March Clerk of Courts Update
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News Alert from US Senator Rick Scott
This content is for members only
Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review
Dear Fellow Floridian,
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been traveling the state and meeting with the hardworking folks that make Florida the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family. It’s clear that we all agree it’s time to end the dysfunctional status quo in Washington and make sure every family has the opportunity to live in a safe community, get a great education and live the American dream. But we can’t do that unless we stop Democrats’ reckless spending and economy-killing policies and END WASHINGTON’S WAR ON FLORIDA’S SENIORS.
President Biden and the Democrats have done more to hurt seniors than I ever thought possible. One example? They cut $280 billion from Medicare last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t heard about this. Biden and the Democrats lie about it every chance they get, and the liberal media covers for them.
But this shouldn’t surprise anyone. When he was a senator, Biden fought for DECADES to cut entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security. He even wanted to cut veterans’ benefits. HE ACTUALLY BRAGGED ABOUT THIS ON THE SENATE FLOOR!
Let me be very clear: I’ll NEVER allow cuts to Social Security or Medicare, and outside of Joe Biden, I don’t know too many other folks in Washington that want to see these programs be cut or go away either. That’s why I’m fighting to pass a new bill to protect these programs. My Protect Our Seniors Act proposes a rule to prevent cuts to Medicare and Social Security, stops Washington politicians from using Medicare savings to bankroll their woke wish list and rescinds funding for 87,000 new IRS agents and redirects those funds to Medicare and Social Security to keep those programs funded longer.
I’m in Washington to make it work for YOU, and I won’t stop fighting to stop Washington’s failures from hurting your wallet and our seniors.
Read more HERE.
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
United States Senator
To be the first to find out about Senator Scott’s actions and statements, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
Sen. Rick Scott Announces Protect Our Seniors Act to Preserve & Protect Social Security & Medicare
At a roundtable discussion with Florida community leaders and seniors in Sun City Center, Senator Rick Scott announced his Protect Our Seniors Act to preserve and protect Social Security and Medicare. During the roundtable, Senator Scott discussed his work to protect seniors from Washington’s dysfunction and the pain caused by President Joe Biden’s raging inflation crisis, and two years of failed leadership that have endangered critical entitlement programs and pushed Social Security and Medicare closer to insolvency.
Senator Scott has never supported cuts to Social Security or Medicare and NEVER will. Joe Biden on the other hand has, and he can’t hide from his nearly 50-year record of supporting cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Download high resolution photos from Senator Scott’s roundtable in Sun City Center HERE.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I have been fighting since day one to protect and preserve programs like Social Security and Medicare for Florida’s seniors, and today I am proud to announce new legislation, my Protect Our Seniors Act, to safeguard the benefits of these critical entitlements.
“My bill will do three important things: first, the Protect Our Seniors Act will rescind funding for Joe Biden’s new 87,000 IRS agent army and redirect those funds to Medicare and Social Security to shore up these programs and address threats of insolvency.
“Second, my bill establishes a ‘Keep Medicare Savings in Medicare’ requirement. That means that if any bill makes changes to Medicare that result in a ‘savings’ every dollar of those savings must remain in Medicare and are prohibited from being used to fund woke projects as Democrats have recently done in their so-called Inflation Reduction Act.
“Finally, it establishes a rule to prevent cuts to Medicare and Social Security. If it is determined that any legislation will cause a cut or reduction in Medicare or Social Security, this rule will force two thirds of Congress to vote to approve it, making it much more difficult for Congress to make cuts or reduce benefits.
“While Democrats howl and lie about made-up threats to Social Security and Medicare, the reality is they haven’t done one thing to protect them. In fact, Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress have done more to hurt Social Security and Medicare than anyone I can think of. While Joe Biden had legislation to actually cut entitlements, my record shows that I’ve been 100% committed to protecting them from the start. I welcome Biden and anyone else who truly cares about protecting seniors to support this good bill.”
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Announces Miami Shores Police Chief David Golt as State of the Union Guest
Senator Rick Scott announced that he will bring Miami Shores Police Department Police Chief David Golt as his guest to President Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 7 at the U.S. Capitol.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I am honored to have Miami Shores Police Chief David Golt as my guest to the State of the Union address. I’ve had the chance to work closely with Chief Golt, who has tragically been forced to deal with this deadly crisis as both a leader in law enforcement and a parent. In December 2021, Chief Golt lost his son, Zachary, to fentanyl, and joined the hundreds of thousands of American families who have had their hearts broken and loved ones taken away by this deadly drug. While we cannot reverse the damage fentanyl has done, we can and must keep working to tell these stories, make sure families like Chief Golt’s know they are not alone and finally end this devastating epidemic. Fentanyl is a killer that does not discriminate by race, political party, age or background and the wide open southern border we have today is allowing it to pour into our communities like never before. The Golt family and every American who whose been hurt by this terrible drug deserve better and I won’t stop fighting until we end the lawlessness, death and suffering that fentanyl has caused across our nation.”
Miami Shores Police Department Police Chief David Golt said, “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of legislation to help stop the horrific plague that fentanyl has caused on our society and the many families that it affects. This includes my family as we lost our son Zachary on December 26, 2021 to the scourge of fentanyl; it can happen to any family. My family and I express heartfelt gratitude to Senator Scott for his efforts and concerns.”
Read more HERE.
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Sens. Rick Scott, Tim Scott Reintroduce Bill to Protect Parental Rights, Combat Indoctrination in Schools
Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) to introduce the Parental Rights Over the Education and Care of Their (PROTECT) Kids Act to protect parental rights and prevent school administrators from concealing information about students’ gender from their parents. Senators Mike Crapo, Lindsey Graham, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Marco Rubio joined as cosponsors.
The PROTECT Kids Act would restrict federal funding for any elementary or middle school that allows students to change their pronouns, gender markers, or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms and bathrooms, without the consent of their parents. Representative Tim Walberg (MI-05) will be introducing the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I have long believed that parents, not the government, know what is best for their children. It is time for schools to stop pushing these woke ideologies on our kids and let them focus on reading, writing and arithmetic. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting the PROTECT Kids Act to stop the indoctrination and ensure parents have a say in what happens at their kids’ school.”
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing
Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Gary Peters and Marsha Blackburn to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. The Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA program – in collaboration with federal agencies and state economic development organizations – to develop strategies to attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.
Senator Rick Scott said, “As Communist China’s influence in the semiconductor market continues to grow and some corporations in the industry, like Intel, put profits over American national security interests, it is beyond time to boost domestic production. The Chips and Science Act did nothing to strengthen American manufacturers while propping up business in Communist China—that is unacceptable. Now more than ever, we must be laser focused on producing American-made semiconductors and the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act is a good place to start.”
Read more HERE.
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Sens. Rick Scott, Roger Marshall and Colleagues Reintroduce SHORT Act to Roll Back ATF’s New Pistol Brace Rule
Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Roger Marshall and their colleagues in introducing the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act, legislation that fights back against the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) recently announced federal registry for firearms with stabilizing braces.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m a proud supporter of our Constitution and the 2nd Amendment. Biden and the far-left’s blatant attempt to push overreaching policies that infringe on the rights of law-abiding Americans is completely unacceptable. Our bill, the SHORT Act, stops the ATF’s ridiculous attempt to make criminals of law-abiding gun owners and protects the constitutional rights our nation was founded on.”
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing the Upholding the Law at Our Border Act
Senator Rick Scott led Senators Ron Johnson, Tommy Tuberville, James Lankford, Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz in reintroducing the Upholding the Law at Our Border Act. Under President Biden’s failed agenda of amnesty and open borders, more than 5 million known migrants have illegally crossed the southern border and tons of deadly drugs, like fentanyl, have flooded into U.S. communities and taken more than 100,000 American lives. This legislation would require the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to investigate the vetting and processing of migrants apprehended along the southwest border and to ensure that all laws are being upheld.
Last year, Senator Rick Scott and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led more than 100 of their colleagues in sending a letter to the DHS Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive review of the decisions by the Biden administration that have led to the worst border crisis in United States history.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Thanks to the Biden administration’s open border and amnesty policies, more than 5 million known migrants have illegally crossed the southern border. President Biden is laying out a welcome mat for human traffickers and savage cartels bringing drugs, like fentanyl, and crime to our communities. The administration is either intentionally keeping local law enforcement and communities in the dark, or willfully breaking U.S. laws by letting unvetted immigrants roam freely across America. We can’t allow them to continue recklessly ignoring U.S. law and putting families at risk. Our bill, the Upholding the Law at Our Border Act, requires an immediate investigation to ensure the proper vetting and processing of anyone that comes into our country, and holds the administration accountable for its basic duty of upholding U.S. laws. I urge the rest of my colleagues in the Senate to support and help quickly pass this good bill.””
Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.
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Sen. Rick Scott: Lyin’ Biden Can’t Hide From His Own Attacks on Social Security and Medicare
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech last night.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Last night, Joe Biden rambled for a while, but it seems he forgot to share the facts: In my plan, I suggested the following: All federal legislation sunsets in five years. If a law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again. This is clearly and obviously an idea aimed at dealing with ALL the crazy new laws our Congress has been passing of late. Joe Biden is confused… to suggest that this means I want to cut Social Security or Medicare is a lie, and is a dishonest move… from a very confused President. Does he think I also intend to get rid of the U.S. Navy? Or the border patrol? Or air traffic control, maybe? This is the kind of fake, gotcha BS that people hate about Washington. I’ve never advocated cutting Social Security or Medicare and never would. I will not be intimidated by Joe Biden twisting my words, or Chuck Schumer twisting my words – or by anyone else for that matter. HOWEVER, Biden and Democrats did, in fact, cut Medicare just last year. They lie about it and the liberal media covers for them. If they think they can shut me up or intimidate me by lying… I’m here for it… I’m ready to go. I will not be silenced by the Washington establishment.”
Read more HERE.
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Sens. Rick Scott and Gary Peters Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Waste, Fraud and Abuse Following Natural Disasters
Senators Rick Scott and Gary Peters reintroduced the bipartisan Disaster Contract Improvement Act to improve the disaster contracting process on the federal, local and state levels of government following natural disasters and mitigate waste, fraud and abuse. The bill aims to protect victims of natural disasters by ensuring post-disaster services are delivered quickly and taxpayer dollars are spent solely on helping impacted communities. The Disaster Contract Improvement Act was approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) last Congress. Senator Jacky Rosen joined as a cosponsor of the bill.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida is no stranger to natural disasters. Almost every year, hurricanes bring devastation to families and businesses across the state, but thankfully, Florida is resilient because of the intense preparation that goes into our disaster readiness planning. Sadly, even when we prepare, all too often we have seen waste, fraud and abuse following storms. It hurts our families, local governments, and the American taxpayer. My bill, the Disaster Contracting Improvement Act, will help stop this waste and make sure that every dollar is spent with care, preserving resources for future disaster response efforts. I want to thank Chairman Peters and Senator Rosen for joining me in introducing this good, bipartisan bill. The Disaster Contracting Improvement Act is a win for American taxpayers.”
Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott Named Ranking Member of Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Senator Rick Scott was named Ranking Member of Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. Moreover, Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced SASC subcommittee assignments for the 118th Congress. In addition to his responsibilities as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Personnel, Senator Rick Scott will serve on the Subcommittee on Airland and the Subcommittee on Seapower.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida is proud to be the place where 21 military installations, three unified commands, nearly 67,000 active duty members, 36,000 reservists and over 1.5 million veterans call home. As Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee for Personnel, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to come to solutions that have a direct positive impact on the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our great country and their families that support that mission each and every day. There are critical issues, from housing to childcare to military health care that are in desperate need of improvement and deserve the full attention of this committee and the Congress. As Ranking Member, I’ll be fighting harder than ever to make sure the Sunshine State, America’s national security initiatives, our military, veterans and their families are supported, and I want to thank Chairman Reed and Ranking Member Wicker for this great honor.”
Read more HERE.
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Amid Democrats’ Debt Ceiling Crisis, Sen. Rick Scott & Colleagues Urge Biden to Ensure Payments for Social Security, Medicare
As the debt ceiling crisis continues and Democrats refuse to discuss structural spending reforms to address America’s $31 trillion debt in good faith, Senator Rick Scott led Senators Mike Lee, Cynthia Lummis, Jim Risch, Mike Braun, Ted Budd, Katie Britt and John Barrasso in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging his support of the Full Faith and Credit Act. This bill would prevent a default and ensure the benefits of government-funded programs that primarily impact seniors, service members, and veterans, such as Social Security and Medicare, are prioritized and protected.
Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Requests Full Funding for Everglades Restoration in Biden Budget Recommendations
Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to continue critical funding for projects to restore the Everglades, including for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration, in the president’s upcoming budget requests to Congress. Senator Scott has always been a champion for the Florida Everglades. By the end of Senator Scott’s eight years as Florida’s governor, the Sunshine State had invested more than $2 billion to restore the Everglades, resulting in the acceleration of 16 Everglades projects, sending more water south and providing billions of gallons of water storage around Lake Okeechobee. Now as U.S. Senator, Senator Scott continues his fight to preserve and protect the Everglades at the federal level.
Read his full letter to President Biden HERE. Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott Joined Senator Marco Rubio to Demand Felony Murder Charges for Distribution of Deadly Fentanyl
In the response to the surge of illicit fentanyl being trafficked across the southern border and into our communities, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues to reintroduce their Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act. The bill makes the distribution of fentanyl, resulting in death, punishable by federal felony murder charges.
Senator Rick Scott said, “People who knowingly distribute lethal fentanyl deserve the strictest sentence possible. For too long, people have suffered addiction and death because of this evil drug that is pouring across Joe Biden’s open southern border. Fentanyl has skyrocketed to the number one killer of young people, and to put an end to this crisis, strong actions must be taken. I am proud to join Senator Rubio in standing up for victims of this crisis, and urge the immediate passage of this critically important bill.”
Read more HERE.
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Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio Urge Army Corps to Fund Critical Florida Projects
Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army – Civil Works, detailing critical projects in Florida that merit new and continued funding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must submit a Work Plan for the Fiscal Year 2023 funds appropriated by Congress no later than February 27, 2023. Those decisions will have long-term implications for communities around the country, especially in Florida.
In the letter, the Senators said, “[I]t is our expectation that, of the funds allocated for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) program, significant funding for the construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir will be allocated in the Work Plan. Continuing contract clause authority for the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and the EAA Reservoir should be approved in addition to major investment through the Work Plan to expedite reservoir construction and reduce the long-term cost of the project. Additionally, the CEPP North Validation Report must be delivered as soon as possible so a project partnership agreement with the South Florida Water Management District.”
Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Fox News Gives History Lesson: Calls Out Lyin’ Biden for Supporting Cuts to Social Security and Medicare
Fox News called out President Joe Biden for his continued lies and long track record of trying to cut Social Security and Medicare. Last night, during the State of the Union, Joe Biden lied to the American people and suggested that Republicans wish to eliminate or cut entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare. Senator Scott has never supported cuts to these programs and NEVER will. Joe Biden on the other hand has, and he can’t hide from his nearly 50-year record of supporting cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
Read more HERE. Read the Fox News story HERE. Watch the full clip HERE.
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Fox News: Rick Scott responds to Biden doubling down on Medicare claim: ‘What a hypocrite’
Newsmax: Sen. Rick Scott Pressures McConnell on Debt Limit Deal
Newsmax: Sen. Rick Scott to Newsmax: DirecTV Must Treat Everyone Fairly
The Hill: GOP critic dials up pressure on McConnell: ‘Tired of caving’
The Floridian: Scott, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop Sale of Crude Oil to China
The Floridian: Scott Urges Passage of his American Security Drone Act
Tampa Free Press: Sen. Scott, Republicans Seek To Rein In ATF’s New Rule On Pistol-Bracing Devices
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Brings Back END FENTANYL Act
Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Call on Army Corps to Fund Florida Project
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Continues Push for Committee to Investigate Withdrawal of U.S. Forces From Afghanistan
Senator Scott in Sun City Center
Today, Senator Scott hosted a roundtable discussion with Florida community leaders and seniors in Sun City Center. Senator Rick Scott announced his Protect Our Seniors Act to preserve and protect Social Security and Medicare. During the roundtable, Senator Scott discussed his work to protect seniors from Washington’s dysfunction and the pain caused by President Joe Biden’s raging inflation crisis, and two years of failed leadership that have endangered critical entitlement programs and pushed Social Security and Medicare closer to insolvency.
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Senator Scott’s Team in Pensacola
This week, Senator Scott’s team attended the groundbreaking for Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition’s new project, IHMC Healthspan, Resilience and Performance complex.
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Senator Scott’s Team in Orlando
Senator Scott’s team also attended the Experience Kissimmee and Visit Orlando welcome meeting and reception.
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Another Orlando event Senator Scott’s team attended was the 2023 PR Parade Press Conference with other members of congressional offices and Sheriff Marcos Lopez.
TALLAHASSEE
111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 942-8415
WEST PALM BEACH
415 Clematis Street, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-0189
TAMPA
801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 225-7040
KISSIMMEE
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (407) 586-7879
PENSACOLA
221 Palafox Place, Suite 420
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 760-5151
MIAMI
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 505
Miami, FL 33134
Phone: (786) 501-7141
NAPLES
3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 231-7890
JACKSONVILLE
400 West Bay Street, Suite 289
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 479-7227
ORLANDO
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161
WASHINGTON, D.C.
502 Hart Senate Office Building
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Phone: (202) 224-5274
Fax: (202) 228-4535
The Melo Minute
News and updates you don’t want to miss.
February 10, 2023
A Week in Review!
Issue No. 96
District 82 Updates
The following bills passed
this week’s special session.
HB 1B
HB 3B
HB 5B
HB 7B
HB 9B
Proposal to Provide a Historic $2 Billion in Tax Relief for Florida Families
With the goal of saving Florida families a record $2 billion during the 2023–2024 fiscal year, Governor Ron DeSantis today announced his intention to adopt the largest tax relief measure in Florida history.
He was accompanied by House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
The governor’s Framework for Freedom Budget proposal includes a number of tax relief measures, including an extension of the annual Back-to-School tax holiday and a one-year sales tax exemption on children’s products like books and toys. Other measures include a permanent sales tax exemption on baby and toddler necessities like clothing, cribs, and strollers. Under this approach, the typical Florida family might save up to $1,000 annually.
To read the press release, click here!
Florida Broadband Internet
Last week, the Broadband Opportunity Grant Program was launched by Governor Ron DeSantis to increase access to underserved communities in Florida, to broadband internet.
For the extension of broadband internet, more than $144 million have been awarded for 58 projects in 41 Florida counties. These projects will reach almost 160,000 previously unreached residential, educational, commercial, and community areas including:
· City of LaBelle; Montura ($2,496,672) — to add 58.8 miles of fiber optic cable to provide FTTH services to 1,424 unserved and underserved locations within Hendry County with minimum symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1 GBPS.
· Cities of Clewiston, Moore Haven, and Pioneer; Montura, Palmdale, Port LaBelle and Venus ($5,000,000) — to deploy FTTH services to more than 4,231 unserved locations in Glades, Hendry, and Highlands Counties with symmetrical download and upload speeds of between 1GB and 2GB.
· Orangetree and Golden Gate Estates ($777,407) — to deploy fiber optic cable internet service to 781 unserved households in Collier County with download and upload speeds of up to 1GBPS.
To read the press release, click here!
2023 Toll Relief Program
In case you missed it, starting January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023,
E-PASS customers or Florida interoperable toll pass customers with 35 or more toll transactions per transponder in a single month will automatically receive a 50% credit to their account under the 2023 Toll Relief Program (Senate Bill 6A) enacted by Governor DeSantis on December 15, 2022.
For more information, click here!
Taiwan Welcomes House Representatives
I have the honor of being a member of the Taiwan delegation caucus in the Florida House. We will work to strenghten the ties between Florida and Taiwan.
Labelle
Pajamas and Books
The purpose of the Pajama Project is to give new pajamas and books, as well as promote literacy development, to children who are abandoned, abused, removed from their homes and placed in foster care or living in homeless shelters in District 6960.
Together, The Twig and The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida and the Rotary Club will assist in distributing books and pajamas to underprivileged kids. Supporting this district service project will aid foster parents in District 6960 in their efforts to combat homelessness, drug misuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and poverty.
How can you help?
Start by collecting brand new Pajamas for boys & girls of all ages and bedtime books for boys & girls of all ages (new or gently used) and bring them to
The Quart House Restaurant located 100 S. Main Street in LaBelle.
Clewiston
Free Tax Preparation
The library is partnering with VITA United way to host free tax preparation on Thursdays during this tax filling season. IRS certified United Way volunteers prepare taxes for FREE for households earning 66,000 or less per year. Book your appointment today! Call the library at 863-983-1493.
To check if you qualify, click here!
Collier County gets Highest Rating
In a report dated Jan. 25, 2023, Moody’s assigned its highest rating to Collier County, Florida’s Special Obligation Revenue Bonds.
Bond ratings are important indicators of the creditworthiness of the Collier County Government and the debt it issues. The ‘AAA’ rating will enable Collier County to borrow at lower, more favorable interest rates, saving taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of the bonds.
I applaud the collaboration of the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office, the Board of County Commissioners, County Administration and the County’s Office of Management and Budget to secure the best possible ratings for our county.
Youth Fishing Day
Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League
This week, the Izaak Walton League Cypress Chapter and the US Fish and Wildlife Service held a Youth Fishing Day at the Florida Panther National Refuge.
It was a big success and the kids had a blast.
Valentine’s Day is on
Tuesday February 14!
VETERANS
CORNER
Home Base
Home Base is a national nonprofit organization that is committed to providing world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education, and research to Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families, and Families of the Fallen – all at no cost to them – regardless of their period of service, discharge status, or location.
The Boston Red Sox and Massachusetts General Hospital founded the initiative.
More than 30,000 Veterans, Service Members, and Family Members have received services from Home Base since 2009. Additionally, more than 80,000 clinicians, educators, first responders, and community members have received training in identifying and treating invisible wounds.ived training in identifying and treating invisible wounds.
For additional information, click here!
If you wish to make a donation, click here!
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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!
Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 82
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Florida House District 82 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Legislative Update – February 9, 2023
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo Speaks at Gov. DeSantis’ Press Conference on Tax Relief
Greetings from Tallahassee!
I wanted to send a quick update because this week in Special Session, the Senate passed an additional $700 million in funding to support ongoing relief and recovery for communities impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
The bill includes an additional $650 million for the Governor’s Emergency Response and Preparedness Fund, as well as $50 million in funding for a Local Government Bridge Loan Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Working with my staff in Tallahassee, I authored the Bridge Loan Program to help communities in Southwest Florida, including Ft. Myers Beach, continue their operations. The program is modeled after the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Loans are provided interest-free. Our communities brought this concern to my attention last month, and we are taking quick action to help make you whole!
On Wednesday, I traveled with Governor Ron DeSantis and Speaker Paul Renner to announce a historic tax relief effort we are undertaking this session. While under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida’s economy is booming, the pain of inflation due to the disastrous economic policies on the national level is very real for many Florida families. Florida cannot independently fix all of the problems created by the federal government, but we can and we will do our part to support Florida families by passing historic broad-based tax cuts that help Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money. You can watch my remarks on the video above, and join the crowd in choosing your favorite tax cut! My favorite is cutting the sales tax on dog food, and I know my yellow lab Tucker agrees. In all seriousness, this package includes a number of important tax cuts on household items that will really benefit growing families and seniors during this time of record inflation.
Additionally this week, two of my priority bills passed their first committees of reference.
Legislation to expand access to Florida’s iconic Wildlife Corridor, by Senator Jason Brodeur, passed the Senate Committee on Transportation. SB 106 expands access to Florida’s Wildlife Corridor, connecting the corridor to Florida’s Greenways and Trails System and the SUN Trail Network, as well as recreational pathways to heritage small towns across Florida. Our wildlife corridor provides a unique opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Florida’s heartland. With record investments by the Legislature and Governor DeSantis over the last two years, we have the chance not only to preserve this natural resource for future generations, but to expand access so more Floridians can walk, run and bike from trail town to trail town, taking in all our great state has to offer.
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo Talks About Live Local, SB 102
Live Local, Senate Bill 102, by Senator Alexis Calatayud, passed the Senate Committee on Community Affairs. The legislation contains our comprehensive, statewide workforce housing strategy, which is designed to increase the availability of attainable housing options for Florida workers who seek to live in the communities they serve.
All work is important to Florida’s economic development, and every Florida worker is essential to sustaining Florida’s communities. We respect the dignity of work and what a paycheck means for a family. Live Local expands our Hometown Heroes program, so that all of our constituents who work for a Florida company have the opportunity to purchase a home of their own. At the same time, with a growing workforce, demand for additional rental units has increased. Mortgage rates are higher than recent years and many new residents, younger working Floridians, and seniors do not want the added costs and responsibilities that come with home ownership. These factors are driving the current demand for rental housing, which is outpacing supply, keeping rents high, and pushing rental prices beyond affordable prices, as we know all too well here in Southwest Florida. Our legislation seeks to improve housing options for all income levels and stages of life as we continue to fund state affordable housing programs at historically high funding levels, provide new avenues for solutions in zoning, encourage more mixed-use developments in latent commercial areas, and enhance public access to information about expedited permitting and public property that may be suitable for workforce housing.
I wish you all an enjoyable Super Bowl Weekend. I look forward to watching the game. I’m rooting for Donna Kelce, the first mom in history to have two sons compete against each other in the Super Bowl. I’m praying for her, too. Go Donna!
Respectfully,
Kathleen
Kathleen C. Passidomo
Senate President
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:
409 The Capitol
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
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Diaz-Balart, Colleagues Launch Everglades Caucus, Request $725 Million For Florida Everglades Restoration
Diaz-Balart, Colleagues Launch Everglades Caucus, Request $725 Million For Florida Everglades Restoration
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Everglades Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-25) hosted a roundtable discussion with Florida delegation Members and stakeholders to launch the Everglades Caucus and discuss priorities for the 118th Congress. Following this meeting, the co-chairs were joined by members of the Florida Delegation, Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Darren Soto (FL-9), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-10), John Rutherford (FL-5), Bill Posey (FL-8), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Brian Mast (FL-21), Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Cory Mills (FL-7), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Michael Waltz (FL-6), Daniel Webster (FL-11), and Senator Marco Rubio, in a letter to President Biden requesting an allocation of $725 million in his FY24 budget request.
This photo includes only a portion of the FL members who participated in the Everglades Caucus roundtable, along with Col. James L. Booth from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. From left to right: Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, John Rutherford, Brian Mast, Col. James L. Booth, and Byron Donalds.
In the letter, the members stated: “The significance of the Everglades does not go unnoticed for Floridians and our community who have worked together for more than twenty years to restore its cherished wetlands. This continued restoration of America’s Everglades is not only a national, but a global model for large scale ecosystem restoration and infrastructure investment that supports economic vitality, and promotes a wide range of ecological and community resilience benefits.”
Read the complete letter here or below.
“Dear President Biden:
As you prepare your Fiscal Year 2024 budget request, we write to respectfully request an allocation of $725 million under the Army Corps of Engineers construction account for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration. The Everglades is a national treasure, one of the true ecological wonders of the world, and further efforts to preserve this unique ecosystem will prove imperative to its long-term viability.
As you know, the Everglades is central to Florida’s economy; its biodiversity is an environmental marvel and is home to one of the world’s largest wetlands. A restored Everglades supports many types of resilience, including economic resilience, ecological resilience, resilience to severe weather events and drought, and a range of resilience impacts for people and communities. A healthy Everglades and appropriate water infrastructure provides storage capacity to prepare for and respond to infusions of significant quantities of water from hurricanes and other severe weather events. Further, intact coastal Everglades ecosystems add protection for the ecology and coastal communities from storm surge events. The Everglades restoration infrastructure provides the ability to manage water effectively and makes Florida’s environment, economy, and communities more resilient to the extreme conditions of drought. In addition, we cannot forget that nine million Floridians rely on the Everglades for their drinking water.
The significance of the Everglades does not go unnoticed for Floridians and our community who have worked together for more than twenty years to restore its cherished wetlands. This continued restoration of America’s Everglades is not only a national, but a global model for large scale ecosystem restoration and infrastructure investment that supports economic vitality, and promotes a wide range of ecological and community resilience benefits. With this in mind, we ask that you join us in building on the many years of upward momentum for a restored Everglades for the people of Florida.
We look forward to unifying our efforts to restore the Everglades as we work to advance vital Everglades restoration projects. Thank you for your consideration of our request for $725 million for Everglades restoration in FY24.”
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The Melo Minute
News and updates you don’t want to miss.
District 82 Updates
HB 543
On Monday House Speaker Paul Renner unveiled HB 543.
If it becomes a law, it will eliminate mandatory requirement for a concealed weapons license (CWL) in Florida.
To read the Bill, click here!
Health Care Bills
Last week, I filed the following bill:
HB 435 Newborn Hearing Screenings
This bill will allow all newborns to be tested for congenital cytomegalovirus,
a disease that can be bad for babies. The bill requires a hospital or other
state-licensed birthing facility to test newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus and for hearing loss before the newborn is 21 days old or before discharge, whichever occurs earlier.
For more information on HB 435, click here!
$50 Million Milestone
On January 25, Governor DeSantis announced that the Hometown Heroes housing assistance program had awarded more than $50 million in down payment and closing cost assistance to Florida’s hometown heroes.
The program offers assistance to law enforcement officers, teachers, healthcare workers, active military personnel and veterans, to buy their first home in Florida.
Since its June 2022 inception, the Hometown Heroes housing assistance program has helped approximately 3,500 local heroes buy their first house in the neighborhood they serve.
To read the press release, here!
For more information on the
Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, click here!
“Moving Florida Forward”
On Monday, Governor DeSantis announced the “Moving Forward Florida” Infrastructure initiative.
To read the press release, click here!
If passed by the legislature, the $4 billion proposal would allow the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to
expediate twenty priority infrastructure projects.
For more information on all the FDOT projects, click here!
In Collier County two projects could benefit from this proposal.
One would be I-75 from Corkscrew Road to Golden Gate Parkway.
A single lane going from Corkscrew Road all the way to Golden Gate Parkway would be over 20 miles.
Even though it’s just a single lane, FDOT hopes that lane would
ease congestion a little bit.
That project would get $578 million and be completed by 2027.
The second would be the I-75 and Pine Ridge Road interchange.
The I-75 and Pine Ridge Road interchange would be done by 2024.
2023 Toll Relief Program
In case you missed it, starting January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023,
E-PASS customers or Florida interoperable toll pass customers with 35 or more toll transactions per transponder in a single month will automatically receive a 50% credit to their account under the 2023 Toll Relief Program (Senate Bill 6A) enacted by Governor DeSantis on December 15, 2022.
For more information, click here!
Swamp Buggy Races
Now
And then!
The 74th annual swamp buggy races winter classic took place last Sunday.
The first official swamp buggy race took place on November 12, 1949.
In the past, people typically utilized rafts and small boats to travel around the Naples area, especially in the Everglades with its murky bogs and dense trees.
The original swamp buggy was invented by Ed Frank from Naples;
it looked very different and was called “Tumble Bug”.
The state of Florida decided to use it in law enforcement in the 1930’s.
Many farmers and hunters decided to build their own and
started organizing races.
Now races are held 3 -4 times a year in Naples.
For more information, click here!
Rubber Duck, owned by Brian and Tami Langford won
the classic race on Sunday!
LaBelle
Traffic Change on February 6-7
Notice of Temporary Traffic Pattern Change on
US27/SR80 for Railroad Track Repairs.
South Central Florida Express contractor R.W. Summers Railroad Contractor, Inc. will be performing repairs to the railroad tracks on US27/SR80 just east of Lewis Blvd from Tuesday,
February 7, 2023 at 6am through Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6pm.
US 27 south bound lanes will be closed, and traffic will be gradually diverted to a 2-lane road over the railroad tracks using the north bound lanes on US27.
Motorists traveling south on US27 will be able to make a right hand turn on to Lewis Blvd.
Motorists traveling north on Lewis Blvd will not be able to exit left on northbound US27. Motorists will only be permitted to make a right-hand turn heading east into Clewiston.
Motorists should expect delays and seek an alternate route if possible and use extra caution if traveling the work zone.
Residents or motorists with questions should contact R.W. Summers Railroad Contractor, Inc. at (863) 533-8107.
St Agnes Blue Mass
Last week I attended the annual Blue Mass at St. Agnes Parish in Naples, to honor and remember the service of current, past, and deceased law enforcement, fireman, and first responders who dedicate their life to the community’s safety and well-being. Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife were also in attendance.
Pace Center for Girls
The Pace Center for Girls, Collier at Immokalee is celebrating its 25th birthday!
In 1998, the Collier at Immokalee Pace Center for Girls opened its doors in Immokalee, Florida. Since then, Pace Collier in Immokalee has provided academic day programs and Pace Reach services to more than 2,000 girls in Collier County.
A modern kitchen and a gym are features of their unique facility.
Every day, two nutritious meals are served, and the girls can earn high school credits in a growing physical education program.
To learn more about the center, click here!
Clewiston – February 8-10
The Major League Fishing (MLF) will open the season at Lake Okeechobee,
next week, Feb. 8–10, in Clewiston, Florida.
For more information, Click here!
Save the Date
March 25
VETERANS
CORNER
Wounded Warriors of Collier County
Wounded Warriors of Collier County has been working since 2018 to address the homeless issues faced by local Veterans.
For additional information, click here!
If you wish to make a donation, click here!
Connect With Me!
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@LaurenMeloFL
Have Any Suggestions?
We are always ready to help!
If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute, send us an email:
Lauren.Melo@myfloridahouse.gov
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!
Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 82
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Florida House District 82 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
RPOF Newsletter Update
Due to a transcription error, the highlighted wording was inadvertently left out of the article on the Governor’s Law and Order Legislation Proposal.
Governor DeSantis Announces Law and Order Legislation
On Thursday, Governor DeSantis announced his legislative proposal to maintain and further improve Florida’s 50-year record low crime rate, and build on previous pro-public safety initiatives.
The law and order legislative proposal includes:
Pushing back against the abolishing cash bail
Increasing penalties for drug-related crimes
Stepping up human smuggling interdictions
Strengthening punishment for child rapists
Preventing the early release of sex criminals
Making it more feasible to administer ultimate justice to those facing the death penalty
Governor DeSantis previously implemented hallmark anti-rioting legislation, the strongest law enforcement recruitment and support initiative in the nation, and a crackdown on opioid dealers and drug traffickers.
Read more about Governor DeSantis law and order proposal here.
Governor Ron DeSantis Proposes Teachers’ Bill of Rights
~ Unprecedented Legislation to Empower Educators, Protect Teachers from Overreaching School Unions, and Raise Teacher Pay ~
Earlier this week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced an unprecedented legislative proposal to create a Teachers’ Bill of Rights. The proposal will empower educators to be leaders in their classrooms, enact paycheck protection, reduce terms for school board members from twelve to eight years, and invest another $1 billion in teacher pay.
“This is a huge package to increase teacher pay, support teacher empowerment and protect teachers’ paychecks by ensuring they have control over their hard-earned salary.”
– Governor Ron DeSantis, January 23, 2023
The Governor’s plan includes:
Securing a $1 billion increase in teacher pay
Implementing a Teachers’ Bill of Rights
Enacting paycheck protection and other reforms to school unions
Term limiting school board members to 8 years
“We want more transparency into how school unions operate, and we are going to fight against school union haggling that holds teachers and their salary increases hostage. Partisan groups should not be given special privileges.”
– Governor Ron DeSantis, January 23, 2023
To learn more about the Teachers’ Bill of Rights, click here.
Read more about Governor DeSantis’ bold plan to empower educators here.
Governor DeSantis Announces Law and Order Legislation
On Thursday, Governor DeSantis announced his legislative proposal to maintain and further improve Florida’s 50-year record low crime rate, and build on previous pro-public safety initiatives.
The law and order legislative proposal includes:
Pushing back against the abolishing cash bail
Increasing penalties for drug-related crimes
Stepping up human smuggling interdictions
Strengthening punishment for child rapists
Preventing the early release of sex criminals
Making it more feasible to administer ultimate justice to those facing the death penalty
Governor DeSantis previously implemented hallmark anti-rioting legislation, the strongest law enforcement recruitment and support initiative in the nation, and a crackdown on opioid dealers and drug traffickers.
Read more about Governor DeSantis law and order proposal here.
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Additional Funding to Support Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Ian
“We are committed to cutting red tape and getting temporary housing trailers delivered to these communities as fast as possible so they can accelerate the rebuilding process. We will continue to fund programs and fill the gaps for Floridians as they recover after Hurricane Ian.”
– Governor Ron DeSantis, January 19, 2023
When Governor DeSantis took office, he directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to do whatever it took to get recovery funds out the door faster to get communities back on their feet. As a result, in the 112 days since Hurricane Ian made landfall, FDEM has obligated more than $500 million in public assistance funding.
Governor DeSantis delivered again for Floridians who were impacted by Hurricane Ian.
To apply for state-led housing recovery programs, visit IanRecovery.fl.gov/unite.
Learn more about the funding to support the Governor’s directive here.
Florida’s Unemployment Rate Drops to Historic Low
On January 20, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.5 percent in December 2022, a historic low last reached in 2006, demonstrating that Florida has continued to grow and recover after enduring two hurricanes in late 2022. Additionally, Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 25 consecutive months since December 2020.
“Florida continues to outpace the nation and withstand negative headwinds due to federal policy. I look forward to building off our success with record tax relief in the upcoming legislative session.”
–Governor Ron DeSantis, January 20, 2023
December 2022 marks the second month in 2022 that Florida reached a 2.5 percent unemployment rate. Also, population in the Sunshine State increased to 22.2 million in 2022, maintaining the state’s status as the third largest in the nation behind California and Texas. Florida is #1 for net migration in 2022, ranking the fastest growing state in the nation with a growth rate of 1.9 percent.
Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians seeking a career can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida for free services to search listings of available local job openings, improve their employability skills, and pursue customized career training.
Learn more about Florida’s historic low unemployment and job data here.
Florida’s Hometown Heroes Program Reaches $50 Million Milestone
Governor DeSantis announced this week that the Hometown Heroes housing assistance program has awarded more than $50 million to nearly 3,500 individuals in down payment and housing assistance since June 2022 when the program launched. The Hometown Heroes program assists individuals such as law enforcement officers, educators, healthcare professionals, and active military personnel or veterans in purchasing their first home in Florida.
Read more here.
For more information on the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, please visit www.floridahousing.org/hometownheroes.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
“FACT: Florida requires the teaching of African American history. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to you.”
“Who would say that an important part of Black History is ‘queer theory’? Somebody pushing an agenda on our kids… They have stuff about intersectionality, abolishing prisons. That’s a political agenda.”
“It was great to meet sheriffs from across Florida and to share my appreciation for all they do for our state. The work of our sheriff departments in Florida has been vital to Florida’s crime rate being at a 50-year low and down nearly 10% year-over-year.”
“More fake news from media activists too lazy to read FL law. A teacher (or any adult) faces a felony if they knowingly distribute egregious material, such as images which depict sexual conduct, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse. Who could be against that?”
🧵Thread🧵 https://t.co/s61pBAaxYJ
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) January 25, 2023
Kamala Harris, while giving a speech on abortion, leaves out the right to life when quoting the Declaration of Independence.
“Abolishing prisons is a radical political position. You’re free to take that [position] but how is it being taught as fact?…It’s not fair to say that abolishing prisons is what black people want…I think they want law & order like anyone else.”
“Education is about the pursuit of truth, not the imposition of ideology or the advancement of a political agenda.”
Over the last year, manufacturing jobs in Florida increased almost 7%. Great to be making more products here in Florida!
In The News
Florida’s Voice: DeSantis receives Union League of Philadelphia’s Medal of Honor, first bestowed on Lincoln
The Free Press: Florida Governor DeSantis Racks Up Another Win With AP Course Revision
Outkick: Wacko Leftist Lady Calls DeSantis ‘Authoritarian’ For Opposing Cell Phones in Classroom
Newsmax: Ron DeSantis fights back against CRT, queer theory in AP course curriculum
Twitter: Preserving Law and Order in Florida
REMEMBER: Like @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
RPOF Newsletter
Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils
Framework for Freedom Budget Proposal
On Wednesday, February 1, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his Framework for Freedom Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2023–2024.The Framework for Freedom Budget totals $114.8 billion, with total reserves exceeding $15 billion.
The Framework for Freedom Budget builds on Florida’s successes as the state continues to outpace the nation in:
Building a robust economy;
Safeguarding students’, parents’ and teachers’ rights;
Restoring our environment; and
Maintaining healthy reserves to respond to natural disasters.
The Free State of Florida serves as a framework for states across the nation to follow.
“Through the Framework for Freedom Budget, we are establishing freedom first policies to benefit Florida workers and families and to provide a framework for future prosperity. Florida will fight against federal headwinds by putting forth sound fiscal policies that keep more money in the pockets of Floridians. Our budget proposal not only builds on the successes of the past four years, but ensures that Florida will continue to thrive.”
– Governor Ron DeSantis, February 1, 2023
To read the press release, click HERE.
To read the budget highlights, click HERE.
To read the Freedom First Budget FAQs, click HERE.
Governor DeSantis Elevates Civil Discourse and Intellectual Freedom in Higher Education
~ Legislative Proposal Takes a Stand Against Academic Discrimination and Indoctrination ~
On January 31, Governor Ron DeSantis announced legislation for the 2023 Session to further elevate civil discourse and intellectual freedom in higher education, further pushing back against the tactics of liberal elites who suppress free thought in the name of identity politics and indoctrination. Amongst its many provisions, the legislation will ensure Florida’s public universities and colleges are grounded in the history and philosophy of Western Civilization; prohibit DEI, CRT and other discriminatory programs and barriers to learning; and course correct universities’ missions to align education for citizenship of the constitutional republic and Florida’s existing and emerging workforce needs.
“In Florida, we will build off of our higher education reforms by aligning core curriculum to the values of liberty and the Western tradition, eliminating politicized bureaucracies like DEI, increasing the amount of research dollars for programs that will feed key industries with talented Florida students, and empowering presidents and boards of trustees to recruit and hire new faculty, including by dedicating record resources for faculty salaries.”
– Governor Ron DeSantis, January 31, 2023
To read more, click HERE.
For more information about the legislative proposal, click HERE.
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative
~ Investment will expedite projects to alleviate congestion and prioritize safety ~
Governor DeSantis has announced the Moving Florida Forward initiative to expedite transportation projects over the next four years. If passed by the legislature, this proposal would invest $4 billion of general revenue, redirect an average of $131 million annually to the State Transportation Work Program, and leverage additional funding over the next four years for a total of $7 billion to strengthen Florida’s transportation infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of people that rely on Florida’s roadways.
“This proposal will break through bureaucracy that often slows down infrastructure projects and allow FDOT to target projects that will ease congestion across the state. Expediting these projects will bring them to completion more than a decade ahead of schedule.”
– Governor Ron DeSantis, January 30, 2023
Through this record investment, the Florida Department of Transportation would expedite 20 priority infrastructure projects into the existing Work Program to:
Combat congestion;
Improve safety;
Ensure a more resilient transportation system to bolster current transportation needs; and Set the stage for future growth.
Read more about the Moving Florida Forward initiative here.
Projects included as part of the Moving Florida Forward Legislative Proposal are available at FDOT.gov/MovingFloridaForward.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
“It’s only possible because we’ve been prudent with how we’ve managed the state’s fiscal policy, we’ve taxed lightly, we’ve spent conservatively, we’ve regulated very reasonably and had a really good climate for economic activity.”
@GovRonDeSantis is working to shield Floridians from the Biden Administration’s rampant inflation, disastrous economy and naked power grabs. This is possible thanks to Florida’s record budget surplus and the governor’s steady hand at the helm.
“In Florida, we will ensure that taxpayer-funded higher ed institutions focus on pursuing truth, promoting excellence, and providing students with a foundation so they can think for themselves, not to enforce ideological conformity and political activism.”
“People are sick of having an open border with no rule of law in this country. …whatever tools we have at our disposal are gonna be used.”
“If you’re performing these [sex-change] procedures on minors, you’re going to lose your medical license here in Florida.”
It’s getting hard to keep track of everything @RonDeSantisFL is delivering for Floridians.
LAW AND ORDER
Governor DeSantis took a principled stand for education. As per usual, Democrats feigned outraged and ignored THE FACTS.
In The News
Florida’s Voice: DeSantis proposes ‘Framework for Freedom’ budget bolstering education, infrastructure, tax breaks
Florida Politics: Governor’s budget headlines permanent tax relief for child necessities
Florida’s Voice: DeSantis wants lawmakers to ban doctors from performing sex changes on minors
Rebel News: DeSantis targets ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ funding in public universities
The Daily Wire: Black Florida Democrat Sides With Ron DeSantis on AP African American Studies Course: ‘I Think It’s Trash’
Florida’s Voice: Rapper Azealia Banks thanks DeSantis for ‘practical’ leadership after moving to Florida
The Florida Standard: Setting the record straight on the DeSantis administration’s Covid response.
Townhall: Fact Check: Unpacking the Left’s Ridiculous ‘Book Ban’ Meltdown in Florida
FOX News: WaPo fearmongers about ‘felony charges’ for teachers under DeSantis’ rules, later clarifies report
REMEMBER: Like @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