TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Erik Dellenback has introduced his resignation as government director of Hope Florida. It’s a nonprofit based by First Girl Casey DeSantis to attach low-income residents with church buildings and charities, as an alternative of resorting to government-funded help.
This system has been underneath scrutiny by Republicans within the Florida Home, concurrently the primary woman considers a run for governor.
On Wednesday, the governor’s workplace confirmed Dellenback plans to step all the way down to be the CEO of Florida Household Voice however proceed to work with Hope Florida in an advisory capability.
Only a day earlier than, Dellenback answered questions from state lawmakers throughout a listening to in Tallahassee involving how grant cash from a $10 million settlement was finally used.
Throughout that very same listening to, Hope Florida Board Chair Joshua Hay admitted to hiccups involving operations.
“In latest weeks, the general public reporting has made evident that errors had been made,” Hay mentioned.
The board chair then advised lawmakers one of many causes behind a few of the points.
“There have been lapses in reporting procedures and the muse was not supplied with the staffing help vital to make sure all issues had been being shortly and appropriately dealt with,” Hay mentioned.
The board’s chair mentioned he’s working with the muse’s lawyer to make corrections.
Just lately, Hay filed a tax doc, often called Type 990, relating to final fiscal 12 months that resulted in June 2024. It confirmed a complete of $40,000 in grants was distributed to 4 organizations.
Nevertheless, with regards to the present fiscal 12 months, lawmakers have questions over how $10 million in settlement funds was spent after Hope Florida distributed these {dollars}.
“Primarily based on the proposals submitted by the 2 organizations that obtained funds, I had no motive to doubt their alignment with Hope Florida’s mission.” Hay mentioned. “Like all of you, I’m keen to know how these funds had been utilized.”
Some Republicans say they traced the cash, and it might have been used to assist defeat Modification 3 to the top the push to legalize leisure marijuana. Getting voters to maintain that poll measure from the 60% threshold was a aim of the governor, first woman, and different prime Florida officers. The primary woman has not been accused of any wrongdoing relating to these funds.
On Wednesday, the governor spoke in Fort Myers. He known as on Republicans within the Home to align together with his funds proposal, particularly with regards to funding legislation enforcement. DeSantis additionally defended his spouse’s signature welfare help program.
“They by no means ran on becoming a member of with Democrats to attempt to manufacture smears in opposition to the administration, the governor, and even the primary woman,” DeSantis mentioned. “This system has gotten 30,000 individuals off of welfare and saved a $100 million. That is actually what it is all about.”
First Girl DeSantis is predicted to announce whether or not she’s going to toss her hat within the race this Summer season. Political Science Professor Tara Newsom with St. Pete Faculty mentioned it’s unclear if voters will bear in mind this investigation subsequent 12 months and it’s unclear if voters will join the primary woman to questions from lawmakers.
“It is a good distance away from the following election. So, whether or not or not their recollections will maintain with them as soon as she decides whether or not she’s going to run or not is a special story,” Newsome mentioned.
Hope Florida’s board is scheduled to carry a public Zoom assembly on Thursday to debate grant distribution, tax varieties, and state legislation because it applies to open conferences.
