U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, took a political shot at Orange County leaders Wednesday.

Grayson chided the local board after hearing that they are considering paying $340,000 to a private law firm to help them fight a federal lawsuit that alleges Hispanic voting strength was diluted in its recent redistricting effort.

“I am deeply concerned about the Orange County Government’s decision to use taxpayer dollars for this legal battle,” Grayson said in a statement. “Particularly at a time where our local governments are facing budget shortfalls, I question the wisdom of paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for legal advice from a well-connected lobbying firm.”

Grayson, was recently re-elected to Congress by a lopsided 67.5 percent, and he won in a newly drawn district that includes a strong Hispanic voting bloc.

Orange leaders are accused of diluting Hispanic voting strength in its own backyard. Read more about that here.

“This is money that could be used for education or public safety,” Grayson said. “Instead, it will be used to defend a questionable redistricting plan that allegedly discriminates by diluting the voice of Hispanics. I sincerely hope that the Orange County Government finds a better, more appropriate use, for these taxpayer funds.”

Click here for the Orlando Sentinel story 

Grayson: Orange leaders wasting taxpayer money to defend redistricting lawsuit
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