Kathleen Passidomo – Legislative Update – March 27, 2021

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This week, the Florida Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), released Senate Bill 2500, the General Appropriations Act, a proposed state budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, as well as the implementing bill and conforming bills associated with a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Due to COVID-19 and the related economic downturn, there is a projected shortfall of state revenue. Therefore, we must do more with less.
“We have a constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget in good times, and in difficult times. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, revenues that fund our day-to-day government are down, and we know we have some big expenses on the horizon, which means we had to make difficult choices throughout the budget,” said Senate President Wilton Simpson.
Our top priority is to support our communities to recover and rebuild successfully beyond the pandemic. We must also continue to keep our communities safe and protect our most vulnerable populations.
We welcome input and feedback from stakeholders and constituents. This is a process, and we will make adjustments to reflect the changing needs of our state and new information about revenue projections for the year ahead.
There are 34 days remaining in Florida’s Legislative Session. I will keep you updated as the state budget takes form.

Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of Thursday, March 25, 8,071,096 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida. There are now 5,346,471 individuals who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in Florida.
This week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced he will lower eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting next Monday, individuals aged 50 and older will be eligible. Beginning, Monday, April 5 all individuals aged 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
You may watch the Governor’s announcement here.
Beginning Monday, March 29, the following populations will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines:
· Long-term care facility residents and staff;
· Persons 40 years of age and older;
· Health care personnel with direct patients;
· K-12 school employees of all ages;
· Sworn law enforcement officers 40 years of ages and older;
· Firefighters 40 years of age and older; and
· People who are “extremely vulnerable” to the virus with a completed state form signed by a physician.
As more vaccines become available, eligibility continues to expand. Check the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website for the latest information.

Pre-Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine & Use the DOH Vaccine Locator
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) launched a statewide vaccine locator site and preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Both websites help eligible Floridians preregister for the vaccine and locate nearby vaccination sites.

COVID-19 Update: Florida Case Data
As of March 25, there have been 2,027,429 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 30,820 in Collier County, 4,429 in Hendry County and 59,501 in Lee County.
As of March 24, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 5.58%.
To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 webpage.
For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

Florida Senate Takes Aim at Fixing Unemployment System
The Florida Senate recognizes the hardships Florida’s families and businesses have endured during the pandemic and is actively working to provide solutions, beginning with fixing Florida’s unemployment system.
Senate Bill 50, by Senator Joe Gruters, passed the Senate Floor and will prevent unexpected tax hikes on Florida businesses, while replenishing the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.
Unlike brick and mortar businesses here in Florida, out-of-state retailers or marketplaces that sell products online do not always remit the sales tax for each purchase. Compliance for remitting Florida’s sales tax has historically been extremely low.
This legislation simply ensures marketplaces and out-of-state retailers collect the owed sales tax at the point of sale for remote purchases, and remit these taxes to the state, just like in-state retailers. This measure helps to create a fair climate for our state’s businesses.
Senate Bill 50 directs these funds, approximately $1 billion of uncollected sales tax from out-of-state retailers, to be collected and deposited into Florida’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund for the next four years, or until the Trust Fund is replenished to pre-pandemic levels.
Replenishing the trust fund will prevent an unforeseen 700% increase in unemployment taxes facing businesses while ensuring that the fund remains solvent for employees when they need to claim their benefits.
Additionally, next week the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism will consider Senate Bill 1906: Reemployment Assistance, by Senator Jason Brodeur.
SB 1906 will increase the maximum weekly unemployment benefit from $275 to $375. These measures will help our state as we continue working towards a full economic recovery.

Legislation Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
A hero remembered is never forgotten. Senate Bill 1716, by Senator Ed Hooper, honors the legacies of Deputy Michael J. Magli, Sergeant Brian LaVigne, and Officer Jesse Madsen, three Florida law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty earlier this year.
Deputy Magli served the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for eight years. Sergeant LaVigne served more than 30 years with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Madsen served 16 years as a Tampa Police officer and served three tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. military.
The legislation renames a portion of County Road 611, East Lake Road, in Pinellas County as “Deputy Michael J. Magli Memorial Road,” a portion of State Road 60 in Hillsborough County as “Sergeant Brian LaVigne Road,” and a portion of Interstate 275 in Hillsborough County as “Officer Jesse Madsen Memorial Highway.”
The Florida Senate unanimously passed this legislation on the Senate Floor.
The Florida Senate is proud to honor Florida’s law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others.

Comprehensive Higher Education Measure Passes Senate
The Florida Senate approved Senate Bill 52: Postsecondary Education, by Senator Ray Rodrigues, a measure to improve Florida’s postsecondary education structure.
The legislation ensures college tuition exemptions for students in the care of the Department of Children and Families, increases access to dual enrollment, creates a framework to reward exceptional university staff, and enhances professional development options for teachers.
“This comprehensive legislation addresses a broad range of issues related to higher education in Florida. Dual enrollment helps our students make the most of their high school experience with a head start towards earning higher education credits and credentials. We will also increase access to dual enrollment opportunities for students in public, private, or home education settings. Provide more options for teachers to complete their continuing professional development, and give the flexibility needed for the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program to better support students with unique abilities,” said Senator Rodrigues. “Our universities should be able to reward exceptional employees without being required to consider across-the-board bonuses. This legislation also authorizes universities to create individualized bonus structures for their best employees.”

Pro-Consumer Legislation Approved by Senate
Senate Bill 56: Community Association Assessment Notices, by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, unanimously passed the Florida Senate.
Senate Bill 56 provides additional notice requirements for condominium, cooperative and homeowners’ associations when collecting assessments by these community associations.
This legislation ensures condominium owners are informed of assessment changes enacted by their associations and will help to reduce late-fees caused by the inconsistent delivery of assessments.
These changes will keep unit owners, especially seniors, properly informed if the delivery method of a statement of account transitions to e-mail delivery.
The bill also increases the payment deadline for a condominium or cooperative unit owner from 30 days to 45 days after receiving an association’s Notice of Intent to Record a Claim of Lien in order to avoid the filing of a claim of lien.

Committee Advances Measure to Combat Human Trafficking in Florida
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice unanimously approved Senate Bill 1826: Human Trafficking, by Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., in an ongoing effort to end human trafficking in Florida.
The legislation expands the definition and scope of “human trafficking,” to better ensure traffickers are brought to justice for this form of modern-day slavery.
SB 1826 also provides that certain communications between a victim and a human trafficking victim advocate or trained volunteer are confidential so individuals may feel comfortable sharing their experiences and receiving these critical services in a private setting.

Bill Proposal to Allow “Cocktails-to-Go” Up on Both Chamber Floors
Senate Bill 148, by Senator Jennifer Bradley, received its second reading on the Senate Floor this week. The legislation would allow restaurants to package alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of to-go meals.
The companion bill, House Bill 329, by Representative Josie Tomkow, has been calendared for a second reading on the House floor.
The bill aims to support restaurants by allowing alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of take-home meals.
The bill limits the “to go” option to licensed restaurants, caps individual container sizes at 32 ounces and requires motorists to place the drinks in locked compartments, vehicle trunks or an area behind the last upright seats in vehicles.

It’s Women’s “HERstory” Month!
February marks Women’s History Month, or as some have labeled it: Women’s HERstory Month. I am proud to be a woman in the Florida Senate and to be part of the amazing women over the years who have played a role in shaping our state.
Women like Edna Giles Fuller, the first female elected to the Florida House, paved the way for the rest of us. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen was later elected to the Florida Legislature, and she is responsible for creating many of the education programs our students benefit from today.
Today, women serve in many leadership roles in the Florida Senate, including Appropriations Chair, Rules Chair and Majority Leader.
Read the recap by the USA Today Network for a tribute to many of these Florida women!

The Melo Minute – March 19th, 2021

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I Wrote an Op-Ed!

Guest Opinion: Legislative Accountability Leads to Better Environmental Outcomes

I had the pleasure of writing an opinion piece on my Green House Gas Emissions bill with my colleague Chris Hudson, Vice President of Government Affairs at Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The article highlights the need for the State Legislature to have a seat at the table when projects regulating green house gas emissions are put forward by the Executive Branch. Instead of unproductive, one-size-fits-all dictates from Washington that fail to produce better environmental outcomes, we believe a better policy would embrace bottom-up innovation, and empower people in their own communities to be conscientious stewards of the environment.

The Legislature is the people’s voice. Your voice, the citizens of Florida and those of you in my District, should be heard in matters that influence our economy and our environment.


How My Bills Are Progressing

HB 1505 – Workforce Programs and Services

This bill’s progress through the House is looking great. So far this bill has reported favorably in two committees with unanimous votes approving its passage. The bill is now on schedule to appear before the Appropriations Committee this coming Monday, 3/22, at 12:30pm.

HB 1231 – Domestic Violence

Thank you to the members of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee for reporting on this bill favorably earlier today. As a result, my Domestic Violence bill has successfully passed through two committees with unanimous support. The bill will next appear before the Health and Human Services Committee for its third — and final — committee stop.

Co-sponsoring Home-based Businesses Bill

HB 403 – Home-based Businesses

This bill, by Representative Mike Giallombardo, works to ensure the prosperity of home-based businesses by providing an appropriate definition for home-based businesses and removing unnecessary regulations & fees.

I chose to co-sponsor this bill because we need to nourish, uplift, and incentivize these businesses. With all of the economic fallout from the pandemic, this kind of legislation is of utmost importance for helping entrepreneurs in our community and fostering economic opportunity for our State.

Other Bills I’m Co-sponsoring: HB 217, HB 219, HB 337, HB 1475

What We’re Reading

U.S. Sugar Helps Dedicate New Benches at Clewiston’s Harlem Community Tree Park

Ryan Nicol

DeSantis: Florida’s COVID Experience Confirms ‘Lockdown Approach is a Failed Approach’

Charles Creitz

Events & Happenings in the District

· The 45th Collier County Fair has just kicked off. If you’re looking to have some fun with your friends and family, you can attend the fair until it ends March 28th. For more information feel free to visit the fair’s website.

· The LaBelle Rotary club is having their annual Ham Shoot this Saturday. The event is from 10am-4pm and is located at SR 80 East of LaBelle on Forrey Drive — South on Forrey to the Sports Park. Bring your shotgun, but there’s no need to bring ammo as it will be provided for you at the event. My District Secretary Kathleen Elrod will be there representing Team Melo!

· The City of Clewiston is currently looking for a citizen to serve as a board member for their Board of Building Commissioners and their Library Advisory Board. If you are interested in serving your community in this capacity click here for more information.

· Need a job? Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee is currently hiring! More information about available positions and how to apply can be found by clicking here.


Check Out My Social Media!

I hope you all had a great St. Patrick’s Day! Be sure to keep up with my social media as my dog Moose will certainly be making plenty of appearances.

Q&A’s

Got a question you want The Melo Minute to answer? Feel free to ask it and send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

Legislative Update – March 19, 2021 – Kathleen C. Passidomo

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This week, the Florida Senate passed COVID-19 liability protections for businesses and health care providers in a 24-15 vote. The Florida Senate also passed legislation seeking to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits and unlawful claims. Both of these measures are critically important to our state as we recover from COVID-19 and plan for our future.
There are 42 days remaining in the 2021 Legislative Session, and we have a great deal of work to do. Chief among them is the state budget. Due to the economic downturn, our state is facing a decrease in revenue, and we must do more with less.
I will keep you updated as budget allocations are released, and the state budget takes form.

Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of Thursday, March 18, 6,993,528 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida. There are now 4,570,538 individuals who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in Florida.
On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced he will lower eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to age 50 starting next week.
Beginning Monday, the following populations will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines:
· Long-term care facility residents and staff;
· Persons 50 years of age and older;
· Health care personnel with direct patients;
· K-12 school employees of all ages;
· Sworn law enforcement officers 50 years of ages and older;
· Firefighters 50 years of age and older; and
· People who are “extremely vulnerable” to the virus with a completed state form signed by a physician.
As more vaccines become available, eligibility continues to expand. Check the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website for the latest information.

Pre-Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine & Use the DOH Vaccine Locator
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) launched a statewide vaccine locator site and preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Both websites help eligible Floridians preregister for the vaccine and locate nearby vaccination sites.

COVID-19 Update: Florida Case Data
As of March 19, there have been 1,999,257 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 30,468 in Collier County, 4,392 in Hendry County and 58,577 in Lee County.
As of March 18, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 5.02%.
To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 webpage.
For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

Florida Senate Delivers COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses, Health Care Providers
Since day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida’s health care providers put their health at risk to serve their fellow Floridians. In addition, Florida’s business owners worked tirelessly to stay open while adhering to changing safety guidelines and regulations.
The Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 72: Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19, by Senator Jeff Brandes, to shield businesses from fraudulent or opportunistic lawsuits related to the COVID-19 pandemic and offer protection from civil liability for health care providers who have served Floridians during the pandemic.
When a business makes a good faith effort to adhere to changing safety guidelines to reopen during a period of extreme uncertainty, our laws should protect them from frivolous and costly litigation. We must also work to ensure that health care providers are not threatened with unmerited lawsuits that hinder their ability to serve their patients.
As our state continues to fully reopen and recover, Senate Bill 72 works to separate the serious and merited claims from the fraudulent and unfair claims brought against a Florida business or health care provider.

Florida Senate Takes Action to Improve Child Welfare System
Ensuring the safety and stability of children in Florida’s foster care system is imperative. The Florida Senate unanimously voted to approve Senate Bill 80: Child Welfare, by Senator Jason Brodeur. The measure increases protections and consistency for children in out-of-home care by expanding existing laws related to sibling and transition placements.
The Florida Senate recognizes the relationships young children develop with out-of-home caregivers and siblings of the child’s biological family members. The bill works to reduce trauma from abrupt or frequent placement changes that remove children from safe, successful placements.
Senate Bill 80 also requires that a quick reference “FACE sheet” be created to summarize the status of each child’s case and goals moving forward.
“Our goal is to reduce the trauma children face when they are moved, sometimes abruptly, from one out-of-home placement to another,” said Senator Brodeur. “These are vulnerable young children who have been neglected or abused and we want to make sure they have the stability of a safe, permanent living situation as soon as possible.”

Heightened Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence Approved by Florida Senate
The Florida Senate approved two bills, by Senator Ileana Garcia, to heighten protections for victims of domestic violence as well as the advocates working at domestic violence shelters.
Senate Bill 70 provides a new criminal offense to further protect the locations of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) certified domestic violence centers. Senate Bill 68 exempts from public record the personal information and addresses of DCF domestic violence shelters’ current or former staff, domestic violence advocates and their families.
When victims of domestic violence seek refuge, it is imperative that, for their safety, their location remains confidential. With the passage of Senate Bill 68 and Senate Bill 70, survivors will be safer from their abusers.
Florida has 41 DCF certified domestic violence centers that provide crisis intervention and support services to adult victims of domestic violence and their children free of charge.

Legislation Promoting Civic Education Passes Florida Senate
The Florida Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 146: Civic Education, by Senator Jeff Brandes.
This legislation aims to help students gain civic experience both inside and outside of the classroom by requiring the Florida Commissioner of Education to develop criteria for a nonpartisan civic literacy practicum that may be incorporated into Florida high school United States Government courses.
Senate Bill 146 aims to promote civic literacy in Florida, enable students to engage in civil discourse, and provide more opportunities to equip high school graduates with sufficient knowledge of America’s civics.

Vietnam Veterans Honored by Florida Senate
To memorialize the sacrifices and experiences of those captured or missing in combat during the Vietnam War, the Florida Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 416: POW-MIA Veterans Bracelet Memorial, by Senator Danny Burgess.
The legislation establishes the memorial, which will be funded and administered by the Big Bend Chapter 96, Vietnam Veterans of America, and will be placed on or near the Florida Capitol Complex.
The Florida Senate is committed to ensuring Florida remains the number one state in the nation for our military and veteran communities, and their families.

Legislation to Modernize Right to Farm Protections Passes Florida Senate
Florida’s legacy farming communities contribute to our nation’s food supply and billions of dollars to our state’s economy. Senate Bill 88: Farming Operations, by Senator Jason Brodeur, increases protections for our farmers by modernizing Florida’s Right to Farm Act.
Our state has experienced tremendous growth since Florida’s Right to Farm Act was originally passed in 1979. The Florida Senate approved this legislation, which seeks to update this important law so existing farm work and complementary agritourism activities are protected.

New Tax Exemption Bill to Help Elderly Live Independently Passes Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
On Tuesday, Senate Bill 224 by Senator Lori Berman unanimously passed its second committee stop.
SB 224 exempts the purchase of certain items that assist individuals in living and aging independently in their homes from the sales and use tax.
Specifically, the bill exempts the following items from the collection of the sales and use tax:
· Bed transfer handles selling for $60 or less;
· Bed rails selling for $110 or less;
· Grab bars selling for $100 or less; and
· Shower seats selling for $100 or less.
The bill specifies that the exemption only applies to purchases of these items made for personal or noncommercial use.
SB 224 will be heard in the Committee on Finance and Tax next.

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Up in Final Senate Committee
Senate Bill 598, by Senator Keith Perry, creates the 10-day Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday to help ensure students have the tools and supplies necessary to be successful in the classroom.
From Friday, July 30, 2021, to Sunday, August 8, 2021, the bill would eliminate taxes on items, including:
· clothing and footwear costing $60 or less;
· backpacks costing $50 or less;
· school supplies costing $15 or less; and
· personal computers and accessories costing $1,000 or less.
Next, SB 598 will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Bill to Increase Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Passes Its First Senate Committee
Senate Bill 874, by Senator Jason Brodeur, passed its first committee Wednesday. The legislation requires the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) and the Alzheimer’s Association, to use existing, relevant, public health, and community outreach programs to incorporate and disseminate information to health care practitioners on Alzheimer’s disease.
The educational materials must cover:
· The importance of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
· Utilization of a validated cognitive assessment tool.
· The value of Medicare annual wellness visits for cognitive health.
· The use of the Medicare billing code for care planning for individuals with cognitive impairment.
· Methods to detect early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
· Methods to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among individuals in diverse communities who are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
The bill will be heard next in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

From the Desk of Chairman Joe Gruters

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Chairman’s Message –

Even CNN acknowledges Governor DeSantis’ successes

There is no denying the glaring truth anymore: Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies of protecting Floridians’ personal freedoms, businesses, jobs and health during the pandemic have been an incontrovertible success.

No less of a media opponent than CNN has acknowledged this with an accurate story of the Governor’s successes. Here is their shockingly positive lead:

After a year of criticism by health experts, mockery from comedians and blistering critiques from political rivals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is standing unabashedly tall among the nation’s governors on the front lines of the coronavirus fight.

“Everyone told me I was wrong,” DeSantis, a Republican, said in a fundraising appeal on Tuesday, drawing attention to his defiance against the pandemic. “I faced continued pressure from radical Democrats and the liberal media, but I refused to back down. It’s clear: Florida got it right.”

As many parts of the country embark on an uneasy march toward normalcy, Florida is not only back in business — it’s been in business for the better part of the past year…”Those lockdowns have not worked. They’ve done great damage to our country,” DeSantis said.

Of course the story includes the normal tut-tutting from political opponents who urge policies that have flatly failed in other states. But when CNN concedes this truth, backing it up with statistics that have been apparent for months, it’s pretty much case closed.

Read it here: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/17/politics/ron-desantis-covid-florida/index.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=news_tab&utm_content=algorithm

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While many blue state governors are still keeping people locked down or threatening to do so again, and President Biden talks disconnectedly about maybe having a BBQ in your backyard by the Fourth of July if we all do what we’re told, Governor Ron DeSantis was having a beer during Bike Week in Daytona. Because we’ve been having BBQs for nearly a year, Mr. President.

What a difference a Governor makes!

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As Chairman of the Republican National Committee’s Election Integrity Committee, I want to report that the Committee is making rapid progress. We have four Subcommittees meeting weekly and the full Committee also meeting weekly. We are investigating what went right and what went wrong in 2020, creating model legislation for our states, developing best election operations procedures, determining the integrity of various voting machines and more. The RNC has devoted significant staffing in support of our work.

This will not be a long, drawn out process. The Committee is temporary and I hope to have our first recommendations out to our state leaders in a few months. We must ensure that we have a level of integrity in our elections that all Americans can have faith in.

COVID-19 Update

Governor Ron DeSantis outlined how to best use a portion of federal funds the state is expected to receive through the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package, which provides $195.3 billion to the states.

The Governor’s recommendations include providing assistance to Floridians in need, and making major investments in critical areas such as infrastructure, education, and workforce development to continue Florida’s rapid economic recovery.

A top priority of the Governor remains the support of pandemic first responders. The Governor’s recommendations include a one-time $1,000 direct payment to full-time sworn law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. The Governor also is recommending money to modernize the reemployment assistance system to correct critical design flaws and improve the service.

To bolster Florida’s already strong recovery, the Governor is recommending over $500 million for economic development and recovery initiatives. The Governor’s recommendations also take important steps to invest in Florida’s infrastructure, resilience, and readiness. Finally, the Governor is recommending $185 million for workforce training and research initiatives.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/03/16/governor-ron-desantis-announces-federal-stimulus-budget-recommendations/

Florida Update

Governor DeSantis announced the Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative, a $106 million proposal to make Florida a national leader in civics education. The Governor is urging the Florida Legislature to fund this by using the state portion of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA) Act.

The Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative emphasizes the development and support of high-quality civics education, rewards Florida teachers who participate and builds on the success of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative.

“A high-quality education begins with a high quality curriculum, which is why I remain laser focused on developing the best possible civics education standards,” said Governor DeSantis.

Governor DeSantis took direct aim at President Joe Biden after the president’s national address, saying forcefully, “I am not going to let him lockdown Florida.”

The Governor was responding to a portion of the speech where the president implied we may need to shut things down again if cases start increasing. But Governor DeSantis has been protecting Floridians’ freedoms, businesses, jobs and health by keeping Florida open for business. He said, “to even contemplate any sort of lockdown…that’s insane.”

The Governor also wondered about the president’s stated goal of holding small gatherings by the Fourth of July. “We’ve been doing that for over a year in Florida,” Governor DeSantis said.

The Mello Minute

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Bill of the Week:
HB 1231 – Domestic Violence

The Fight Against Violence

This week I had the honor of presenting HB 1231 to the House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee. This is a great bill that’s Co-sponsored by Representative David Borrero. If you click on the image you will be able to watch the entire committee meeting. I present my bill at the 24:40 minute mark!

HB 1231 works to ensure that better funding and fiscal management occurs for our domestic violence centers and reestablishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program in our state.

Under this bill, certified domestic violence centers may carry up to 8 percent of their funding from one fiscal year to the next — whereas current law requires that all of the funds are reabsorbed by the Government. The ability to retain these funds makes it less likely that reckless end of the year spending occurs; thus, increasing the likelihood that funds are used wisely. This type of policy is nothing new, as the Legislature already has this method of funding allocation in place for child welfare community-based agencies.

The bill also makes needed updates to language that brings it to the 21st Century by updating service provision terminology and acknowledging the state’s commitment to addressing the needs of survivors and their dependents. For instance, the bill makes it a point to include that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy be an available option for survivors, whereas previous language did not have such a specified method of mental health aid.

One of the most integral aspects of the bill is that it reestablishes DCF as the agency that certifies and monitors batterers’ intervention programs statewide. These programs serve as a coordinated response to hold perpetrators of domestic violence accountable, effectuate behavior change, and prevent future domestic violence. Domestic violence advocates, prosecutors, survivors, and BIP providers have raised significant concerns about these programs being localized as the lack of statewide certification and monitoring diminishes the quality of the programs. DCF being the central entity that certifies and monitors BIPs statewide would restore confidence that certified are working to prevent domestic violence.

When I presented the bill to the House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee on March 8th , it passed unanimously 17-0.

Another Great Bill from Great Colleagues

Serena’s Bill

Here is another great piece of Legislation that is working to end abuse from two great colleagues of mine in the House!

Representatives Jenna Persons-Mulicka and Robin Bartleman have put forward a phenomenal bill. HB 1229, Serena’s Law, closes a current loophole in Florida Law by requiring that the names of persons against whom injunctions to protect minors have been issued show up in online court records so that this information may be captured in background checks. The bill is entitled Serena’s Law after a victim who discovered that their abuser was volunteering at a local youth organization.

In an effort to ensure that these individuals are not able to so freely be around children in our communities, this bill makes it so that it is required by Florida Statute for the county’s clerk of courts and/or the county recorders to include this information on their websites.

Thank you Representative Persons-Mulicka and Representative Bartleman for introducing such great legislation to ensure the safety of our children.

New Vaccine Information

· CVS has begun to have appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine here in Florida. Click here to access their site for scheduling an appointment.

· The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has made it’s way to Florida! 175,000 of their vaccine is currently being distributed throughout the state.

· Florida has launched a new way to help homebound seniors get vaccinated. Send a request to this email: HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com

· The Governor plans to set the age required to get a vaccine 55 years-old or older this month. Eligibility will be lowered to 60+ by Monday, March 15th.

· It is anticipated that 3 million seniors will have been vaccinated in Florida by the end of the week!



Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

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This week, Senator Rick Scott sent an open to letter to governors and mayors across the United States urging them to commit to reject and return any federal funding in excess of their federally-reimbursable COVID-19 related expenses. This commitment will serve the best interests of hardworking American taxpayers and send a clear message to Washington: politicians in Congress should quit recklessly spending other people’s money.

Senator Scott’s letter comes as Congressional Democrats passed President Biden’s massive, partisan and wasteful $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending package without a single Republican vote in support. This bill dedicates less than 10% of its funding to actually fight COVID-19 and raises the federal debt to $30 trillion.

Also this week, Senator Rick Scott sponsored:

The Sunshine Protection Act to make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country;
A resolution to condemn Communist China’s actions to militarize the South China Sea, applaud the United States Navy and Coast Guard for their efforts to ensure freedom of navigation operations, and send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate Communist China’s extension of power in waters beyond its legitimate territorial sea boundaries;
The Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends (FORCE) Act which would prevent President Joe Biden or Secretary Antony Blinken from removing Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List; and
The Banning Operations and Leases with the Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian Regime (BOLIVAR) Act which holds Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro accountable by prohibiting federal agencies from doing business with anyone that supports the oppressive Maduro regime.

Sen. Rick Scott: I’ll Never Stop Fighting Against Washington’s Dysfunction

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after Senate Democrats voted to pass their massive and wasteful $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending package, of which less than 10% actually goes to help fight COVID.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Washington is completely dysfunctional. I’ve said all along that I want targeted relief for families and businesses suffering from the pandemic. That’s why Republicans just spent the entire night trying to work with Senate Democrats to get something done that will actually help Floridians and Americans across our nation who are still struggling due to COVID-19. But that’s not what the Democrats wanted. This was never about helping the American people. Instead, they’re using trillions of American taxpayer dollars, under the guise of COVID relief, to fund their liberal priorities and pay back their blue state Governor pals. They really should be ashamed of this political theater.

“Our nation is $28 trillion in debt. With the passage of this bill, Senate Democrats have increased the debt to $30 trillion, knowing that they and President Biden have no plan to address it or its devastating consequences for American families. At this rate and the direction Democrats are taking us, there is no way our nation will ever be able to pay off this unsustainable debt without significant change. It’s time to get serious about what this means for our nation moving forward. I will never stop fighting to ensure accountability to American taxpayers and get Washington’s insane spending under control.”

Sen. Rick Scott Urges Florida Congressional Delegation to Vote Against Wasteful $1.9 Trillion “COVID” Spending Bill

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Florida Congressional Delegation urging them to vote against President Biden’s massive and wasteful $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending package which now heads back to the U.S. House of Representatives following its completely partisan passage in the Senate last week. The $1.9 trillion spending package dedicates less than 10% of its funding to actually fight COVID-19 and raises the federal debt to $30 trillion.

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Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott’s No Budget, No Pay Proposal

As Democrats pushed their massive $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending bill that includes billions for wasteful liberal priorities, Senator Rick Scott fought against Washington’s dysfunction by securing a vote on his No Budget, No Pay proposal, which requires Congress to meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Washington’s dysfunction is at an all-time high, and that was on full display as Democrats delayed voting all day so they could push their massive, wasteful and partisan $2 trillion spending package in the middle of the night. It’s clear Democrats don’t want to work with Republicans to get things done, but I will never stop fighting to make Washington work for the American people. Today, my No Budget, No Pay amendment received a vote on the Senate floor, which says if members of Congress cannot work together to pass a budget, they should not get paid.

“I grew up in a poor family, and I’ve been blessed to live in this country and enjoy the opportunities it provides. I’ve owned a business and I can tell you that in the business world, if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. There’s no reason members of Congress shouldn’t be held to the same exact standard as the American people. If they can’t do their most basic job, they shouldn’t get a taxpayer-funded salary. Accountability shouldn’t be controversial. It’s ridiculous that my Democrat colleagues would block a simple measure to make sure they do their jobs, but I’ll keep fighting to get this common-sense proposal passed.”

Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Biden Administration for Granting TPS Status for Venezuelans Fleeing Maduro’s Ruthless Dictatorship

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement applauding action taken by the Biden Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans fleeing Nicolas Maduro’s murderous regime. For years, Senator Scott has been calling for a long-term solution for the TPS program, and has twice pushed legislation on the Senate Floor to extend to TPS for Venezuelans who came to the United States to escape Maduro’s regime. Last month, he sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas outlining his priorities for DHS, including TPS for Venezuelans.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans are fleeing the violence and starvation of Maduro’s socialist regime and the United States must stand with them. For years, I’ve been calling for this action, as well as a long-term solution for TPS and I applaud the Administration for heeding my calls to grant TPS for Venezuelans. I have tried to pass legislation on the Senate Floor multiple times that would immediately grant TPS to Venezuelans and make much needed reforms to the program, but Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked it. Today’s announcement builds on President Trump’s action to give temporary legal status for Venezuelans through the Deferred Enforced Departure program, and is great news for the Venezuelan people. We must continue to do everything in our power to save Venezuela from this tyrannical dictator.”

From the desk of Commissioner Burt Saunders

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Welcome to District 3

I hope this communication finds you well and that you will find the information provided both timely and useful. Topics are generally selected based on current initiatives being reviewed and addressed by the BCC or major projects or initiatives impacting residents of District 3 or greater Collier County. Future newsletter editions will contain new and updated information about projects, events and government operations within Collier County. I welcome your interest and feedback and hope you will share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. Please continue to be careful and stay safe. Thank you for helping to make Collier County a great place to live, work and play.

Town Hall

Collier County Commissioner Burt Saunders, District 3, invites residents of Collier County to participate in a Virtual District 3 Town Hall on Thursday, March 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Residents may log in to the meeting by clicking on this link that will be broadcast from the Board of County Commissioners Chambers in the Collier County Government Center. Residents will hear directly from the Commissioner and staff about what is happening in the district and countywide. Commissioner Saunders will provide opening remarks and introduce key members of the County administrative team who will share updates regarding major current projects and initiatives.

Essential Workforce housing

A referendum increasing the sales tax from 6% to 7% was approved by voters on November 6, 2018. A total of $20 million is available through the seven-year sales tax initiative to fund workforce housing in Collier County. On October 22, 2019, the County Commission approved the establishment of a Non-Profit Community Land Trust. The Community Foundation of Collier County in conjunction with the Schultz Foundation and Moorings Park earmarked significant grant funding for the development of a workforce and senior housing.

At the December 10, 2019 meeting the Commission directed County staff to develop an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) seeking a vendor that could provide workforce and senior housing on approximately 20-30 acres at the Golden Gate Golf Course. The selected firm is expected to manage the facility without County subsidy.

The ITN included the following key elements:
Workforce and senior housing with targeted renters having income equivalent to 30-80% of area median income
400 rental workforce senior housing units (potentially more, if space allows)
Provide a minimum of 10% of units identified for seniors and veterans. Consideration for those with special needs will be viewed favorably.
Workforce units would be reserved for Essential Services employees and their families such as teachers, firefighters, sheriff’s officers, nurses, and EMTs.
Variety of rental unit sizes including studio, one, two and three bedroom units.
A design that is compatible with the community and the surrounding neighbors.

From the Desk of County Commissioner Rick LoCastro

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FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The Governor’s Executive Order to expand on the population eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will go into effect on March 15th. The Executive Order 21-46 and 21-47 expansion includes:
Long term care facility residents and staff
Persons aged 60+
Healthcare personnel with direct patient contact
K-12 school employees aged 50+
Sworn law enforcement officers aged 50+
Firefighters aged 50+
Those deemed extremely vulnerable will need to present a signed form that can be found at this link: (bit.ly/3qbHLb4). It may then be taken to a pharmacy, physician, APRN, or to one of the 4 FEDERAL vaccine sites in the state (Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville) to receive a vaccine. Please note…the Department of Health-Collier County cannot provide the vaccine.

ONE NAPLES: At our March 1st meeting, Commissioners voted 4-1 to change zoning from Commercial to Residential. Some have expressed disappointment with the vote… but that’s the great thing about democracy… multiple viewpoints. However, I would hope informed citizens would look at the ENTIRE body of work of any elected official, their qualifications, and experience.

I went into the One Naples Commissioner meeting totally NEUTRAL. I was fully accessible and met with BOTH sides for months, went to the site MANY times as a Commissioner doing the homework required for this vote…and well before as a resident.. and did my homework from all angles to ensure I walked into the Commissioner meeting prepared… but also NEUTRAL and ready to hear closing arguments by all interested parties. It’s unfortunate some of the press and social media mischaracterized what actually happened at the vote. The “last-minute changes” by Stock Development were NOT some big shocker that threw everything into a tailspin and needed the vote to be delayed. In fact, the changes were ALL improvements the County and the opponents of the project were asking for.

I COMMEND “SAVE VANDERBILT BEACH” SUPPORTERS FOR INFLUENCING STOCK DEVELOPMDNT TO MAKE EVEN MORE/ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS.

THE CHANGES
Reduced the number of total residences from 172 to 140
Cut the size of its towers AGAIN… this time from 14 stories to 12 (had been 16 previously to that)
With the further decrease in stories–the actual height of the towers now dropped from 186 ft to 165 (Ritz Carlton is 215)
Decreased the zoned height of its mid-rise residential buildings from 65 ft to 55
Increased the setback distance of the parking structure supporting the towers from 15 ft to 25
Limited the number of boat slips from 99 to 75 (and those still need approval)
Pledged almost $3 Million for improvements in safety features to upgrade County parking garage, add traffic lights, crosswalks, bike & walking paths, and turn lanes
I also gave Anita Jenkins (County Director of Planning & Zoning) a chance to reply at the podium for the last word (at the end of the meeting and before any vote) asking her if she and her staff needed more time, more details, or even another day to digest everything. She said NO… they commonly get changes and additions all the time–and they are dynamic & agile enough to adjust and respond… and had everything they needed… especially when the changes were ALL items the County was looking for. District 2 Commissioner Andy Solis (who has the One Naples property in his District) was also a leading supporter of the vote. Changing the zoning from commercial to residential was the right decision for multiple reasons. We have plenty of commercial areas in our County that create exponential increased traffic issues and also have many out of business stores that clearly were excessive and built in the wrong areas and create more problems than solutions. We don’t need more of that.

I respect opposing views but certainly it’s not shared by everyone. Some citizen characterizations of greed & money controlling all, certainly doesn’t describe my integrity or anything I use to guide my decisions or votes when it comes to serving in this position. As a retired Air Force Colonel, Air Force Academy graduate, and having served my country for 24 years… the intellect & integrity I use to make informed decisions, is well intact. Quite a bit of what residents enjoy in this community (maybe even where you live) were protested by plenty of people over the years. Then in the end after it was built–citizens enjoyed their beautiful piece of paradise even more.

There is a BIG difference between “development” and IMPROVEMENT… and I know the difference. If you’ve been to the One Naples parcel, you will find that the beach is beautiful, but the surrounding area has been neglected for quite a while in many areas. Not sure another series of strip-malls would be a major improvement… and that IS what was coming. Many argued they would love another “Mercato” there… but if you have visited Mercato lately–you’ll see almost half the stores are out of business… most before Covid even hit. Not sure that’s improvement.

I encourage you to drive down US 41 in my District 1 (East Naples) and see the multitude of storage units, overabundance of gas stations, and other structures that are either falling down or never should have been built. That’s the District I am now working so hard to reverse & improve that I inherited three months ago when I was elected.

One Naples construction does NOT start tomorrow the way many think. There are more plans and details Stock Development must meet and we must approve. We will ensure tight oversight of the project and ensure the next steps are met or exceeded… or denied. We are quite far from having Stock Development put a shovel in the ground. We voted to convert zoning from commercial to residential… if One Naples continues to move forward with more detailed designs–we must approve or deny, ensure it’s built correctly, adds to the area, and is a success.

Thank you to those who reached out to me… both for and against One Naples. I’m glad you all are following my efforts and are engaged and concerned citizens. I welcome all to continue to follow my service as a full-time County Commissioner, the progress we are making addressing long-overdue neglected areas in District 1, and the thousands of other responsibilities on a Commissioner’s plate. I would hope citizens would continue to watch my voting record, integrity, qualifications, experience, and leadership. Remember… I’m ALWAYS available for constructive, healthy, professional, and mature conversation. We may disagree on One Naples, but I encourage citizens to continue to track my actions, record, & results. We have many years of neglect in District 1 and our County in quite a few areas… I look to make progress with continued citizen feedback & support… even if we don’t agree on everything.

Sen. Rick Scott: Americans Deserve Better

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In 2020, Congress took bipartisan action to provide the resources needed to get our nation re-opened and help individuals and small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Last Saturday, Senate Democrats passed a massive, un-targeted $2 trillion “COVID” spending bill with zero Republican support. The U.S. House of Representatives is now expected to vote on this wasteful and bloated bill this week.

This 600-page, $2 trillion spending bill devotes less than 10% of its funding to actually fighting COVID, and will raise our national debt from $28 trillion to $30 trillion. Even worse, the American people are completely in the dark about how much of the nearly $1 trillion has been unspent from the previous package. The devastating impacts of this spending package hurt America’s poorest families the most, and the Biden Administration has no plan to address the fallout.

Congress must do better. That’s why Senator Scott has taken several steps to provide transparency to the American people, whose money and financial stability is on the table. Senator Scott will keep working to make sure Congress is helping those truly in need, while remaining accountable to the hardworking taxpayers.

Learn more about how Senator Scott is fighting to provide targeted relief to American families below.

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The Democrats’ $1.9 trillion spending package is an untargeted shell filled with liberal wishes:

Another $1.9 trillion in spending will raise the national debt to nearly $30 trillion, which will raise inflation and hurt our nation’s poorest families the most.
Less than one percent of the bill is dedicated to vaccine-related activities and programs – the thing most critical to beating this pandemic.
$350 billion goes to bailout wasteful, liberal states for their decades of excess, even though budgets and revenues are up. Congress has already allocated roughly $400 billion for state and local governments to handle this crisis.
$40 billion goes to colleges – regardless of whether they are open or have demonstrated a need for relief. Congress already allocated $37 billion to colleges in previous relief bills.
More than a third of all spending in the Democrats’ bill, including more than 90 percent of the K-12 school funding, would not be spent this fiscal year.
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Sen. Rick Scott: Americans Deserve Better Than Democrats’ $2 Trillion Spending Disaster

Last week, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement as the Senate begins consideration of the Democrats’ massive $1.9 trillion partisan spending package – which received bipartisan opposition in the House and didn’t get a single Republican vote. Senator Scott wants targeted relief to those individuals and small businesses impacted by the pandemic, but President Biden’s proposal is filled with progressive pipe dreams and wasteful spending that will ultimately hurt American families.

Senator Rick Scott said, “For nearly a year, my focus has been on finding bipartisan solutions that provide targeted relief and deal directly with the economic and health impact of COVID-19. I talk to Floridians every day whose families or businesses have been hurt by this pandemic. They need and deserve relief and that’s what we should be doing – but that’s not what the Democrats want. They can’t help themselves but try to use this crisis to pass their liberal priorities that would have no chance standing on their own.

“The waste in the Democrats’ bill is blatant and obvious. Think about this – less than 10 percent of the Democrats’ massive spending bill actually goes toward fighting COVID-19 and just one percent is dedicated to vaccine programs and initiatives. That is crazy. Even more shameful is that the rest is full of wasteful, unrelated nonsense that falls woefully short of the targeted relief American families need. Let’s not forget that Congress just approved a $900 billion COVID relief bill – much of which remains unspent. As Democrats prioritize their progressive pipe dreams over the needs of American families, I’ll keep working to make sure we are helping those truly in need, while remaining accountable to the hardworking taxpayers whose money and financial stability is on the table.”