Conservative Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pulling out all the stops to oppose votes to restore abortion access and legalize cannabis in the state, spending millions of taxpayer dollars on television advertising campaigns designed to undermine both measures.
“In states where marijuana is legal, drunk driving accidents are more common – and that puts everyone at risk,” says a TV ad from the Florida Department of Transportation. It also points out that driving while under the influence “can more than double the amount of your car insurance.” The ad ambiguously suggests that alcohol is better than weed: “Unlike alcohol, law enforcement cannot easily tell how high you are while driving.”
The intent of the ad is pretty obvious given DeSantis’ public opposition to Amendment 3, which would help legalize marijuana. The amendment’s supporters are calling on television networks to stop airing the ad, calling it taxpayer-funded political “propaganda.”
Several health officials in Florida have joined forces to run an ad declaring that the ban on abortion in the sixth week of pregnancy is no big deal. “No woman can go to jail for having an abortion – and abortions are available before a child’s heartbeat is detected, and in cases of rape or fear, incest, and to save the life and health of the mother,” the ad states.
In reality, doctors say, Florida’s abortion ban is endangering the health and lives of their patients because doctors are delaying or denying necessary medical care for fear of losing their licenses or being sent to prison.
The ad urges viewers to visit a state website for “accurate information about all of their options.” The website is filled with baseless attacks on Amendment 4 – the measure to repeal Florida’s abortion ban – which it says “threatens women’s safety.”
“We must prevent Florida from becoming a destination state for abortion tourism,” says the state’s website, which also lists the names of donors who support the abortion vote.
The sponsor of the abortion ballot measure, represented by the ACLU Foundation of Florida, filed suit against the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to have the website and similar advertisements removed.
On Tuesday, Florida journalist Jason Garcia reported that DeSantis’ administration recently purchased $15.5 million in taxpayer-funded ads. Garcia’s breakdown lists $12.5 million in ad spending by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Children & Families and the Department of Health. Those agencies are listed as sponsors of the state’s new anti-abortion ad.
“As Floridians prepare for a major hurricane, the State of Florida is airing television ads during the local news to discourage voters from protecting their freedom,” Yes on 4 campaign director Lauren Brenzel said in a statement Tuesday. “Florida’s government is choosing to spend millions of taxpayer dollars misinforming voters about abortion rather than helping Floridians deal with the potentially catastrophic destruction Hurricane Helene could cause.”
Brenzel described the advertisements as a “waste of taxpayers’ money” and a “blatant misallocation of public funds.”
“It is an insult to the people of Florida and our democratic process,” they added, “and the people of Florida deserve better.”
