and Ron DeSantis in Tampa on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) A Florida member of Congress says she is hopeful that her request for a federal investigation into allegations of impropriety regarding the Hope Florida Foundation will begin soon. 'I expect them to. That's their job,' said Tampa Bay Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who along with Central Florida Democrat Darren Soto, contacted the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services two weeks ago, asking them to investigate the Hope Florida Foundation. The foundation is the nonprofit arm of Hope Florida, the state welfare assistance program that works with nonprofits and faith-based groups and has been led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The Hope Florida Foundation gave $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement to two nonprofits last year. Those groups then gave millions to a political committee, chaired by Gov. Ron DeSantis' then-chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to campaign against a proposed referendum to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. DeSantis later appointed Uthmeier to serve as Florida attorney general. A spokesperson for the Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General told the Phoenix Tuesday that the agency is in receipt of Castor's and Soto's letter. 'The letter has been received and we are reviewing for appropriate action,' said Zeke Miller, public affairs officer for the Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General. Castor said on Tuesday that the details that have emerged through the reporting of Hope Florida is 'awfully sketchy on a number of different levels.' 'First is passing what are Medicaid dollars through nonprofits to totally unrelated political action committees. That's illegal in the state of Florida,' she said. 'Number two, Medicaid dollars are state and federal dollars, because it's a partnership initiative. And it's highly likely there was a settlement of a court case that the feds are entitled to some of those dollars. So, I would think that would capture the attention of the HHS Inspector General. Especially at a time when everybody is talking about fraud and abuse in Medicaid — and here is a prime example.' Soto connected the allegations regarding the Hope Florida Foundation to the major tax and spending bill pushed by President Trump and passed by the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives last week. 'House Republicans are proposing record cuts to Medicaid of over $700 Billion, claiming waste, fraud and abuse,' he said in a statement emailed to the Phoenix on Wednesday. 'Diverting $10 million Medicaid settlement funds to a political campaign, rather than back into the program, would be the biggest fraud of all.' While it's unclear whether the federal government will investigate, the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald reported last week that an open investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation is underway in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit, led by State Attorney Jack Campbell in Tallahassee. Gov. DeSantis blasted that investigation last week as much ado about nothing, calling it a 'manufactured political operation' created by Pensacola Republican Rep. Alex Andrade, who chaired the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee earlier this year and launched a probe into the settlement during the legislative session. The office of Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, did not immediately respond to request for comment regarding the congressional request for an investigation. Rep. Castor said that the taxpayers and citizens of Florida deserve answers. 'We just need to get to the bottom of it, and if there was nothing wrong, I would think that the governor and the attorney general would be forthcoming and cooperative,' she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hope Florida Foundation paid woman who then posted video praising charity
TALLAHASSEE – The Hope Florida Foundation paid a Lakeland physical therapy assistant $588 in March. Days later, a social media video popped up of the woman praising how the organization tied to First Lady Casey DeSantis helped her out of poverty. 'I had no high school diploma,' said Ginger Faulk, a 35-year-old mother of two, describing her circumstances when she contacted Hope Florida in 2021. 'I couldn't pay the rent or put food on the table, until I met my Hope Navigator.' Hope Florida gave her the resources to get an education, Faulk said in the video, adding that she graduated from college with honors 'as a medical practitioner.' The curious payment to Faulk — disclosed among other foundation expenditures in response to a public records request from the Orlando Sentinel — adds to the swirl of questions surrounding the state's Hope Florida program and the Hope Florida Foundation, its associated non-profit. DeSantis administration officials have claimed the program has helped 30,000 people off welfare but have provided scant details about who and how. An earlier report by the Sentinel about the experience of another Hope Florida client, touted in an online magazine, found the claims did not match what the woman said actually happened, overstating the help she was given. Reached by phone, Faulk declined to comment for this story. The Hope Florida Foundation and Department of Children and Families, which oversees the foundation, did not respond to questions about the money sent to Faulk either. Faulk's video was released just as Gov. Ron DeSantis was pushing the Legislature to make Hope Florida an official part of the state government, instead of a loosely affiliated program across more than a dozen different state agencies without a budget of its own. Within weeks, that effort sparked a legislative inquiry into the program. The inquiry, led by a House committee led by Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, soon prompted controversy when it was revealed that $10 million from a $67 million Medicaid settlement meant to pay back Florida for prescription drug overpayments instead landed in the coffers of the Hope Florida Foundation. That money was then quickly redistributed to two nonprofits that in turn gave millions to a DeSantis-backed political committee set up to defeat Amendment 3, the ballot measure that would have made recreational pot legal. The March payment was the second time in two years Faulk received money from the Hope Florida Foundation. She also was given $392 in May 2024. And she appeared to be on the administration's radar. DeSantis mentioned her in his state-of-the-state speech at the opening of the 60-day legislative session in March, using her story to pitch his Hope Florida legislation, which would ultimately be rejected by lawmakers. And last year the DeSantises honored Faulk as a Florida Hero at the governor's mansion. The Florida Heroes brochure said she was a hero for using Hope Florida to get short-term rental and utility assistance from a local charity so she could focus on her education and career goals, pass her GED and enroll in a CareerSource healthcare program. Without knowing why the foundation paid her, Faulk's video casts some doubt over her motive for providing a testimonial, said Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University. 'There is nothing wrong with a recipient expressing gratitude,' Jarvis said. 'But if she was paid, as a paid spokesperson, that should be disclosed.' The payments to Faulk are among the dozens of unexplained payments listed in the foundation's $550,000 worth of expenditures made since its inception in August of 2023. The list of payments provided to the Sentinel did not include any details about the purpose of the spending. The largest single payment was $100,000 to Florida Emergency Management Assistance Inc., also known as the Florida Disaster Foundation, a direct support organization for the Division of Emergency Management created in 2023. Two Panhandle resorts owned by the same company received the next largest amount of money — $55,500 to the St. Joe Resort and $40,000 to Camp Creek Inn. The largest collective expense was the distribution of $1,000 bonuses to each of the 156 state workers who had been reassigned as Hope Navigators. Another half dozen state employees received bonuses of $2,500 each. Mallory McManus, the former deputy chief of staff at DCF, received $7,456. The Hope Florida Foundation and DCF did not respond to questions about these expenditures, either. 'Those expenditures need more clarity and detail,' Jarvis said. The larger sums raise the most questions, including what services those companies provided to receive those funds and how they spent it, Jarvis said. Also, he asked, what is the foundation doing with the remaining $1.5 million? 'What are the plans for that?' Prior to receiving its now controversial $10 million donation from the Medicaid provider, the foundation had only raised $2 million and paid out the $550,000, according to a spreadsheet the Orlando Sentinel received. The records only identify the amount paid, the date and the recipient. Requests for supporting documentation that might explain the purpose of the donations are still pending.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
State Rep. Alex Andrade on DeSantis' comments about Hope Florida Foundation backlash
Hope Florida Foundation There is now a criminal investigation into DeSantis' decision to divert $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to the Hope Florida Foundation, money that eventually ended up in a political action committee he controlled. Republican State Representative Alex Andrade has been the driving force behind the weeks of hearings in the Florida House, the findings of which he turned over to both the U.S. Justice Department and the Leon County State Attorney. DeSantis denies his administration did anything wrong, defended his wife's work with Hope Florida and blasted Andrade during a news conference this week. Jim talks to State Rep. Andrade about that, and he talks to former Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg, about what's next. Guests: State Rep. Alex Andrade/R- District 2 Dave Aronberg/Fmr. Palm Beach State Attorney About this issue Prosecutors have opened an investigation related to the Hope Florida Foundation, the nonprofit behind the welfare program that has been touted as the signature achievement of first lady Casey DeSantis. A public records custodian in the office of Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell confirmed the existence of "an open, on-going investigation" Tuesday in response to a records request from The Associated Press. The investigation was first reported by the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times. Questioned by reporters at an event Tuesday in Tampa highlighting the work of Hope Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the initiative, which uses state employees to help connect Floridians in need with faith institutions and community-based nonprofits and wean them off government assistance. "I believe in this program deeply and I stand by it 100%," DeSantis said. "This is a rewiring of the way that government operates," the first lady said.
