RPOF Newsletter

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Chairman’s Message

Florida leads the nation by eliminating high-stakes testing

 

Florida has become the first state in the nation to replace high-stakes, delayed testing with real-time student progress monitoring, a far more effective form of gauging student achievement and school accountability.

“While much of the country has struggled to even open schools, Florida’s education leaders are continuing to push ahead and better help students, parents and teachers to close achievement gaps,” Governor DeSantis said. “In three years, we have eliminated Common Core, invested approximately $2 billion to increase teacher pay, focused on literacy and created civic standards that empower our students to become great citizens. By signing this bill, we are setting an example for the nation.”

Regular, child-specific progress monitoring allows for educators to track and receive real-time data reflecting the specific areas where a student may need remedial instruction. This real-time testing is much more useful than the traditional end-of-year Florida Standards Assessment tests that often don’t provide results until months later when adjustments cannot be made to a child’s instruction.

Under the legislation Governor DeSantis signed this week, beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, Florida students will have three short check-ins instead of multi-day, end-of-year, high-stakes tests for English language arts and mathematics. Progress monitoring will benefit students, teachers and parents by providing informed instruction in a timely manner that facilitates instruction tailored to each student’s individual needs.

The new law builds on a list of major achievements in education that Florida has made since 2019:

Florida rose to third in the nation for K-12 education, according to Education Week.
Florida eradicated Common Core and did so by elevating the quality and alignment of learning opportunities through creating Florida’s B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) Standards.
Marking the last few years as “The Year of the Teacher,” Governor DeSantis elevated Florida to one of the top states in the nation in terms of starting teacher pay by securing approximately $2 billion in pay increases for teachers.
Florida was the first state in the nation to reopen schools in August 2020 and guarantee families had an in-person instructional option five days a week.
“Governor DeSantis’ leadership has been instrumental in many ways. This is just one of those many ways,” said Dr. Tonjua Williams, President, St. Petersburg College. “What he has done has been extremely focused on K-12, because he knew that our K-12 students are our future.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/15/governor-desantis-signs-groundbreaking-legislation-to-make-florida-a-national-leader-by-eliminating-high-stakes-testing/

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Closing education achievement gaps

 

Earlier this week, Governor DeSantis announced $289 million across Florida for programs that will ensure Florida is continuing to meet the needs of its students, teachers and families while remaining a national leader in closing education achievement gaps and advancing student growth.

The Governor’s announcement came at Hialeah Educational Academy, a school that has dedicated STEM programs and offers certificate programs in fields including law enforcement, nursing and fire rescue. The $289 million includes funding for STEM programs, civics education and after-school and summer learning programs.

“I am proud to announce an additional $289 million for programs that will improve student achievement and close learning gaps,” Governor DeSantis said. “This announcement builds on our accomplishments over the past three years to make Florida a national leader on education, with our focus on civics, early literacy and STEM programs.”

 

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/16/governor-ron-desantis-announces-289-million-for-programs-that-close-achievement-gaps-improve-stem-education-and-boost-student-resiliency/

IMPORTANT REMINDER: You have the ability to greatly expand the beliefs and ideas of the Republican Party of Florida by sharing out Facebook and Twitter posts. Please follow and retweet us on Twitter @FloridaGOP, and like and share us on Facebook at FloridaGOP. We can win over others only if we all pitch in to reach them with our message.

FLORIDA

Florida continues robust economic growth

Governor DeSantis announced that in January, Florida continued to have steady growth and economic stability. In January 2022, Florida’s unemployment rate decreased by 2.5 percentage points over the year to 3.5 percent and continued to remain well below the national rate of 4 percent.

The U.S. Department of Labor data also shows that Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the national rate for 14 consecutive months.

In January 2022, Florida’s labor force participation total was 10.45 million workers, greater than Florida’s February 2020 pre-pandemic labor force and increasing by 318,000, or 3.1 percent, over the year. Employment opportunities have also increased as Floridians remain confident in finding meaningful employment. There were 8.07 million private sector jobs statewide in January 2022, an increase of 124,700, or 1.6 percent, from February 2020. The state’s total private sector employment increased by 23,900 jobs in January 2022, an increase of 0.3 percent from December.

“Florida’s January 2022 numbers and the U.S. Department of Labor’s updated data for 2021 demonstrate that Florida continues to have a robust economic climate where individual Floridians have opportunities to get ahead – even in the face of inflationary federal policies that are causing the price of virtually everything to spike,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/14/governor-desantis-announces-florida-kicked-off-the-year-with-continued-economic-growth/

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Governor lambasts Biden for cuddling up to brutal Maduro regime

Governor DeSantis was joined by Venezuelan Americans in Miami-Dade County to discuss the Biden administration’s unconscionable resumption of high-level diplomatic contact with the brutal Maduro regime in Caracas, and to highlight the failures of the Biden administration’s energy policies which have led to record high gas prices and coddling the world’s worst dictators.

“Many Americans and a lot of Floridians are very angered by the Biden administration‘s recent attempts to legitimize the brutal Maduro regime in Venezuela,” Governor DeSantis said. “This is part of a familiar pattern of the Biden administration thumbing its nose at millions of people here in Florida, just like when it took FARC off the terrorism list and didn’t lift a finger to help the democracy protesters in Cuba. Now, Biden is going hat in hand to legitimize Nicolas Maduro, who is responsible for countless atrocities and has driven Venezuela into the ground.”

“The United States should be energy independent,” he said. “Now we’re in a situation where people are really hurting and rather than acknowledge that their policies have been ineffective, they’re going to Maduro and they’re going to the ayatollahs in Iran. The answer is American energy independence, not propping up Nicolas Maduro.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/11/governor-desantis-lambasts-biden-administrations-engagement-with-maduro-regime-and-its-destructive-domestic-energy-policies/

Watch the entire roundtable here: https://rumble.com/vx4ad1-expand-american-energy-dont-line-maduros-pockets.html

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$2 million in state aid to tornado ravaged communities

Governor DeSantis announced more than $2 million for communities impacted by the January 16 tornadoes in Southwest Florida. The money will be used to assist Florida families in replacing their mobile homes destroyed by the tornado. Homeowners whose properties sustained damage directly related to the tornado in Southwest Florida may contact their local SHIP office for assistance.

“I am committed to making sure that Floridians have the necessary resources to rebuild following a disaster,” Governor DeSantis said. “Our state agencies continue to work with private, public, and local partners to provide meaningful assistance and ensure these communities have access to resources that aid their recovery efforts.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/10/governor-desantis-announces-2-million-in-housing-assistance-and-additional-resources-available-for-communities-impacted-by-southwest-florida-tornado/

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Senate passes Senator Rubio’s Daylight Savings bill

The ever unpopular, twice annual clock changing routine is close to being a thing of the past now that the U.S. Senate has passed Senator Rubio’s Sunshine Protection Act of 2021. The bill would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country starting in 2023.

In 2018, the Florida legislature passed year-round DST. However, for Florida’s change to apply, a change in the federal statute is required. Nineteen other states — Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming — have passed similar laws, resolutions or voter initiatives, and dozens more are looking to do so.

Read more: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EAF1F94F-F52F-4D7E-8333-B713F44BCC8D

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Rubio campaign releases “Democrats are a pain in the gas”

 

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpTv5xK6qvQ

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AG Moody warns of deadly new opioid

Attorney General Moody is warning Floridians of a new, deadly synthetic opioid found in Florida called Isotonitazene — commonly referred to as ISO.

ISO is 20 to 100 times stronger than fentanyl — an already incredibly dangerous opioid. Similar to fentanyl, this new synthetic opioid is being mixed with other drugs and appearing in the illicit drug market, possibly in powder or pill form. Often, users have no idea that a lethal synthetic opioid is mixed into a drug until it is too late.

Attorney General Moody is sounding the alarm and asking people to never take an illicit drug because just one pill can kill. In fact, ISO is so strong that it can kill just by coming in contact with someone’s skin or being accidentally inhaled. ISO has already been linked to overdose deaths in Florida.

“For years, we have been warning about the dangers of fentanyl and how just one pill laced with this synthetic opioid can kill,” Attorney General Moody said. “Now, there is a new, deadlier drug being found in Florida.”

Read more: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/A19BD1D4E0D39DFD852588070057E62D

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CFO Jimmy Patronis Highlights “Born Free” Legislative Victories

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said that the Legislature achieved his top priorities for the 2022 legislative session, including $10 million in funding for Florida’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces and providing tax relief so Floridians can protect their homes and lower their insurance premiums.

“This legislative session, we fought for Florida’s consumers, families, and first responders and won,” CFO Jimmy Patronis said. “While other states crushed their economies and drove out first responders and small businesses, over 800 people a day moved to the great state of Florida because we value opportunity, safety, stability and freedom. These important principles make the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Read more: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/sitePages/newsroom/pressRelease.aspx?id=6139

Social Media Highlights

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state, and you are integral to making that happen.

PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP

Legislative Update – March 18, 2022

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Monday marked Sine Die for Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session. The Florida Senate worked hard to create meaningful policy and produce a balanced budget for the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year.
My colleagues and I remained steadfast in fighting for freedom and fostering economic success in Florida. We’ve strengthened protections for children, both born and unborn, safeguarded the rights of parents and individuals in Florida, invested in Florida’s environment, increased access to affordable housing, supported Florida business against overreaching government ordinances, enforced actions against illegal immigration, bolstered election integrity and invested in additional tax relief measures for Floridians.

Investing in Florida’s Future and Providing Tax Relief for Florida Families
Unlike other states, Florida remained free and open for business in the wake of the pandemic, and it shows. Our 2022-2023 balanced budget makes historic investments in education, our environment and public safety, including a historic increase in per-student funding and increased pay for corrections, probation, and juvenile detention officers.
With a responsible, balanced approach to funding critical needs while preparing for any future challenges that may come our way, we set aside historic state reserves while also cutting taxes.
In total, we set aside $8.9 billion in state reserves, plus a $1 billion state inflation fund, and provided $658 million in broad-based tax relief to Florida families.
Several tax holidays and long-term sales tax relief will help Floridians save money when stocking up on school supplies, hurricane supplies, diapers, children’s books, gas and more.

Combatting the Opioid Epidemic
The Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 544: Drug-Related Overdose Prevention by Senator Jim Boyd this session.
This bill increases access to life-saving emergency treatment for an opioid overdose. It also prioritizes prevention, increases emergency treatment access for opioid overdoses and raises awareness of treatment options.
Unfortunately, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid use disorder increased and overdose death rates increased. According to a study by Project Opioid, deaths from drug overdoses increased by 43 percent between 2019 and 2020.
With the passage of SB 544, the Florida Legislature continues our commitment to combat Florida’s opioid epidemic.

Key Investments in Florida’s Environment and Affordable Housing
The Florida Legislature continues to prioritize protecting and restoring our state’s world-renowned natural resources. We dedicated $885 million to Everglades restoration, safeguarded state taxpayer funds dedicated to clean water resources, and maintained the steady stream of funding established last year for wastewater, mitigating sea-level rise and affordable housing.
We have a long history of strongly supporting affordable housing, and this session was no different. We directed record-level funding of nearly $363 million in our budget to affordable housing programs, up from the $209 million in funding last year.
We also dedicated funding for down payment and closing cost assistance to our hometown heroes and authorized a constitutional amendment to increase homestead exemptions for those who protect and serve our state and nation, law enforcement, and teachers, which will appear on the November General Election ballot.

Ensuring Patients Have the Right to See their Loved Ones
Patients and vulnerable residents should have the support of their loved ones when they need it most. Unfortunately, many visitors have been locked out of seeing their loved ones in hospitals or nursing homes.
This session, we passed Senate Bill 988: The No Patient Left Alone Act, sponsored by Senator Ileana Garcia, to establish and protect a patient’s visitation rights.
The No Patient Left Alone Act ensures Floridians are provided the opportunity to care for and visit with their loved ones by requiring intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled, developmental disability centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice facilities, and hospitals to allow visitation to the greatest extent possible while maintaining the overall health and safety of the facility.
To ensure Floridians have the support of their loved ones when they need it most, the legislation requires facilities to allow in-person visitation for those in end-of-life situations, during childbirth, including labor and delivery, and those experiencing specified serious medical and emotional challenges.
To further support residents, patients and clients are authorized to designate a family member, friend, guardian or other individual as an essential caregiver. In addition to any other visitation rights provided by facilities, essential caregivers will be allowed in-person visitation for at least two hours daily.

Fighting for Religious Freedom
One of the cornerstones of our great nation and state is religious freedom and the right to openly attend religious services. The Florida Legislature is committed to continuing to protect our freedoms, and that includes protecting the right of our residents to practice their religion.
Senate Bill 254: Religious Institutions, by Senator Jason Brodeur creates several safeguards to prohibit the state and all political subdivisions from singling out the closures of religious institutions in emergency orders. If gatherings can continue to be held safely in other environments, Floridians should be able to continue attending their religious services and engaging in religious activities. Under this legislation, religious institutions may not be forced to close through an emergency order unless the restrictions in the order apply uniformly to all entities in a certain jurisdiction and fulfills a compelling interest of the state.

Safeguarding Parental and Individual Rights
Following up on the pro-family Parent’s Bill of Rights and the pro-freedom Keep Florida Free agenda passed last year, the Florida Legislature stood with Florida’s parents and their fundamental right to make decisions about their children’s upbringing, from health care choices like vaccines and masking to determining the best environment and experience for education.
Children belong to families, not the state. Parents have a right to decide how and when to have important discussions with their children. For this reason, we passed a common-sense measure to make sure our children have an age-appropriate curriculum.

Protecting Florida Businesses
Florida businesses – not the government – create the jobs that support our thriving communities, and their investments in our state deserve a level of protection from governmental overreach.
Through the Local Business Protection Act, the Florida Legislature addressed the challenges many businesses face when local governments enact harmful ordinances while respecting the important role of local governments.
Additionally, we increased penalties for organized retail theft to send a clear message that these brazen crimes that target hardworking Floridians and destroy businesses and property will not be tolerated.

Protecting Florida’s Water Resources
Lake Okeechobee is a critical water resource for our state. The lake serves many purposes including agricultural and urban water supply, flood protection, fulfilling Seminole Tribe water rights, recreation, and fish and wildlife preservation and enhancement. Senate Bill 2508, Environmental Resources, protects state water rights for our people, communities and environment.
The Florida Legislature works with the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to appropriate funding for clean water and environmental restoration projects. This includes the state investing significant state funds to restore the Herbert Hoover Dike, which protects communities south of Lake Okeechobee from deadly and devastating flooding.
To ensure important checks and balances are in place, the legislation requires the SFWMD to annually certify that its recommendations to the Corps are consistent with its current plans and programs.
To responsibly plan for droughts, the bill requires water shortages within the Lake Okeechobee Region to be managed pursuant to the SFWMD’s current rules.
This legislation does not, in any way, jeopardize funding for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir. To the contrary, it safeguards our investment and ensures funds for the EAA Reservoir as well as other water projects are released.

Improving Services and Protections for Florida’s Children, both Born and Unborn
This session we passed a comprehensive pro-life measure, increasing protections for unborn children while enhancing support and resources for mothers.
Thanks to tremendous scientific advancements in the decades since Roe v. Wade, we know so much more now than we did then about how a baby develops in a mother’s womb. Prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks safeguards the lives of innocent children with beating hearts, and I am proud that our state continues to protect the sanctity of life, and support the safety and wellbeing of mothers.
We also understand that being pro-life is about more than opposing abortion. Ensuring children have every opportunity to succeed begins with loving, permanent homes.
Building on reforms to Florida’s Child Welfare System passed last year, the Florida Legislature also increased benefits for foster families and family members who step up to take on the responsibility of raising children who can no longer live with their parents.

Enforcing Immigration Laws
While the federal government may believe that taxpayers should accept and fund illegal immigration, protecting the safety and hard-earned money of our residents remains a top priority here in Florida.
This session we prohibited government entities from participating in the Biden Administration’s scheme to move illegal immigrants around the country.

Bolstering Election Integrity
Florida leads the nation in election integrity because we have taken a proactive approach to addressing and anticipating any election issues.
To ensure Florida remains a national model for free and fair elections, we established a clear framework to investigate elections violations, improved voter roll maintenance, continued our commitment to securing vote-by-mail ballots, and increased and expanded penalties for those who illegally interfere in our elections.

In the News
Southwest Florida law enforcement ready to prevent scams amid invasion of Ukraine
Near-record heat for Southwest Florida
Labor force grows, jobless rates rise in Southwest Florida

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Passidomo
Senate Rules Chair
State Senator, District 28

Naples Office:
3299 East Tamiami Trail
Suite 203
Naples, FL 34112
239-417-6205
LaBelle Office:
25 East Hickpochee Avenue
Room J-101
LaBelle, FL 33935
863-674-7122
Tallahassee Office:
330 Senate Office Building
Tallahassee, FL 32339
850-487-5028

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Diaz-Balart: This Spending Package is a Tremendous Win for Our Nation’s Defense and National Security

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For Immediate Release
March 9, 2022
Contact: Laura Hernandez
(202) 225-4211

Diaz-Balart: This Spending Package is a Tremendous Win for Our Nation’s Defense and National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations, issued the following statement after House passage of the FY2022 funding bill.

“This year’s spending package is a tremendous win for our nation’s defense priorities and national security interests. As I have always stated, our nation’s defense is not just a budgetary issue but an absolute necessity. This year’s funding for the Department of Defense boosts our military budget by roughly $29 billion more than the Biden Administration had allotted and $4 billion above the authorized amount. At a time of conflict and uncertainty worldwide, we urgently need to maintain American dominance in the global arena. This funding will ensure that our nation has the resources it needs to continue building a strong, robust national defense that serves as the cornerstone of America’s security.

“On that same note, this legislation also includes nearly $14 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine. These dollars will provide critical military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to help counter Russian aggression.

“At a time when Democrats control the House, Senate, and White House, Republican Appropriators were successful in securing conservative priorities in this year’s spending bill, while significantly reducing non-defense discretionary spending by roughly $38.5 billion, compared to the House-passed bills. I am also exceedingly proud to have defended and maintained ALL long-standing pro-life protections, including the Hyde Amendment, which has enjoyed bipartisan support for nearly 50 years, despite House Democratic Leadership’s continuous efforts to eliminate these protections.

“On non-defense discretionary spending, while slashing the administration’s requested increase in domestic funding by nearly two-thirds, I was able to secure necessary dollars for our community, specifically in District 25. I am especially proud of the $5 million secured for much-needed infrastructure improvements to a wastewater treatment plant and master pump station in Everglades City and Chokoloskee, which were both damaged after Hurricane Irma. In addition to funding for infrastructure projects in Sweetwater, Doral, Immokalee, Clewiston, and Harlem.

“Although not perfect, these bills are a huge win for Republicans who were successful in eliminating left-wing, radical policies while prioritizing funding to enhance our infrastructure, reinforce our military, strengthen our national security, bolster school safety initiatives, and support our nation’s veterans.”

Congressman Diaz-Balart, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, successfully included the following local projects and legislative priorities in the 2022 appropriations omnibus.

The Melo Minute March 8th, 2022

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March 8th, 2022
Sine Die
Issue No. 54

It’s A Wrap!

Thank You! To my family, my friends, my staff and the constituents of Florida House District 80, thank you for your love and support this Session. The Florida House accomplished much in the 2022 Regular Legislative Session. Aside from my own bills, we passed landmark legislation that will make Florida a stronger and a more prosperous place to live, work, and achieve the American dream.

We stood for life by passing HB 5 which will prevent abortions after 15 weeks. We passed HB 9 to ensure businesses protect the personal data of Floridians and treat your information, and your child’s information, with the respect it deserves. The Legislature voted to create new tax holidays on tools (Sept. 3rd – 9th), disaster preparedness supplies (May 28th – June10th), and on fun summer recreational items (July 1st – 7th). Also, the House and Senate made it clear in HB 1557 that classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity is not appropriate in kindergarten through grade 3 and upholds the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children.

I had the pleasure of passing seven of my own bills through the Florida House. Six are now on their way to the Governor’s desk. You may have seen some of these bills in the news. Most notably, HB 1239 was a major piece of legislation for nursing homes across the state. This bill will alleviate the staffing shortages in nursing homes, improve the quality of care for residents, and allow CNA’s to be assigned to the residents who need them most. Another great success was my Bright Futures legislation, HB 461, that will allow students to apply their work hours toward the required total service hours. I believe that students who have to work should have the same opportunity in obtaining the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship as their peers that volunteer. HB 579 was a personal favorite of mine that you will see again next year. This great legislation instructs the FWC to work in partnership with UF/IFAS and FGCU’s Water School to conduct a study of nutrient removal technologies in Lake Okeechobee watershed in hopes of determining the most effective ways to reduce harmful algal blooms in the Lake and the connecting estuaries. Thank you to all the individuals and many organizations who shared their appreciation, enthusiasm, and support!

To our readers, The Melo Minute is made for you. You are what allows for not only the success of this newsletter, but for the success of my first term as a Representative. Thank you for expressing your opinions on Legislative matters to me so that I can best represent you.

To the businesses, government offices, legislative peers, and organizations that I had the pleasure of working with this Session, I thank you as well. As we worked to present Legislation that was best for our businesses and the functionality of our State, you all contributed valuable resources and knowledge to cultivate the best legislative outcomes for the residents of District 80 and the State of Florida.

It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all and God bless the great state of Florida!

We Love Our Veterans!

Wounded Warriors of Collier County

OUR MISSION & VISION
“Established in Collier County, Wounded Warriors of Collier County is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The mission of Wounded Warriors of Collier County is to assist with the needs of Veterans and their families, with a focus on education, housing, and mental health. The vision of Wounded Warriors of Collier County is to see that “No Veteran is Left Behind” in our county. Through our work and efforts, the community will rally around our Veterans by providing and coordinating resources to meet the unique needs of Veterans.”

To access more information on Wounded Warriors, click here.

Community Connection

Naples Art Crafters Art & Craft Show
March 12th
Click here for details

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12th
Click here for details

Clewiston Sugar Festival
March 19th
Click here for details

What We’re Reading

Mental Health Facilities See Surge in Demand Due to Growth, Pandemic

Adam Fisher
Wink News

Amid Nursing Home Staffing Crisis, Legislature Approves Industry-Backed Bill Changing Care Requirements

Christine Jordan Sexton
Florida Politics

Florida Wildfires Burning More Than 12,100 Acres

Ramsey Romero
WJHG

This Week’s Words Of Wisdom

 

The Song Of The Week

This week’s Song of the Week is
“Roar” by Katie Perry.

I began the 2022 Legislative Session with a goal to raise the bar and achieve more than we did last year. With 7 of my bills passed in the House, 6 are now on their way Governor DeSantis’s desk to be signed into law.

“Cause I am a champion and you’re going to hear me Roar.”

Connect With Me!

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@LaurenMeloFL

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If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute, send us an email:

HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

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Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

2022 Scholarship Program

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Collier County High School Senior We Want To Help You Be Successful!

Collier County Republican Men’s Club Forms Downloadable at the bottom of page
Invitation to Apply:

1. Overview:

The Collier County Republican Men’s Club (CCRMC) started giving scholarships to Collier County high school students in 2017. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage students that have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to the community to get involved and understand politics and the political issues currently affecting our citizens under the Constitution. Through the scholarship and other endeavors, CCRMC is making a concerted effort to enrich the political awareness of our youth to the benefit of the local community and our nation.
This year, the Club intends to award one scholarship of $1,500 each year of a four-year program to one Collier County high school student entering his or her first year of college. The total available dollar amount is currently at $6,000.00 for the graduating class of 2022.

2. Eligibility:

  1. Collier County high school senior (public or private)
  2. Entering first year of an accredited college anywhere in the United States
  3. Resident of Collier County, Florida
  4. Strong academic achievement
  5. Demonstrated commitment to community
  6. Understanding of current political issues affecting our citizens under the Constitution and able to present sound solutions to those issues.

3. Filing:

  1. Photo Identification (photo/scan)
  2. CCRMC Scholarship Application complete (typed)
  3. Essay of up to 750 words (in English), may be submitted to the Naples Daily News for publication.
  4. Transcript (certified copy)
  5. College Acceptance Letter or written notice of acceptance
  6. Recommendation letters (2): highlighting academics, character and community commitment
  7. Award to be used exclusively for tuition.

4. Schedule:

  • April 4, 2022 – filing required by pdf attachment(s) to email address: scholarships@collierrepublicanmensclub.com
  • May – interview of candidate(s) may be required, Award recipients will be notified.
  • June 10, 2022 – requirement to attend CCRMC Club meeting with their parents to receive the recognition and Award.
  • December 2, 2022 – invitation to attend CCRMC meeting, recipient is expected to return to the CCRMC December meeting or make arrangement or schedule for another meeting annually.

PDF of Republican Mens Club Scholarship invitation and Application

Word Document of Scholarship Application

Word Document of Scholarship Invitation

Rally for US Senator Marco Rubio

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Help us Keep Florida Red

Join us Friday, March 11th, 4 pm, at the VFW Post 7721 to have a Q & A with US Senator Marco Rubio. Limited to the first 200 Registrants

Stay for VFW for Fish Fry – $15 payable at the door

Live Music by Jason Beal

Here is a chance to hear from US Senator Marco Rubio as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere.

When Marco Rubio was first elected to the United States Senate in 2010, he set one objective for himself while in office: to help bring the American Dream back into reach of those who feel it is slipping away. That’s the goal line Senator Rubio strives toward with each new legislative effort, and it’s the measure he uses to keep score.

Senator Rubio is passionate about the American Dream because he’s lived it himself. His parents came to America from Cuba in 1956 and earned their way to the middle class by working humble jobs. Through their loving and powerful example, he learned the importance of work and family, and came to realize that all things are possible in America. Now more than three years into his second term, he continues that important work to make the American Dream achievable for all.

Fill out my online form.

Legislative Update – March 6, 2022

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The Florida Senate and House of Representatives worked around the clock this past week, hearing and voting on legislation that will impact the future of Florida.
The Florida Senate passed legislation to protect unborn children and bolster support for expecting mothers, legislation that provides support for suicide programs that serve our military veterans, and a bill that provides additional resources to help fight against human trafficking in Florida.
We are meeting throughout the weekend to finalize a balanced state budget before the 60th day of session, which is Friday, March 11.

Legislation Supporting Veteran Suicide Prevention Passes Senate
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the national suicide rate for veterans is nearly double the rate of non-veterans.
An estimated 30,177 post-9/11 active-duty service members and veterans have died by suicide. This week, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to bolster suicide prevention resources for Florida’s more than 1.5 million veterans who call our state home.
Senate Bill 1712, Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Pilot Program, by Senator Danny Burgess, requires the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) to create and oversee the Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Pilot Program.
The program will train agency claims examiners and county and city veteran service officers in identifying the early signs of elevated suicide risk and providing emergency crisis referrals for veterans.
To provide the training, FDVA will contract with an organization that specializes in developing and implementing evidence-based, veteran-relevant suicide prevention training.
“This is how we serve those who served us,” said Senator Burgess in describing this important life-saving initiative.

Senate Votes to Expand Training to Help Combat Human Trafficking
In 2020, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 51,667 substantive tips about human trafficking nationwide, of which 2,539 were reported from Florida.
The Florida Senate this week passed legislation to address and increase awareness of these cruel, horrific crimes in Florida. House Bill 615, Human Trafficking, by Senator Ileana Garcia, expands training on recognizing, preventing and reporting human trafficking for foster families, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and firesafety inspectors.
To ensure human trafficking victims have the support of their foster families and Florida’s Child Welfare System, HB 615 requires foster parents and DCF staff to complete preservice training related to human trafficking. The legislation also allows firesafety inspectors to count training developed by the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking on recognizing and reporting human trafficking toward the continuing education credits required to renew their certification.
Studies show that social media is often used to recruit victims of human trafficking, and this recruitment method has increased since the beginning of COVID-19.
To address this issue, HB 615 expands the duties of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking to include:
Assessing the frequency and extent to which social media platforms are used to assist, facilitate, or support human trafficking within this state;
Establishing a process to detect such use on a consistent basis; and
Making recommendations on how to stop, reduce, or prevent social media platforms from being used for such purposes.

The Senate Increases Protections for Unborn Children, Enhances Resources for Mothers
The Senate this week passed a comprehensive pro-life measure increasing protections for unborn children while enhancing support and resources for mothers. House Bill 5, Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality, by Senator Kelli Stargel, prohibits abortions after the unborn baby has reached 15 weeks of gestational age, expands programs to reduce infant and fetal deaths, and increases health care and educational resources available to pregnant mothers.
When Roe v. Wade was decided almost 50 years ago, scientific knowledge of fetal development was extremely limited. Recognizing that medical and scientific advancements in the decades since have come a long way in confirming significant developmental milestones for doctors and parents, HB 5 prohibits abortion after the unborn baby has reached 15 weeks of gestational age. The legislation provides the same exceptions under current law for the prohibition on third-trimester abortions to protect the health and safety of the mother.
To improve infant mortality rates across our state, HB 5 expands and funds fetal and infant mortality review committees (FIMRs) in our communities. Additionally, the legislation directs the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to target counter-marketing advertising campaigns under the Comprehensive Statewide Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Program specific to pregnant women and women who may become pregnant to inform them about the potential risks and harm of tobacco use.

Senate Safeguards Floridians from Federal Government’s Ignoring Immigration Laws
Each year, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants deliberately violate our nation’s laws by unlawfully crossing U.S. borders, and the Biden Administration has continued to refuse to enforce immigration laws or protect our border. It is not only the inability to get answers or the operations occurring in the early morning hours that make it difficult to trust the federal government.
In September of last year, it was reported that the government “lost contact” with about a third of those classified as unaccompanied alien children who had been released between January and May. The number may be higher, because many of the required follow-up calls were not made to check in on UACs who had been released.
While the federal government may believe that taxpayers should accept and fund illegal immigration, protecting the safety and hard-earned money of our residents remains a top priority in Florida. This week, the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 1808, Immigration Enforcement, by Senator Aaron Bean, to send a message to the federal government that Florida will not participate in their scheme to ignore immigration laws and border security.
SB 1808 prohibits governmental entities from doing business with common carriers that willingly and knowingly provide services to help transport unauthorized aliens into Florida.
Additionally, this legislation requires Florida sheriffs to enroll in a partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that trains and authorizes county-level officers as an extension of their duties to perform limited functions of federal immigration authorities.
This legislation does not affect anyone who has entered this country legally. Florida has a storied history of welcoming legal immigrants and asylum-seekers fleeing oppressive political systems of their home countries. As neighbors, business owners and taxpayers, legal immigrants are an integral part of Florida’s diverse and thriving communities.
Senate Bill 1808 aims to keep Floridians safe and stop lawbreakers from negatively impacting our state.

Florida Supreme Court Approves State Legislative Redistricting Maps
This week, the Florida Supreme Court approved the Florida Legislature’s State Senate and House redistricting map plans. The maps were publicly vetted and approved through the committee process, and received strong bipartisan approval in the Florida Senate and House of Representatives.
Following the Legislature’s approval of the map plans in the form of a joint resolution, the Attorney General petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to determine the validity of the map plans.
For the first time since the 1930s, the joint resolution of state legislative apportionment proceeded without legal challenges by an opposing party.
Information about Florida’s redistricting process and the approved maps are published and available at www.FloridaRedistricting.gov.
The maps may be viewed interactively or downloaded from the Submitted Plans page for independent analysis.

First Lady Casey DeSantis is Now Considered Cancer Free
This week, Governor Ron DeSantis released a video update regarding First Lady Casey DeSantis.
In the clip, the Governor shared a few words, “I have a positive update about my wife Casey DeSantis. After going through both treatment and surgery for breast cancer, she is now considered cancer-free. All of you who have given thoughts and prayers to my family and my wife, thank you. It’s lifted her spirits and made a tremendous difference. For all the women out there who are going through breast cancer right now – you can overcome this. I know it’s very difficult, but my wife is proof positive, and this is the exact type of news we had hoped for. She still has more to do, but I’m confident she’s going to make a full recovery. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.”
“There are no words to express how truly blessed, grateful and humbled I am to hear the words cancer free,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “To those who are in the fight, know there is hope. Have faith and stay strong.”
You may view the full video here: https://rumble.com/vwcvrv-first-lady-casey-desantis-is-cancer-free.html

In the News
Naples, SWFL prays with, for Ukrainians as Lent begins
3 brothers in Naples have started a business and donate a portion of profits to charity
Get a taste of small-town history at Alva’s annual Strawberry Festival

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Passidomo
Senate Rules Chair
State Senator, District 28

Naples Office:
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Suite 203
Naples, FL 34112
239-417-6205
LaBelle Office:
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Room J-101
LaBelle, FL 33935
863-674-7122
Tallahassee Office:
330 Senate Office Building
Tallahassee, FL 32339
850-487-5028

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Paid political advertisement paid for by Working Together for Florida P.C., 133 South Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285.

The Melo Minute – Week 8

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Be More Do More!

The 2022 Regular Legislative Session is quickly coming to a close. I am very proud of all the great legislation that I was honored to pass on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives. Through all the highs and lows, not a moment was wasted in ensuring that both District 80 and the State of Florida remains a vibrant, healthy, and prosperous place to live. From proactive legislation that improves Florida’s Water quality to strengthening and supporting small businesses, this legislative session will be one to remember. I am happy to share with you all of my legislative accomplishments listed below. Thank you for your calls, emails, visits, and for your support in making this Session more successful than the last. It is an honor to serve you as your State Representative of Florida House District 80 (now 82) and look forward to continuing to work hard, to be more, and do more for the the people of Southwest Florida!

HB 411
(Vote: 115-2)
Now substituted by SB 542, this legislation creates a “safe harbor” for business owners by ensuring materials provided to independent contractors during a declared emergency would not alter their employment status. This protects business owners from being punished with frivolous lawsuits for doing good deeds.
HB 461
(Vote: 113-0)

This is my Bright Futures bill! It will allow students to apply their work hours toward the required volunteer service hours. Students would even be able to combine both volunteer and work hours. I believe that students who have to work should have the same opportunity in obtaining the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship as their peers.

HB 579
(Vote: 114-0)

This nutrient reduction bill originated from a concerned constituent who cares deeply for Southwest Florida’s water quality. This bill instructs FWC, in partnership with UF/IFAS and FGCU’s Water School, to conduct a study of nutrient removal technologies and the effects those techniques will have to reduce harmful algal blooms in the Lake Okeechobee watershed.
HB 1495
(Vote: 116-0)

HB 1495 codifies the four special acts of the Immokalee Water and Sewer District into a single act. The bill also amends the District’s charter to simply bring it into the modern era so that it may operate just as most other special districts do.
HB 915
(Vote: 115-0)
My Commercial Motor Vehicle Registration bill will reduce the regulatory burden on Florida truckers by allowing them to replace their physical license plates every three years instead of every year.

HB 1239
(Vote: 80-31)

This bill became an unexpected landmark piece of legislation for nursing homes in the State of Florida. HB 1239 will alleviate the staffing shortages in nursing homes and will also improve the quality of care for nursing home residents. Another benefit of the bill is allowing CNA’s to be assigned to residents who need them most. This major legislation is a great step toward improving the quality of care in Florida’s nursing homes.

Legislative Highlights

Veteran Recognition

We want to give our veterans and active service members the recognition they deserve. Whether it is your story, a friend’s, or family member’s, we would love to hear them. It just might be shared in next week’s Melo Minute!

To participate, contact us at:
hdist080@myfloridahouse.gov

Community Connection

Family Bingo Night
March 7th
Click Here for Details

Sham-Rock & Roll-Inclusion
March 11th
Click Here for Details

What We’re Reading

Florida: Citrus Growers Look for Solutions to Fruit Drop

Frank Giles
Citrus Growers

Gov. DeSantis Announces More Than $7M in Aid Available To Tornado Victims

Sydney Persing & Matthew Seaver
Wink News

This Week’s Words Of Wisdom

The Song Of The Week

This week’s Song of the Week is
“This Girl Is On Fire” by Alicia Keys.

This girl was definitely on fire this week! I was thrilled to pass all seven of my bills through the Florida House of Representatives in one week; five on one day! With one week to go in the Regular Legislative Session I am ready to come home to the District and celebrate with all you. If you need to reach Team Melo, please Click Here for Office Details.

Connect With Me!

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@LaurenMeloFL

Have Any Suggestions?

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If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute, send us an email:

HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

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Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

February 28, 2022 – Legislative Week 7

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We’ve just finished week seven of this Legislative Session and are now entering into the home stretch.

Although the Legislature may not succeed in getting all of the bills passed and submitted to the Governor before the end of Session, the House and the Senate MUST agree upon, pass and submit a budget before Session can be adjourned, or Sine Die is called. The Senate and House are about $3.5 Billion apart in their budgets. They have two weeks to work out their differences and submit a jointly agreed upon budget to the Governor.

On another note, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. May their desire for freedom and independence keep them strong and unwavering as they face Russian forces and armaments.

Representative Bob Rommel
District 106

Florida’s New Official COVID Guidelines

Florida is breaking from outdated CDC guidance and allowing students to avoid unnecessarily missing school for extended periods of time. The Florida Department of Health has updated its guidelines for students to safely return to the classroom by reducing the time a student must isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 from 10 to 5 days. The guidance is also clear that healthy students do not need to quarantine. Florida will continue to do everything possible to support parents, keep children healthy and make sure kids have the ability to learn in the classroom.

State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and Governor Ron DeSantis

On Thursday, February 24th, Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced significant changes to Florida’s COVID-19 guidance including pushing back on unscientific corporate masking, reducing isolation for all Floridians including those in schools and daycares, and recommending that physicians should exercise their individual clinical judgement and expertise based on their patients’ needs and preferences. For more information about Florida’s new guidance, click here.

“People want to live freely in Florida, without corporate masking creating a two-tier society and without overbearing isolation for children,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are empowering health care practitioners to follow science, not Fauci’s status quo.”

Public health updates in Florida now include:
Pushing Back Against Corporate Masking for Employees
Advising Health Care Practitioners and Facilities to Reevaluate Status Quo Protocols in Favor of Scientifically Based Treatment Options to Benefit Patients
Updating Daycare Guidance to Limit Child Isolation to 5 Days
Updating the School Rule to Limit Student Isolation to 5 Days
Reducing Isolation for Floridians with COVID to 5 Days
“The State of Florida has widespread natural and vaccine-induced immunity,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Evidence suggests that most secondary transmission occurs early on. Our state will continue to make decisions for Floridians rooted in sound science, not fear, whether they are working or in school.”

Pushing Back Against Corporate Masking for Employees

Despite a lack of evidence that masks, and particularly cloth face coverings, prevent the transmission of COVID-19, many corporations have continued to require their employees to wear masks at work, regardless of the situation. Unlike CDC guidance, Florida’s new masking guidance advises against wearing facial coverings in a community setting. There is not strong evidence that masks reduce the transmission of respiratory illness.

This guidance makes clear that all employees at a corporation should not be forced to wear a mask while at work. The guidance recognizes that there are millions of employees in Florida working in industries from hospitality to manufacturing to banking who for no reason whatsoever have been forced to wear a mask at work.

The full guidance can be accessed here.

Advising Health Care Practitioners and Facilities to Reevaluate Status Quo Protocols in Favor of Scientifically Based Treatment Options to Benefit Patients

Florida recognizes that health care practitioners know best how to treat their patients. With today’s actions, state guidance is now clear that practitioners will have the flexibility to make the decision to treat patients with off-label prescriptions if they determine that it may help the patient and it is something the patient would like to try and provides informed consent to try. Florida has always believed in providing all possible treatment options to health care providers and led efforts to make monoclonal antibody treatments available statewide.

The full guidance can be accessed here.

Updating Daycare Guidance to Limit Child Isolation to 5 Days

Florida is supporting parents with children in daycare by updating outdated, unscientific guidelines that hurt working families and keep kids out of school.

Florida is making it clear that healthy children in daycare do not need to quarantine; children in daycare who test positive for COVID-19 can return after five days, with no test required. This guidance also reiterates that children attending daycare should never be forced to wear a mask — this choice should always be made by the parent.

The full guidance can be accessed here.

Updating the School Rule to Limit Student Isolation to 5 Days

The Florida Department of Health is also updating the school isolation rule to reduce isolation to 5 days. Parents still maintain the right to determine if their child should wear a mask and that remains strictly optional.

The updated rule language can be found here.

Reducing Isolation for Floridians with COVID to 5 Days

The new 5-day isolation guidance for COVID-19 issued by the Florida Department of Health is based on science and was informed by access to treatments, the benefits and harms of isolation, and widespread immunity. The 5-day guidance does not rely on the use of masks as a mitigation technique among the general public, as the use of masks has been shown to be ineffective in preventing transmission. This guidance recognizes that the CDC’s guidance is vastly out of date and has forced Floridians to miss work and school even when it is safe to return.

The updated guidance language can be found here.

Key Takeaways from Tallahassee

The Florida House continued to work on important issues facing Floridians during the seventh week of the 2022 Legislative Session.

The Florida House passed legislation to provide affordable housing for critical public employees, uphold principles of individual freedom, respect parents’ rights, and prevent tragedies like the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside.

In committees, state lawmakers approved a wide range of bills, including those that cut taxes, protect personal data, create more options in juvenile justice, enforce federal immigration laws, improve cybersecurity, and increase flooding and sea level rise resilience.

House Votes

House Votes for Affordable Housing for
Critical Public Employees
Home values and property taxes are on the increase, and Florida’s critical public employees deserve a break. They shouldn’t worry about whether they have a home to return to while they are out protecting ours.
HJR 1 & HB 1563 build on our commitment to affordable housing for Floridians by proposing a constitutional amendment for property tax relief – an additional $50,000 homestead exemption – for law enforcement officers, members of the Florida National Guard, K-12 classroom teachers, firefighters, active duty military, correctional officers, EMTs, paramedics, and child welfare service professionals. The bill lessens the financial burden for key members of the public workforce and their families with a significant and historic tax break.
HJR 1 & HB 1563 passed the House 115-0 on Thursday, February 24 and is now headed to the Senate.

House Votes to Uphold Principles of Individual Freedom

The Florida House is committed to the belief that every Floridian, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or any other quality, is entitled to their dignity as an individual.

HB 7 upholds the American principle that all people are created equal by identifying principles of individual freedom to guide instruction and curriculum:
No individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex.
No race is inherently superior to another race.
No individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or sex.
The bill requires that education materials in Florida’s schools are consistent with these shared values and prohibits employers from requiring workplace trainings that compel workers to believe concepts contradictory to the principles of individual freedom.

HB 7 also includes a new “Stories of Inspiration” curriculum to give students the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by influential Americans whose grit, resilience, and perseverance enabled them to rise above difficult circumstances to make invaluable contributions to our country. These “Stories of Inspiration” will be unifying, objective, and real stories that uphold principles of individual freedom and American ideals, such as: all people are created equal and are deserving of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Students will be able to learn about and be inspired by great Americans like Bessie Coleman, who broke through race and gender barriers to become one of the most celebrated stunt pilots, and Biddy Mason, who was born a slave and died a millionaire real estate investor.

Not only does the bill encourage discussion and teaching of African American history already required under Florida law, it includes the most substantial expansion of African American history, including the contributions of Americans of the African diaspora, in our public schools in 20 years.

HB 7 passed the House 74-41 on Thursday, February 24 and is now headed to the Senate.

House Votes for Parents’ Rights

Parents have a fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children.

HB 1557 makes it clear that classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity is not appropriate in kindergarten through grade 3 and specifies that instruction in other grades must be age and developmentally appropriate and consistent with state standards. It empowers parents by requiring school boards to notify parents if there is a change in their child’s services or monitoring related to the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health and wellbeing or the school’s ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.

The bill strengthens the parent and child relationship by requiring school district employees to encourage a student to discuss issues with his or her parent and requiring school districts to notify parents of all health care services offered at their student’s school and provide the parent the opportunity to individually consent to or decline each service.

Under this bill, a school guidance counselor or a trusted school employee is not required to tell a parent that his or her child is gay unless there is a change in the student’s mental, emotional or physical well-being and related services. The sexual orientation of the student would not require a change in services to the student.

HB 1557 also ensures parents have access to their child’s education and health records. The bill provides a process for parents to seek resolution of concerns at their child’s school through the school principal, the school district, the Department of Education, or the courts.

HB 1557 passed the House 69-47 on Thursday, February 24 and is now headed to the Senate.

House Votes to Uphold the Importance of Family

The Florida House will always uphold the importance of family by standing up for our most vulnerable, children and grandparents.

HB 1119 recognizes the importance of family in a child’s upbringing by ensuring grandparents’ visitation rights if a court finds one parent criminally or civilly liable for an intentional tort for the death of the other parent for the parents of the deceased and allows a court to block visitation if deemed not in the best interest of the child.

HB 1119 passed the House 112-3 on Thursday, February 24 and is now headed to the Senate.

House Votes to Prevent Tragedies
Like the Collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside

We must ensure Florida’s condominiums and cooperatives are properly maintained in order to ensure the safety of Floridians and to prevent tragedies like the partial collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside.

HB 7069 protects Floridians by creating a statewide building recertification requirement for condominium and cooperative buildings that are three stories or taller 30 years after initial occupancy, or 25 years if the building is located within three miles of the coast. It requires a more intensive phase 2 inspection if the recertification reveals substantial structural deterioration that negatively affects the building’s general structural condition and integrity.

The bill helps condominiums and cooperatives plan for necessary repairs and maintenance by requiring associations to complete a structural integrity reserve study every 10 years for their buildings, which are three stories or taller, in order to create a financial plan for future repairs and maintenance of structural and life-safety systems. It also empowers owners by providing that structural integrity reserve studies, re-certifications, and phase 2 inspections are part of the official records of a condominium or cooperative, and must be provided to potential purchasers.

HB 7069 passed the House 114-0 on Thursday, February 24 and is now headed to the Senate.

House Judiciary Committee Votes to Protect Personal Data

This legislation draws the line at the point at which a person’s personal information stops being about providing them a good or service and turns into a product itself. Beyond that line, we say a person ought to have a voice in what happens to their information.

HB 9 generally applies to businesses that buy, sell, or share personal information of Florida consumers.

HB 9 creates the:
Right to Know – gives consumers the right to know what information a business has collected about them.
Right to Delete – allows consumers to request to delete or correct certain personal information, unless the information is crucial to maintaining the person’s account.
Right to Opt-Out of Sale – requires businesses to allow consumers to “opt-out” of the sale or sharing of personal information to third parties, giving consumers more control over their personal information.
The bill also helps consumers make informed decisions by requiring businesses to tell consumers how their personal information will be collected, stored, and disseminated.

HB 9 passed its final committee stop on Wednesday, February 23, and is now ready for the House Floor.

House Judiciary Committee Votes for More Options in Juvenile Justice

It’s important that our juvenile justice system balances the need to keep the public safe with ensuring fairness for children accused of an offense.

HB 7029 creates more tools for our juvenile justice system by removing current limitations on a court’s ability to require a child to be appropriately supervised during the pendency of his or her case. The bill authorizes a court to place a child on supervised release for any time period until his or her case is adjudicated. In cases in which a child is charged with a specified felony, which may include a crime of violence, the bill authorizes a court to order a child to be held in secure detention beyond the current 21-day time limit. The bill also creates more opportunities for children to be out of secure detention by authorizing, but not requiring, law enforcement agencies to supervise any court-ordered electronic monitoring.

HB 7029 passed its final committee stop on Wednesday, February 23, and is now ready for the House Floor.

State Affairs Committee Votes for Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience

With 1,350 miles of coastline and relatively low elevations, Florida is particularly vulnerable to impacts from flooding and sea level rise – in both coastal and inland communities.

HB 7053 creates the Statewide Office of Resilience within the Executive Office of the Governor. It also authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide grants to small cities and counties to fund preconstruction activities for projects they submit for the annual Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan (Plan), which we directed the department to develop when we passed SB 1954 last year.

This bill builds on last year’s bill by requiring DEP to rank and include in the Plan all eligible projects that are submitted and expanding the types of entities that can submit projects for the Plan. It also directs the Department of Transportation to develop a resilience action plan for the State Highway System and informs policymakers by requiring DEP to prepare and submit a report on flood resilience and mitigation efforts to the Legislature and Governor by December 15, 2022.

HB 7053 passed its final committee stop on Wednesday, February 23, and is now ready for the House Floor.

House State Affairs Committee Votes to Improve Cybersecurity

It’s no secret that cyber-attacks and ransomware attacks are on the rise. Improving cybersecurity is vital to ensuring the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of state and local government data, IT resources, and critical infrastructure.

HB 7055 improves incident prevention by requiring incident reporting, after-action reports, cybersecurity awareness training, and the adoption of cybersecurity standards by local governments. It strengthens incident response by requiring state agencies and local governments to report ransomware incidents.

The bill also combats cybercrime by prohibiting state agencies and local governments from complying with ransom demands and creating a new crime for persons conducting a ransomware attack against a government entity with enhanced penalties that are designed to deter ransomware attacks in the future.

HB 7055 passed its final committee stop on Wednesday, February 23, and is now ready for the House Floor.

Happenings in Tallahassee

Sisters Sierra and Santana Kahn with Rep. Rommel.
They are students in our district and participated in the Page Program

Matthew Boggan, a student at FGCU, has been interning with our office this Session.

Florida has no income tax and a balanced budget.
Let’s keep it that way!

Copyright © 2022 State Representative Bob Rommel, All rights reserved.
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