When you wish upon a star.
“The happiest place on Earth” may be coming to Texas. Fort Bend County Judge KP George recently published a series of Twitter posts inviting the entertainment empire to open their next destination in Texas.
George’s pitch came amid an ongoing riff between the corporation and Florida politicians. Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, recently signed a bill to dissolve Walt Disney World’s “independent special district” status in the state. The bill – which could mean steep tax implications for Disney – was a punitive measure for Disney’s opposition to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, referred by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, as well as other administration efforts over the past couple years.
The measure would also mean a lot more red tape for Disney in its efforts to expand its theme parks, rides, hotels, and other ventures.
Amid the dispute, Fort Bend County Judge, KP George, reached out to Disney with a series of Twitter post accompanied by a letter to Disney CEO Bob Chapek:
From Timone & Pumba to Tinker Bell, Disney characters are as diverse as Fort Bend County families. I welcome @Disney to visit Fort Bend County as your next destination while you face attacks from the modern day political extremists like @RonDeSantisFL. pic.twitter.com/UMtvN4Cudj
— County Judge KP George (@JudgeKPGeorge) April 21, 2022
“From Timone & Pumba to Tinker Bell, Disney Characters are as diverse as Fort Bend County families. I welcome @Disney to visit Fort Bend County as your next destination while you face attacks from the modern-day political extremists like (Florida governor) @RonDeSantisFL,” wrote George.
The judge’s letter detailed the county’s various assets to entice the corporation’s business, citing the area’s strategic and affordable land, investment opportunities, and business-friendly climate.
“Fort Bend County is a unique place. Our residents and families compose the most diverse county in the United States, deliver extremely high graduation rates, and are one of the top capita purchasers in Texas, have lots of wide open and affordable land, while also being strategically located for the most efficient distribution of goods and domestically and internationally including the best access to both inland and water ports in Texas.”