| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Tuesday. Zinger — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Memorial Day waded into the political back-and-forth over the tentative debt ceiling agreement by telling Fox News that “prior to this deal, our country was careening towards bankruptcy, and after this deal, our country will still be careening towards bankruptcy, and to say you can do 4 trillion of increases in the next year and a half, I mean, that’s a massive amount of spending.” More — This is not the first time that DeSantis has taken shots at Congress and President Joe Biden over spending at the federal level. And during his remarks, DeSantis noted that Florida has had a budget surplus. “We make tough choices, and we make sure we look forward to the long haul,” the governor said. A closer look — But one could easily question what tough choices that DeSantis and Republicans have had to make the last couple of years. The governor’s remarks sidestep the reality that Florida’s budget situation — where a balanced budget is required — has been helped out tremendously by the billions showered on the state through Covid-19 relief funds passed by Congress. The way it works — It's true that Florida’s economy recovered quickly from the Covid-19 related turndown as DeSantis rejected lockdowns. But the federal money helped provide a bridge. Plus, extra Medicaid money sent down to the state during the public health emergency allowed the state to back out state dollars and shift them elsewhere. Reminder — While Washington, D.C., was pumping billions into states, Gov. DeSantis rejected suggestions from Sen. Rick Scott that he and other conservative governors should not spend the money. DeSantis retorted that it would just go to other states, and instead he was able to use the federal money on some of his own top priorities. Snapshot — Through all of this Florida’s own budget has grown. Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research each year prepares a Fiscal Analysis in Brief that captures budget trends over the years. The past two years alone have seen Florida’s budget (adjusted for vetoes and special sessions) grow by 20 percent — an increase fueled by the extra federal money that came in the door. It's some of the highest spending jumps since Republicans took control of state government. Still going up — And that budget is poised to grow even more shortly. The budget for the fiscal year that ends on June 30 is $110.1 billion, while the spending plan that will be sent to DeSantis’ desk soon stands at roughly $117 billion. Compare and contrast — But there’s a bit of accounting that also needs to be acknowledged. Legislators this year shifted university tuition out of the new budget, a move that shaved off about $1.83 billion from the overall total. In other words, the total could be a lot higher. Oh, and in the back of the budget bill legislators set aside more than $300 million to spend in this fiscal year from the last batch of federal Covid-19 money left over. That money will be used to pay for another round of $1,000 bonuses to first responders — a DeSantis priority. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. Ron DeSantis will be in West Des Moines, Iowa, for the kickoff of his “Great American Comeback” tour. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | | | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S HEALTH CARE SUMMIT: The Covid-19 pandemic helped spur innovation in health care, from the wide adoption of telemedicine, health apps and online pharmacies to mRNA vaccines. But what will the next health care innovations look like? Join POLITICO on Wednesday June 7 for our Health Care Summit to explore how tech and innovation are transforming care and the challenges ahead for access and delivery in the United States. REGISTER NOW. | | | | | |  | DESANTISLAND | | WHERE IT STARTS — “DeSantis kicks off presidential campaign in Iowa as he steps up criticism of Trump,” by Associated Press’ Thomas Beaumont: “DeSantis’ scheduled Tuesday evening stop at Eternity Church in Clive is a conspicuous nod to the evangelical Christians who wield outsize influence in Iowa’s Republican presidential caucuses. His visit will give voters an opportunity to meet the new candidate just as he has been stepping up his criticism of Trump. ‘He’s got a big hill to climb — and I think everybody would agree with that — to be able to convince people that he can overcome Trump, that he can do a job as good as, if not better than, Trump,’ said Bernie Hayes, the Republican chair in Linn County where DeSantis plans to wrap up his Iowa jaunt Wednesday.”
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, poses for a photo with audience members during a fundraising picnic for Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, on May 13, in Sioux Center, Iowa. | Charlie Neibergall, File/AP Photo | WHERE IT’S GOING — “DeSantis steps up attacks on Trump, hitting him on crime and Covid,” by New York Times’ Neil Vigdor, Maggie Haberman and Nicholas Nehamas: “Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida escalated his hostilities with former President Donald J. Trump on Friday, arguing that his Republican presidential rival was weak on crime and immigration, and accusing him of ceding critical decision-making during the coronavirus pandemic to Dr. Anthony S. Fauci. In an appearance with the conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, Mr. DeSantis accused Mr. Trump, the G.O.P. front-runner, of “moving left” on criminal justice and immigration issues after winning over the party’s base in 2015 and 2016.” TALE OF THE TAPE — “Here’s audio from the secret Ron DeSantis ’24 debriefing to donors,” by Florida Politics’ Jacob Ogles: “Pollster Ryan Tyson assured donors gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami that DeSantis starts the race in good shape. Audio obtained by Florida Politics shows the campaign excited by the national notoriety DeSantis already enjoys, and confidence his standing against former President Donald Trump will only improve with time. ‘He’s known by as many Primary voters as the President is and he’s better liked,’ Tyson said. ‘That’s the first problem that Donald Trump, I feel like, has in these Primaries. His negatives are too high. And I will also say this. The No. 1 most effective and efficient driver of Donald Trump’s negatives is Donald Trump.’” More from same recording — “Donors fret whether Ron DeSantis abortion ban will turn off pro-choice backers,” by Florida Politics’ Jacob Ogles MORE LINE BLURRING — “GOP officials: Top aides in governor’s office asked lawmakers to endorse DeSantis,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Zac Anderson: “Top aides to Gov. Ron DeSantis were involved in rounding up endorsements for his presidential campaign from members of the Florida Legislature during a time when lawmaker's bills and budget priorities were at the mercy of the governor's office, according to three GOP sources with knowledge of the conversations. A Republican lawmaker says DeSantis’ top budget official called earlier this month to discuss the lawmaker endorsing DeSantis’ presidential campaign.” NOTED — “DeSantis meets with 9/11 families who bashed Trump for Saudi-funded golf tournament,” by New York Post’s Allie Griffin: "Presidential hopeful Gov. Ron DeSantis met with the families of 9/11 victims at Memorial Day barbeque Saturday as the relatives bashed his GOP competitor ex-President Donald Trump for hosting a Saudi-funded golf tournament the same weekend. DeSantis hosted about 500 veterans, Gold Star families and relatives who lost loved ones in the September 11 attacks at the Florida Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee. He also met privately with eight 9/11 families to listen to their stories and hear their concerns, according to one relative of a victim." THE RECORD — How Ron DeSantis shaped Florida’s environment, by POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie: But four years later and after officially launching a presidential bid, environmentalists and others offer praise and disappointment — sometimes simultaneously. He’s proposed billions of dollars to restore waterways and state treasures like the Everglades but has also pushed legislation banning local environmental regulations. He famously rejects climate change while championing spending to address the effects of sea level rise. And he’s signed a long list of bills championed by developers and industry. Jane West, policy and planning director at 1000 Friends of Florida, called DeSantis’ record on the environment “confusing — and hypocritical.” — “DeSantis signed a near-total abortion ban. Here’s what those directly affected think of it,” by Miami Herald’s Clara-Sophia Daly — “Before entering politics, Ron DeSantis touted his Ivy League pedigree as a test prep entrepreneur,” by The Messenger’s Steve Reilly — “Lev Parnas claims to have spurred Ron DeSantis’ evolution on marijuana,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski — “Fact-checking attacks against Ron DeSantis by other GOP presidential hopefuls,” by PolitiFact’s Matthew Crowley — “Ron DeSantis blames ‘political ideologies’ for keeping ‘warriors’ out of military,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski — “Top New Hampshire strategist joins DeSantis super PAC, won’t wait on Sununu,” by The Messenger’s Trent Spiner — “The DeSantis campaign will test whether Casey DeSantis can bring suburban women back to the GOP after Trump lost them,” by Insider’s Kimberly Leonard
| | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | MESSAGING — “Trump compares his political battles to fallen troops’ sacrifices in Memorial Day rant,” by New York Post’s Jesse O’Neill: “Former president and current GOP candidate Donald Trump commemorated Memorial Day by comparing his battles against ‘fascist ‘pigs’ and ‘lunatic thugs’ to the more than one million US soldiers that died on the battlefield. Trump, 76, took to his Truth Social platform to deliver the maniacal all-caps rant Monday morning. ‘HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO ALL,’ it began, using a phrase that many think is inappropriate to mark a somber day of national remembrance. The message continued with a 63-word sentence that alluded to his failed attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat.” — Many GOP insiders fear that Teflon Don is back, by POLITICO’s Adam Wren, Natalie Allison, Meridith McGraw and Lisa Kashinsky — “A small town’s tragedy, distorted by Trump’s megaphone,” by New York Times’ Charles Homans and Ken Bensinger
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | — Biden world confident in a Trump rematch but preps for a surprise, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Lemire — “Andrew Yang stumps for a new third party in Tampa Bay,” by Tampa Bay Times’ William March — “Trump vs. DeSantis: Some Polk Republicans seek to remain neutral as campaign heats up,” by The Ledger’s Gary White — “Ron DeSantis’ challenge: Build a GOP coalition against Trump,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Emily L. Mahoney and Kirby Wilson
| | | | GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | | ‘NOWHERE TO GO’ — “Struggles continue for thousands in Florida 8 months after Hurricane Ian as new storm season looms,” by Associated Press’ Curt Anderson: “Eight months ago, chef Michael Cellura had a restaurant job and had just moved into a fancy new camper home on Fort Myers Beach. Now, after Hurricane Ian swept all that away, he lives in his older Infiniti sedan with a 15-year-old long-haired chihuahua named Ginger. Like hundreds of others, Cellura was left homeless after the Category 5 hurricane blasted the barrier island last September with ferocious winds and storm surge as high as 15 feet (4 meters). Like many, he’s struggled to navigate insurance payouts, understand federal and state assistance bureaucracy and simply find a place to shower.”
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In this photo taken with a drone, restaurants operate from food trucks with outdoor seating in the Times Square area, where many businesses were completely destroyed during Hurricane Ian, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., Wednesday, May 10. | Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo | | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | HMM — “Michael Sasso resigns from Disney World oversight board,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher: “Michael Sasso, a Central Florida attorney, has resigned from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Disney World governing board he joined earlier this year. Sasso was one of five members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s Board of Supervisors, the governor-appointed board at the center of DeSantis’ dispute with Disney. Sasso has not publicly given a reason for his resignation. On Tuesday, DeSantis elevated his wife, Meredith Sasso, to the Florida Supreme Court. She was the chief judge of the Sixth District Circuit Court of Appeal. Spectrum News 13 first reported Sasso’s resignation on Friday night.” — “New Supreme Court Justice Meredith Sasso’s husband Michael, a DeSantis go-to favorite, could create conflicts for her,” by Florida Bulldog’s Noreen Marcus A MYSTERY IN TAMPA — “Tampa’s Tim Burke has certain skills and a Twitter following. The FBI has his computers,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Christopher Spata: “Federal agents searched the Seminole Heights home Burke shares with his wife, Tampa City Council member Lynn Hurtak, on May 8. Tampa Bay Times reporting revealed the search to be part of a probe into possible hacks of Fox News — particularly related to at least six leaked behind-the-scenes clips of [Tucker] Carlson. … Hurtak said the warrant was ‘solely related to my husband’s work as a journalist,’ though Burke now runs his own consulting business. Burke has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Specifics beyond that remain mysterious for now. What’s clear is that Burke, who was ‘extremely online’ long before that term was coined, has disappeared from the internet.” BALLARD OUT WEST — Ballard Partners keep adding to its Los Angeles office. The firm announced Tuesday that Tyrone Bland, the former head of government affairs at Creative Artists Agency, is coming on board as a partner. “We are delighted to have Ty join our firm in Los Angeles and significantly expand our capabilities in California,” said Brian Ballard, the firm’s president and founder. “The remarkable depth and breadth of his relationships in the Golden State, along with his invaluable public and private sector experience, give our firm unique capabilities to serve our clients’ growing needs from Los Angeles to Sacramento to Washington, DC.” Bland has worked for several other companies and government agencies during his career, including leading government affairs in 11 Western states for Amtrak and working on behalf of the city of Los Angeles in Sacramento. — “Shooting on Hollywood Broadwalk leaves 9 wounded. Victims range from 65 years old to as young as 1,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel — “Florida mom who challenged Amanda Gorman poem and other books says she only read parts of the material,” by USA Today’s John Bacon — “Ex-Everglades Foundation chief scientist Van Lent guilty of contempt, faces up to 1 year in county jail,” by Florida Bulldog’s Dan Christensen — “Sign using homophobic slur in front of Tallahassee business draws criticism,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Ana Goñi-Lessan
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: State Rep. Kaylee Tuck … former Rep. Dan Miller … Sen. Marco Rubio alum Rob Noel … former state Rep. Julio Gonzalez … former state Rep. Dwight Dudley Birthweek: State Rep. Daryl Campbell (was Monday) … Jessica Anderson of Heritage Action (was Sunday) … Turning Point USA’s Benny Johnson (was Saturday) WELCOME TO THE WORLD — Haley Draznin, founder and producer at audio and digital video production company Haynow Media and a CNN alum, and Jason Leibowitz, CEO and co-founder at cryptocurrency investment consultancy LeboBTC Ledger Group, on Tuesday welcomed Stevie Rose Leibowitz, who joined big brother Brody Jack. Pic ... Another pic | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
