Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed all arts funding for ALL Florida because of two performing groups that he considers “sexualized.” Six hundred groups lost $32 million in state funding, in some cases jeopardizing their survival.
The two groups that offended the prudish DeSantis offered to give up state funding so DeSantis could restore funding to the others.
Leaders of two performing arts festivals said Thursday that they would gladly give up their grants if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis restores the $32 million in state funding he nixed for more than 600 Florida arts groups, explaining the reason for his veto as being because the two theatrical events were “a sexual festival.”
Leaders of The Orlando Fringe and Tampa Fringe described the governor’s description as inaccurate on Thursday at a news conference, but they said it was important for the state’s arts groups to be funded because they play critical roles in their communities. The Orlando festival had been slated to get $70,500, and the Tampa festival was in line to receive $7,500 before the veto.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
What will it take for people who value their freedom to start moving out of Florida? Death camps for anyone DeSantis and his fascist state government doesn’t approve of.
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It’s very considerate of these two groups to offer to give up their grants to save the arts communities in Florida.
The two groups shouldn’t have to do that, however. It’s self-censoring and DeSantis, that ugly excuse of a human being, wins.
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If DeSantis releases grants to the other 600 groups, these two should start a GoFundMe. I would contribute.
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The post says he vetoed funding for South Florida, but it is for ALL of Florida.
It’s ridiculous that organizations like the city orchestras (Orlando Philharmonic, New World Symphony, etc.), the Florida Music Education Association, local theatres and arts organizations that provide field trip and weekend programming for kids, etc. will potentially miss out on much needed funding if this decision isn’t reversed. Organizations are already sending panicked email and social media blasts trying to fundraise the money they hoped to get from the grant program.
All because a drag queen or gay character may be featured in a performance at the Fringe Festival.
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Thanks, XP.
Nothing could show the mean, boorish character of DeSantis more than his cancellation of arts grants across the state.
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Taking food from hungry children is even worse.
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When does Ron DeSantis hit rock bottom?
Taking food away from hungry children?
Denying water and a break to workers during intensive heat?
Crushing the arts?
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IKR? One absolutely appalling act after another.
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He is a horrible, vindictive autocrat.
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