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DeSantis Criticized Over Redirected $4M Opioid Funds as Abortion Campaign Raises $100M

Oct 25, 2024, 01:37 PM

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing criticism following reports that his administration redirected nearly $4 million intended for combating the opioid crisis to fund advertising campaigns opposing ballot measures on marijuana legalization (Amendment 3) and overturning a statewide abortion ban (Amendment 4). Critics allege that opioid settlement money was used to finance over 13,000 anti-marijuana public service announcements, with estimates of state spending reaching up to $50 million. Amendment 3, which requires a 60% majority to pass, aims to legalize possession and consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes. DeSantis has actively campaigned against Amendment 3, meeting with local leaders in Pensacola and arguing that the initiative is deceptive and profit-driven by corporations. Additionally, DeSantis has reportedly threatened to prosecute media companies airing ads supporting Amendment 4, the abortion rights amendment. The abortion-rights campaign, sponsored by Floridians Protecting Freedom, has raised over $100 million, signaling substantial support for the initiative.