### Taxpayer Money or Political Payoff? You Decide.
So, Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature is mulling over whether to funnel your hard-earned tax dollars into a nonprofit run by a guy who’s chummy with the governor. Sounds legit, right? This comes on the heels of South Florida Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick being found guilty of ethics violations—she’s claiming innocence, of course.
The whole mess revolves around allegations that Cherfilus-McCormick funneled millions into her campaign. But wait, there’s more! A report from the Office of Congressional Conduct (yes, that’s a real thing) also took a peek at federal funding that went to a foundation led by Freddie Figgers, a telecom executive with ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis. If you’re wondering why that’s relevant, it’s because she allegedly sought funding for community projects that may have benefited Figgers’ for-profit ventures. Classic move.
In 2022, the Figgers Foundation snagged $2.2 million to provide tablets for seniors and kids with disabilities in Cherfilus-McCormick’s district. Now, Republican lawmakers want to give the foundation even more: $350,000 in the Senate budget and a whopping $1 million in the House budget. Maybe they think the tablets will magically solve all tech issues?
There’s also a side note about campaign donations—Figgers and his family allegedly coughed up nearly $20,000 to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign during the last cycle. But don’t worry, Figgers’ attorney insists there’s nothing shady about it. He claims Figgers didn’t profit from the government funding and that the House Ethics Committee report is filled with “factual errors.” Sure, buddy, that’s just what everyone who gets investigated says.
The report also hints that Figgers and his wife were reluctant to cooperate with investigators, but they sure did have time to throw out a sob story about Figgers being a “hero” for protecting his father. And just for good measure, they say the tablet program, underfunded as it is, helped 5,000 families. Bravo!
Now, let’s talk about the Senate’s decision to not confirm Figgers for a state ethics commission—a decision they didn’t bother to explain. Some background checks revealed a few arrests, but hey, he was just trying to protect his dad, right?
As for the funding? Well, it’s caught in a budget stalemate between the House and Senate, and details on whether the Figgers Foundation will get your tax dollars this year are murky at best.
So, while lawmakers sit around twiddling their thumbs in recess, the House Ethics panel is planning to decide on the penalties for Cherfilus-McCormick. Expulsion is on the table, but she’s also dealing with separate charges for allegedly stealing disaster relief funds. As usual, it’s a circus, and you’re footing the bill.
Is anyone else tired of politicians playing fast and loose with taxpayer dollars?
By Admin | Published: April 2, 2026 at 9:32 pm
