Hope Florida Chair Admits Lapses in Funding Probe

The Hope Florida Foundation, associated with First Lady Casey DeSantis, is under heightened scrutiny after its chairman, Joshua Hay, admitted under oath to significant record-keeping and transparency lapses, attributing issues to insufficient staffing. The controversy involves $10 million the foundation received from a Medicaid settlement, which was then granted to two nonprofits that supported a political committee opposing marijuana legalization, raising concerns about the potential misuse of charitable funds. Lawmakers, including House Health Care Budget Chairman Alex Andrade, have questioned the foundation's transparency, missing federal tax filings, and compliance with state laws. Governor Ron DeSantis continues to defend the foundation, alleging a politically motivated smear campaign by House Republicans and the media, and insisting that grant decisions were independently made. The foundation has scheduled a board meeting to address governance and compliance issues. The investigation has intensified tensions between the executive branch and state legislators, focusing attention on nonprofit oversight and political influence in Florida.