Chairman’s Message

Raising Florida’s education standards

Florida increases teacher pay for third straight year

Governor DeSantis announced $800 million in this year’s budget to raise minimum teacher pay and increase veteran teacher salaries in Florida, moving the average teacher pay in Florida from 26th in the nation in 2020 to 9th in the nation today.

The $800 million is a $250 million increase over last year’s funding, and brings Florida’s investments in teacher pay to more than $2 billion since the 2020 Legislative Session.

“Over the last three years, we have worked hard to increase teacher pay,” Governor DeSantis said. “We have invested more than $2 billion in teacher pay, and with rising inflation, this could not come at a better time. This will help Florida to recruit and retain great teachers.”

Many teachers can have a difficult time purchasing a home, paying student loans and providing for their families. But these pay increases will provide critical help to teachers in Florida during a time when Bidenflation is causing much more financial stress across the country.

“What is nice about this for teachers is that you made a commitment for our teachers that you would raise base pay to sustain a living,” said Christopher Glinton, Principal of Renaissance Charter School at Wellington. “This is very important. From a leadership perspective, when I am looking for talent to hire, I don’t want salary to be a deciding factor in that a teacher won’t join our organization because they can’t afford it.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/21/governor-ron-desantis-announces-pay-raises-for-florida-teachers/

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Governor signs Financial Literacy Act

Governor DeSantis signed the Dorothy L. Hukill Financial Literacy Act, requiring high school students to take a financial literacy course to receive a standard high school diploma. The legislation becomes a graduation requirement for students who enter high school in the 2023-2024 school year and will not affect students currently enrolled in high school.

“Financial literacy is an important life skill for a student to have,” Governor DeSantis said. “Ensuring our students have the skills to manage their finances and perhaps one day own a business will pay dividends for our state. I am proud to sign this bill to support the future of Florida’s students and ultimately their families and communities.”

Students will be required to earn one-half credit in personal financial literacy and money management, including instruction on types of bank accounts, credit scores, taxes and debt management. Due to the economic challenges currently facing the nation, the Financial Literacy Act is all the more important in preparing students by providing them with the knowledge to achieve financial stability and independence.

“As Florida’s CFO and the father of two, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of teaching our kids financial literacy at a young age,” said Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. “It’s critical we set Florida students up for financial success.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/22/governor-ron-desantis-signs-financial-literacy-bill-to-support-floridas-students/

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FLORIDA

Nearly $30 million for families hit by severe weather

Governor DeSantis announced that more than $29.5 million in funding and resources is now available to help families and individuals in Marion County and other areas impacted by recent severe weather events in Central and Northeast Florida.

“When a disaster strikes, both local and state agencies have roles in getting our communities back on their feet,” Governor DeSantis said. “My administration will continue to work with state agencies so that those impacted by disasters can access the resources they need to recover.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/18/governor-ron-desantis-announces-more-than-29-5-million-available-to-floridians-impacted-by-severe-weather-in-marion-county/

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Governor’s proclamation declares Emma Weyant rightful winner

Governor DeSantis signed a proclamation this week declaring Emma Weyant the “rightful winner” of the NCAA 500-meter women’s freestyle championship race. She officially finished second to a trans swimmer who is a biological man, but she logged “the fastest time among all women swimmers,” as stated in the proclamation.

The Governor tweeted: “By allowing men to compete in women’s sports, the NCAA is destroying opportunities for women, making a mockery of its championships, and perpetuating a fraud.

“In Florida, we reject these lies and recognize Sarasota’s Emma Weyant as the best women’s swimmer in the 500 freestyle.”

Below is the proclamation.

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Farmers in 17 counties get disaster relief from January freeze

Governor DeSantis announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a disaster designation for 17 counties impacted by the freezing temperatures that occurred from January 23-31, 2022.

“With the approval of our request for a disaster declaration, farmers in Florida have resources available to them as they continue their recovery efforts from recent freezing temperatures,” Governor DeSantis said. “I remain committed to supporting our state’s agriculture industry and hardworking farmers.”

A USDA disaster declaration makes farmers in these counties eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency, including emergency loans. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a USDA disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.

The 17 primary counties eligible for USDA assistance are Broward, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, St. Lucie and Sarasota.

Programs available under this declaration include the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, the Tree Assistance Program, Emergency Farm Loans and the Livestock Indemnity Program.

More on USDA help: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/index

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/22/governor-ron-desantis-announces-usda-approves-disaster-declaration-request-for-agricultural-producers-impacted-by-freezing-temperatures/

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Drug abuse digital campaign launched

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced digital components of her campaign designed to educate young Floridians about the impacts of substance abuse. TheFactsYourFuture.org is a new website that contains The Facts. Your Future. content that schools, teachers, parents and others can download and use to educate children.

“Governor DeSantis and I want to see all of Florida’s youth reach their full potential. Today’s announcement is the latest development of our The Facts. Your Future. initiative, which is redefining the way substance abuse prevention is taught in our schools to ‘Just Say No …and Here’s Why’,” the First Lady said. “We need to reach teens with important information related to substance abuse where they are spending their time – on social media – to help them lead long, healthy, and productive lives.”

The Facts. Your Future. directly engages youth in Florida to improve their understanding of the life-altering effects of drug abuse and equips students with tools they need to make decisions about their health and future.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/03/23/first-lady-casey-desantis-announces-the-facts-your-future-digital-media-campaign-to-educate-students-on-the-impacts-of-substance-abuse/

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Senator Rubio releases inspiring Stand with Ukraine video

“The one thing that I think that everyone can agree upon, is that the people of Ukraine are inspiring to the world.”

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

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AG Moody gives Crime Stoppers the Back the Blue Award

Attorney General Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers (FACS) for its role in helping Florida’s **TIPS tip line expand to nationwide use.

In October 2020, the Office of the Attorney General and FACS developed the first anonymous, statewide crime-reporting phone number, **TIPS, in the United States. Crime Stoppers USA recently adopted **TIPS for nationwide use so anyone in the country can report local crimes.

“For almost 45 years, Florida Crime Stoppers has given Floridians the power to report local crimes safely and anonymously to help law enforcement stop criminals,” Attorney General Moody said. “With the creation of **TIPS, crime reporting is easier and more convenient for citizens who now only need to remember one simple phone number nationwide. I am thrilled that Florida’s tip line will now be used across the country, and proud to recognize the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers with a Back the Blue Award for their tremendous support and success of this program that helps Back our Blue.”

Read more: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/EDDB12A2542471D18525880E0050586F

Social Media Highlights

By allowing men to compete in women's sports, the NCAA is destroying opportunities for women, making a mockery of its championships, and perpetuating a fraud.

In Florida, we reject these lies and recognize Sarasota's Emma Weyant as the best women's swimmer in the 500y freestyle. pic.twitter.com/tBmFxFE3q6

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 22, 2022

We are on the verge of an unprecedented migration crisis

200,000 migrants are now massed in Mexico near the border waiting for Biden to lift a Covid rule that allows for immediate deportation

He can do this at any moment

When disaster happens don’t say we weren’t warned

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 18, 2022

It’s clear that in Florida, we #BackTheBlue!

Drivers in Tampa rushed to assist a Trooper who was attacked by a pedestrian on I-4. Violence against our brave LEOs will never be tolerated & I’m thankful fellow Floridians had our hero’s back.
https://t.co/R4JwmsABge

— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) March 21, 2022

As CFO, a biz owner, and a father, I’ve seen firsthand how critical financial literacy skills are to ensuring a bright financial future. TY to @GovRonDeSantis for signing this requirement for Florida schools & to @RepDemi and Sen. Hutson for your hard work on this great bill! pic.twitter.com/oqV3TPgMTz

— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) March 22, 2022

Thank you @PolkCoSheriff for your tireless efforts in bringing these despicable perpetrators to justice. As a member of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, I applaud your commitment to eradicating this evil across our state. https://t.co/C2E8Tgchjl

— Jeanette Nuñez (@LtGovNunez) March 17, 2022

When Crist was governor, he did nothing to dedicate money specifically for teacher salaries. To date, Governor @RonDeSantisFL has dedicated over $2 billion to raise the pay of Florida’s hard-working teachers. https://t.co/2Nn0l10SqT

— Florida GOP (@FloridaGOP) March 23, 2022

This is the “Year of the Parent” thanks to the leadership of Governor @RonDeSantisFL. 💪🔥https://t.co/7KNljNVC4Q

— Team DeSantis 🐊 (@teamrondesantis) March 17, 2022

Putin needs to take an L.@MarcoRubio talks Russia with @HARRISFAULKNER 📺 pic.twitter.com/1uRSxLXrKy

— Team Marco (@TeamMarco) March 17, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not paid for at taxpayer expense.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Overview:

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

2. Eligibility:

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

3. Filing:

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

4. Schedule:

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

PDF of Republican Mens Club Scholarship invitation and Application

Word Document of Scholarship Application

Word Document of Scholarship Invitation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naples Office:
3299 East Tamiami Trail
Suite 203
Naples, FL 34112
239-417-6205
LaBelle Office:
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Room J-101
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863-674-7122
Tallahassee Office:
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850-487-5028

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