Universal fetes GOP lawmakers, lobbyists
Just days before they head to Tallahassee for their annual legislative session, Republican lawmakers from across Florida will descend on Universal Orlando this weekend, where they will raise moneyfromlobbyists amid thrill rides and mugs of butterbeer.
Hosting the pre-session fundraiser has become something of a tradition for Universal, which provides the Republican Party with free park tickets, hotel rooms, meals and more. Records show the giant resort has given about $835,000 worth of freebies to the state GOP since 2006 to stage the annual event.
Universal expects to foot the bill for an additional $180,000 worth of goods and services this weekend.
For Universal, it is a way to build good will with GOP lawmakers, who command overwhelming majorities in the Florida Legislature. And that is something that could be especially valuable for the resort this year.
Universal has faced criticism in recent weeks for claiming millions of dollars’ worth of state tax breaks through an incentive program that is supposed to spark economic development in high-crime urban areas. The furor has prompted some legislators in both political parties to suggest changes may be in order.
Universal said the fundraiser is a way to showcase its operations to state leaders.
“Years ago, when the Republican Party of Florida first approached us about doing an event here, we felt it was a great opportunity to spotlight our industry and the importance it plays to our state’s economy,” spokesman Tom Schroder said Wednesday. “This event is also family-friendly so that everyone can better understand what we do for our guests every day.”
It’s also a chance for Universal lobbyists to bend the ears of lawmakers on policies that are important to the resort, though Schroder would not say what issues are likely to be on the agenda this weekend.
“These tend to be informal conversations, and so there is nothing specific I can share,” Schroder said. “I can predict that one topic will likely be the economic contribution our industry makes in Florida, which will be easy to see because of all the projects we have under way here.”
Republican activists say the pre-session gathering at Universal is one of the biggest annual fundraisers in Florida politics.
To attend, donors must make five-figure contributions to the state GOP. Attendees say hundreds of people — including lawmakers, their families, lobbyists and others — typically show up.
“We’ve got a couple members of our firm going,” said Brian Ballard, a Tallahassee lobbyist whose roster of clients includes Amazon, Citigroup and Verizon. “It’s one that everyone kind of circles and says, ‘I’d like to go to this and bring my kids.’ ”
Universal also hosts occasional fundraisers for the Florida Democratic Party. For instance, records show Universal provided the Democrats $75,000 worth of food and other freebies for an event after the November election.
A spokesman for the state Republican Party would not provide a list of invitees to this weekend’s fundraiser. But those present will include some of the GOP’s most influential figures, including Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, expected to arrive Friday evening with his wife.
Gaetz said his involvement will be limited to attending several meetings Friday “for the purpose of helping our 2014 Senate candidates.”
“My family and I are not participating in any of the recreational or social activities sponsored by Universal at the park,” Gaetz said.
Other lawmakers planning to attend say Universal doesn’t get any special favors for the free rooms, food and entertainment. Asked whether the event earns Universal any extra influence in the state Capitol, state Rep. Steve Precourt, R-Orlando, responded with an unequivocal “No.”
Precourt, the House majority leader, has worked with Universal on legislation before, such as writing a tax break designed to encourage movies and television shows to use certain production facilities — including studios owned by Universal.
Precourt also is sponsoring a bill this year designed to block a campaign in Orange County that would compel employers to provide paid sick time to workers; Universal is among the businesses that opposed the local initiative.
But Precourt says Universal’s gifts are evidence
Sally Bradshaw of the State Board of Education said she was upset most teachers got “effective” or better ratings in 2012, even at F-rated schools or in districts where many kids struggled on FCAT reading.
that the resort supports the Republican Party’s agenda — not that the party supports Universal’s.
“These organizations are lending their support to our principled, conservative, responsible leadership,” Precourt said.
“Anytime we receive support, whether it’s a vote, help from a volunteer or financial resources, it affirms our work to make Florida a great place to live, raise a family, create jobs and get Florida back on the path to prosperity.”
Whatever influence Universal has, it could be put to the test this spring as lawmakers debate changes to an i ncentive program meant to persuade businesses to move to or expand i n crime- ridden neighborhoods across Florida.
The Orlando Sentinel reported this month that Universal and its hotel affiliate have claimed more than $8 million in tax credits through that incentive program — nearly 40 percent of all the credits ever awarded. An ex-lawmaker who helped found the program accused Universal of abusing the system.