Florida Lawmaker Sentenced to Prison for Covid-19 Relief Fraud and 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

Former Florida state lawmaker Joe Harding, known for sponsoring a controversial law called "Don't Say Gay," has been sentenced to four months in federal prison for Covid-19 relief fraud. Harding pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and providing false statements after illegally obtaining over $150,000 in relief loans for two dormant companies. He will also serve a two-year supervised release period. Harding's lawyer claims the loans were repaid before charges were filed, and that his client cooperated in a separate pandemic relief fraud investigation involving his brother-in-law.