So Uthmeier—who led the diversion of $10 million from FL’s $67 million settlement w/Centene Corp’s PBM 4 Medicaid overpayments to DeSantis political committees he controlled —is unironically touting an investigation into CVS (which has massive PBM contracts w/the DeSantis admin)?
The DeSantis admin — including his former chief of staff, now appointed AG James Uthmeier — admit they funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement with Centene Corp thru the Hope FL Foundation and used the $ on political campaign ads
Meanwhile they dole out taxpayer $ like candy to state contractors/donors represented by big money lobbyists, while blocking efforts to hold them even minimally accountable
This isn’t “no raise” for Florida’s state workforce (leanest per capita in the nation, as Ron & ‘em love to tout)—it’s a PAY CUT—bc of Trump’s war/pice spikes, & Florida R’s serving corporations, lobbyists, & donors while ignoring people who live off their work, not their wealth
Today is my birthday. The NFL just emailed me to wish me a “Happy Birthday” and to tell me I share a birthday with “Storm Norton” from the Falcons. 1. Happy Birthday Storm Norton! And 2. best name ever. You win, Storm!
As of yesterday, both John Guard (chief deputy AG) & Andrew Sheeran (AHCA general counsel) have now received judicial appointments by Governor DeSantis 🤔
Democratic Sen. Lori Berman & other House & Senate Dems called a press conference after the emergency hearing.
“The only emergency here is the one that the Dept of Health is creating through their own actions. The actions of Surgeon General Ladapo & DOH are shameful,” she said.
Medicaid provider fraud is an awful & offensive crime, but not a novel development (eg, Rick Scott).
What the DeSantis admin appears to have done — use their control of state govt to divert Medicaid $ to political campaigns — is a far worse & uniquely toxic type of corruption.
Hard to fathom the absurd amount of audacity & self-delusion required for this guy to think he has the moral authority to scold anyone about the use of taxpayer dollars or the enforcement of our laws
For no reason at all Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly shot-for-shot recreated David Bowie and Bing Crosby's "Little Drummer Boy" duet 😂 wait for the end
In 1977, Bing Crosby and David Bowie delivered one of the most beautiful duets of all time. It was Crosby’s final Christmas special.
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.