Florida officials consider investigations into Ben Sasse’s spending

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Ben Sasse’s time as the University of Florida President may be done, but the state may not be done with Ben Sasse. The Governor’s office and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis are both considering investigations into Sasse’s spending while serving as president.

Sasse left his job as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska to take the job. His selection was protested by students and faculty. Last month Sasse suddenly resigned after serving less than 2-years, citing his wife’s health.

Now a number of news organizations, including the independent Florida Alligator, are reporting exorbitant spending. Under Sasse, the president’s office spent $17.3 million, triple the amount of the previous president.

The travel budget went from $28,000 a year to $633,000. There are also reports of Sasse spending millions on contracts with high-profile consulting firms, hiring 6-of his old senate staffers and 2-high ranking Republicans, and letting them work remotely from Washington D.C. or their out-of-state homes.

Patronis and the Governor have both made offers to the university system’s Board of Governors to investigate Sasse’s spending.

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