2021 Wrap Up: Congressman Donalds Remains Committed to Southwest Florida
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RPOF Newsletter – From the desk of Chairman Joe Gruters
| Governor DeSantis forces Biden reversal on treatments
: RPOF NewsletterAfter initially reducing Florida’s monoclonal antibody treatments again, the Biden Administration has changed direction under pressure from Governor DeSantis. The state of Florida has been notified that the feds are preparing to send an additional 30,000 monoclonal antibody doses to Florida. This decision came the day after Governor DeSantis demanded the Biden Administration release its stranglehold on monoclonals and provide the state with the additional doses to support new monoclonal antibody sites, and expand treatment capacity at existing sites. “The Legislature and I worked together to allocate more than $800 million for the rapid deployment of monoclonal antibody treatments throughout the state,” Governor DeSantis said. “After pressure from Florida, the federal government has begun planning to send 30,000 additional doses to our state, so we can stand up new sites and expand capacity at existing sites. We expect the Biden Administration to follow through so Floridians will have access to these life-saving treatments.” New monoclonal antibody sites are being stood up in Duval, Collier, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Seminole counties, adding to the existing sites. The federal government never should have taken over the supply. Florida and other states who had prioritized monoclonal treatments to great success were obtaining all the supplies needed until the Biden administration stepped in and took control of the supplies to spread them out to, it turns out, blue states at the expense of red states. “Prior to the federal government takeover of the monoclonal market, Florida successfully distributed approximately 30,000 doses per week when we managed our own supply,” Governor DeSantis said. “The state has more than $800 million available to quickly deploy monoclonal antibody treatments throughout the state, and the only thing holding us back is the insufficient supply of treatment from the federal government.” So when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that Florida’s allocation for this week is nearly 2,000 doses less than its allocation last week, and nearly 10,000 doses less than New York — a state with a smaller population — Governor DeSantis and his team leaped into action and got results. Florida Investing in Florida’s high-tech manufacturing abilities Governor DeSantis announced nearly $10 million for Osceola County and Valencia College to support semiconductor and other advanced technology manufacturing in Osceola County. “Expanding domestic manufacturing capability is important for Florida and our nation,” Governor DeSantis said. “The strategic investments we are making today will help bring microchip and semiconductor manufacturing back to our state at a time when the supply chains are more fragile than ever. Certainly, we cannot allow this important industry to become captive to the Chinese Communist Party.” The money includes $6 million to help develop infrastructure connecting the county’s emerging NeoCity technology district with the county’s workforce, plus $3.7 million to Valencia College to develop a new program that will train students to utilize robotics technology for semiconductor manufacturing. These two grants will combine to create manufacturing jobs while developing a talent pipeline that supports industry growth. NeoCity is an effort in Osceola County to develop a location for semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing through partnerships within the emerging high-tech industry. Attorney General Ashley Moody Ashley Moody targets smash and grab crimes Attorney General Ashley Moody is working with state legislators to proactively crack down on organized retail theft in Florida, also known as “smash-and-grabs,” before the national trend can take hold here. Attorney General Moody held a news conference with lawmakers in Hialeah to announce legislative efforts to help law enforcement and prosecutors dismantle retail theft crime rings. Organized retail theft is on the rise nationwide, and the Attorney General is dedicated to ensuring that Florida remains ahead of the trend to prevent retail crime waves. “We’ve seen the damage and disorder caused by brazen criminals across the country through terrifying smash-and-grab robberies, and we must continue to innovate to stay ahead of this national crime trend,” Attorney General Moody said. “Last month, I launched FORCE to bolster our efforts to stop and prevent organized retail crime in Florida and this legislative session, I will partner with state legislators to make sure our laws are effective in helping law enforcement and prosecutors stop retail theft gangs from targeting our stores.” Read more here:http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/EA0AC36E5B9C0ACB852587C0006B8CE4
ICYMI Democrat activist fails to stop Governor DeSantis Democrat activist Ben Frazier, a professional trouble-maker with a long rap sheet, trespassed on private property and attempted to disrupt Governor DeSantis’ press conference related to the distribution of life-saving COVID treatments for Duval County. The Democrat activist was politely asked to leave and refused multiple times, upon which he was escorted out by law enforcement. This is not the first time Frazier has run afoul of the law. He does not have a history of respecting law and order, much less standard protocol for a press conference. After his removal, Governor DeSantis held the press conference to address the pressing issues related to life-saving treatments against COVID. The Governor is successfully fighting to increase the supply of COVID treatments that the Biden Administration is dangerously denying Florida residents. Democrats must not stand in the way of people getting the COVID treatments and information they need and deserve. Biden’s approach has failed. He attempted to deliver fewer life-saving treatments to Florida residents this week than last week while giving more to New York and its smaller population. For Biden to pick and choose serving states based on political preference is wrong. Fortunately, Governor DeSantis prevailed as was able to induce the feds to increase Florida’s supply by 30,000 doses. Tweets https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1478716663134572546 https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1478398700695269377?s=20 https://twitter.com/FloridaGOP/status/1478483471928545282 https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1478121228066082824 https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1478753833857728524 https://twitter.com/teamrondesantis/status/1478053390987010056?s=20 https://twitter.com/TeamMarco/status/1478395122735894541?s=20 REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state, and you are integral to making that happen.
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| PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP |
ICYMI: Sen. Rick Scott Highlights Wins of 2021 and Priorities for 2022
| Senator Rick Scott highlighted several legislative wins of the 117th Congress from 2021 and major priorities he will continue to fight for in 2022, including initiatives to make Washington work for American families, protect the United States’ national security from the threats of Communist China and other enemies and fight for freedom and democracy in Latin America and around the world.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Three years ago, I began my term in the U.S. Senate determined to make Washington work better for Florida families and protect the American dream. We’ve rattled Washington and secured some big wins, but there is still work to do to reform the tired, dysfunctional ways of Congress and the federal government. “As we begin 2022, I can promise this: I’ll be fighting like hell against Biden and Democrats’ systemic socialism and far-left policies that are destroying our financial security with massive debt, increasing government dependency and killing the American dream. We need to get back to the fundamentals: protecting our national security, building a strong, market-driven economy, ensuring Florida receives the fair treatment, federal support and resources it needs, and standing up for human rights, freedom and democracy around the globe. I’m looking forward to another great year doing a job I love: fighting for Florida families in the United States Senate.” Read more about issues Senator Rick Scott continues to fight for HERE or below. |
Priorities that Matter Most to Floridians
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Making Washington Work
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Securing the United States’ Southern Border
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Ensuring Free and Fair Elections
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Standing With Israel
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Holding Biden Accountable for the Failed and Deadly Afghanistan Withdrawal
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Fighting for Freedom and Democracy in Latin America
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Holding Communist China accountable
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Several of Senator Scott’s bills passed the U.S. Senate, including:
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Several of Senator Scott’s measures that became law:
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RPOF Newsletter – Chairman’s message
Chairman’s Message
Stopping Woke Indoctrination in Florida
Governor DeSantis announced the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (W.O.K.E.) Act, a legislative proposal that will give businesses, employees, children and families tools to fight back against woke indoctrination.
The Stop W.O.K.E. Act will be the strongest legislation of its kind in the nation and will take on both corporate wokeness and Critical Race Theory. Today’s proposal builds on actions Governor DeSantis has already taken to ban Critical Race Theory and the New York Times’ 1619 project in Florida’s schools.
“In Florida we are taking a stand against the state-sanctioned racism that is critical race theory,” Governor DeSantis said. “We won’t allow Florida tax dollars to be spent teaching kids to hate our country or to hate each other. We also have a responsibility to ensure that parents have the means to vindicate their rights when it comes to enforcing state standards. Finally, we must protect Florida workers against the hostile work environment that is created when large corporations force their employees to endure CRT-inspired ‘training’ and indoctrination.”
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez has a particular disdain for the woke culture and the need to fight it. “As the daughter of Cuban exiles who fled from Marxist ideology, I am proud to stand alongside Governor DeSantis and support this proposed legislation that will put an end to the wokeness that is permeating our schools and workforce,” she said.
Chris Rufo, Senior Fellow and Director of the Initiative on Critical Race Theory at the Manhattan Institute, is perhaps more responsible than any other single person for unmasking the pervasiveness of the woke poison in schools and corporations. And he strongly supports what Governor DeSantis is doing as a model for other states.
“In the last year they have accelerated critical race theory in K-12 public schools and they have done something that no government should do, step between parent and child,” Rufo said. “Governor Ron DeSantis is not only protecting all of the employees and students in the state of Florida. He is providing a model for every state in the United States of America. Critical Race Theory is wrong; it offers nothing to improve the lives of anyone of any racial background.”
Florida
Protecting Floridians from illegal aliens being shipped to Florida
Governor DeSantis continues efforts to stop the flow of illegal aliens being brought into Florida, and to protect Floridians from the ongoing border crisis created by President Biden.
The Governor announced proposals for the upcoming legislative session that will hold accountable private entities that knowingly or recklessly assist the Biden Administration in resettling illegal immigrants into Florida. The legislation would also strengthen E-verify enforcement and codify and build upon the steps he has taken to protect the state of Florida through executive orders. Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) published an emergency rule to prohibit the issuance or renewal of any license to house unaccompanied alien minors who seek to be resettled in Florida unless there is a cooperative agreement between the state and federal government.
“We have a responsibility to stand up for the rule of law, we have a responsibility to the Constitution, and we have a responsibility to stand up against an administration that has decided they don’t want to have a secure border,” Governor DeSantis said. “These are a robust series of proposals and I believe we are going to get a lot of support from the legislature. The laws of our country require us to enforce the law and that is what needs to be done.”
Congressman John Rutherford of Jacksonville, where the Biden administration has been transporting illegal aliens under cover of night, joined the Governor at the announcement.
“This crisis at the southern border is not the result of a failed policy from the Biden Administration — it is their policy,” Congressman Rutherford said. “The decision to move illegal immigrants into Jacksonville threatens the lives of folks here in Northeast Florida. Enough is enough. I’m thankful that Governor DeSantis is putting the safety of Floridians first and is fighting back against the Biden open border agenda.”
Law enforcement also stands with the Governor.
“I am grateful that the Governor has not wavered in his efforts to keep Florida safe and in his support for those men and women on the front lines working hard at it every day,” said Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams.
Governor DeSantis sends help to tornado-ravaged Kentucky
Governor DeSantis has offered Florida’s support in response to the deadly tornadoes that struck nine states over the weekend — and hard-hit Kentucky took him up on the offer.
Over the weekend, the Florida Department of Emergency Management coordinated with the emergency management offices of the nine affected states to identify resource gaps and offer support as needed. The State of Florida has resources and experience dealing with weather disasters, including emergency management personnel, Urban Search and Rescue Teams, ambulance strike teams and recovery disaster specialists. The State of Florida also proactively offered assistance for any mutual aid requests.
“The devastation left in the wake of the tornado outbreak over the weekend is an unthinkable tragedy, and Casey and I are keeping the victims and all impacted individuals in our prayers as initial recovery efforts begin,” Governor DeSantis said. “The State of Florida has been communicating with our partners in the impacted states since early Saturday morning and we stand ready to provide any assistance needed during this time.”
On Thursday, Florida deployed a nine-person State All-Hazards Incident Management Team from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) as well as Clay, St. Johns, and Flagler counties to Kentucky to support the tornado outbreak response efforts.
The deployment team consists of an Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, Operations Section Chief, Deputy Operations Section Chief, Plans Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief, and two State of Florida Liaisons. The team will be embedded in the Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center and provide operational support to the Kentucky Emergency Management division. The team is anticipating a 14-day deployment.
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/12/14/governor-ron-desantis-offers-support-to-states-affected-by-tornado-outbreak/
Workforce education gets another boost
Governor DeSantis announced nearly $11 million in funding for the 2021 Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant and Apprenticeship State Expansion Grant recipients. This funding is part of Governor DeSantis’ efforts to make Florida the best state in the nation for workforce education by 2030.
Including these most recent grants, more than $30 million has been invested since 2019 to expand registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. This creates opportunities for individuals to earn the high-value skills and nationally recognized credentials necessary for high-earning careers, and support our growing industries and globally competitive economy.
“By investing in career training and apprenticeship programs, Florida is expanding opportunities in a way that will strengthen key sectors of the economy,” Governor DeSantis said. “Through this program, we are offering alternatives to the traditional, and expensive, brick and ivy education experience and helping Floridians obtain good jobs without going into debt.”
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/12/14/governor-ron-desantis-awards-11-million-to-further-career-and-apprenticeship-opportunities/
Senator Marco Rubio
Demings admits she doesn’t have a message for Florida
Even Val Demings knows she doesn’t have a message for Floridians. Apparently she’s waiting on D.C to tell her what it should be. At a virtual event with the National Organization for Women last week, Demings admitted that she’s waiting for Democratic leadership in Washington to tell her what her message should be.
“Well, we have not figured it out yet ’cause we’re taking our time,” Demings said. “We have some of the greatest minds through the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] as well as the [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee] and others around the nation who are working on, ‘What’s that simple message?'”
Watch Demings admit she has not figured out her message:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOvb5ZE5SyA
Attorney General Ashley Moody
AG Ashley Moody was on Fox Business’s Varney and Company discussing Florida’s efforts to fight crime. In Florida, The AG and Republican leadership are working diligently to ensure prevention of mass theft, and to support our law enforcement officers.
Watch her comments here: https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1471214608383987712
ICYMI
Governor DeSantis willing to send illegal aliens to Delaware
National Review reported on the Governor’s plans:
Florida governor Ron DeSantis on Monday called for legislation to block contractors that help fly illegal immigrants to Florida from doing business with the state.
“They’ve done over 70 flights in the last six months, dump people here. And we had—a few weeks ago—one of those people that Biden dumped, ended up committing a murder in northeast Florida,” DeSantis said in an interview on Fox News’s The Ingraham Angle. “Our view is, if they’re going to be dumping, we want to be able to facilitate transfer to places like Delaware, and, so, we have $8 million in my new budget to be able to do that.”
DeSantis said he is seeking to pass legislation to ban contractors who work with the Biden administration on these flights from doing business with the state government.
“We are going to pass legislation that says if you are facilitating Biden’s policies—which is effectively a mass human smuggling operation—you are not going to be able to do business with the state of Florida or other local governments,” DeSantis said.
Read more here: https://www.nationalreview.com/news/desantis-says-florida-will-boycott-contractors-that-help-feds-fly-in-illegal-immigrants/
Watch Governor DeSantis’ interview on Laura Ingraham’s show here:https://www.foxnews.com/media/desantis-biden-effectively-running-human-smuggling-operation-with-secret-flights-into-florida
Tweets
https://twitter.com/RonDeSantisFL/status/1471191217765507074
https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1469432717775360002
https://twitter.com/FloridaGOP/status/1470776639248285710
https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1471238534971412491
https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1471156561431179271
https://twitter.com/teamrondesantis/status/1471191935138377736
https://twitter.com/teammarco/status/1471153000332906500?s=21
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
The Melo Minute
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Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review
| This week, Senator Rick Scott led five of his Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution supporting Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who recently disappeared and is being censored by the Chinese Communist Party after making public allegations of sexual abuse by a former Chinese Communist Party official.
In his resolution, Senator Scott expressed the Senate’s condemnation of Communist China’s human rights abuses and silencing of Ms. Shuai, as well as the International Olympics Committee’s (IOC) complicity in Ms. Shuai’s oppression. It also applauds the actions of the Women’s Tennis Organization (WTA) to end its involvement in Communist China and demand a full investigation into Ms. Shuai’s allegations. On Wednesday, Senator Scott asked for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass his resolution. Instead of standing with Senator Scott and demanding accountability for victims of sexual assault, Senate Democrats blocked its passage. Watch more HERE or in the video below. — See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Mike Braun Lead Bipartisan Colleagues in Blocking Biden’s Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandate
Senator Rick Scott and Senator Mike Braun led every Republican senator and two Democrats in blocking President Joe Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate by passing S.J. Res. 29. This resolution, which now goes to the House of Representatives, nullifies Biden’s vaccine mandate on private sector employers under the Congressional Review Act. Senator Rick Scott said, “Joe Biden’s attempt to force an unconstitutional ultimatum on the American people to get the vaccine, or lose your job, is horrible. Under his mandate, if you work for a supermarket, a car dealership, or bank – any company with more than 100 employees – Biden wants to force you into a personal health decision and bring you in line with his socialist doctrine. That’s why today’s passage of our resolution is so important. Today we sent a clear message to President Biden: His unconstitutional vaccine mandates have no place in the United States. “I had COVID, I got the vaccine and I support people talking to their doctors and making informed decisions, but I am absolutely opposed to a government mandate. Joe Biden has shown that he wants to use the federal government to control every aspect of our lives. We know that’s wrong, and we know that the government doesn’t know better than the American people. I am proud to have joined Senator Braun and a bipartisan group of our colleagues in fighting to repeal this harmful mandate. I’ll never stop working to protect American workers and job creators from ridiculous, burdensome regulations and government overreach.” Read more HERE. — Senators Rick Scott and Jacky Rosen applauded the Senate passage of their No Congressionally-Obligated Recurring Revenue Used as Pensions To Incarcerated Officials Now (No CORRUPTION) Act.This legislation bars former Members of Congress convicted of serious criminal charges from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions. Senator Rick Scott said, “Members of Congress who have been convicted of a crime committed while in elected office have no right to collect taxpayer dollars. Our bill, the No CORRUPTION Act, will stop those elected officials convicted of crimes, like bribery or those linked to their official duties, from collecting a taxpayer-funded pension. Americans work hard for their paychecks, and they shouldn’t be bankrolling corrupt politicians who violate the law in office, so I thank my colleagues for their unanimous support of this important legislation.” Read more from Senator Rosen’s office HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott: Biden the Grinch is Stealing Christmas As families prepare for the holiday season and face higher and higher prices, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor to call out the Biden administration’s total lack of action to fix the supply chain and inflation crises it has created. Senator Rick Scott said, “We’re just a few weeks away from Christmas, and Joe Biden the Grinch is running this economy deeper and deeper into the ground. I’m hearing about the consequences of Biden’s failed leadership every week from Florida families. They’re struggling as they try to keep up with the rising prices from Biden’s raging inflation crisis and find the products they need on a growing number of empty shelves. Just this week, I got a letter from a grandmother in New Smyrna Beach. She told me that she’s really worried about inflation and struggling to keep up with her expenses. But even as Floridians suffer, Joe Biden and Democrats in Washington continue to force policies that make life more difficult and more expensive. It’s time for Joe Biden to ditch his socialist agenda, focus on actually fixing the problems facing American families and do what it takes to save Christmas.” Watch more HERE or in the video below. — Sen. Rick Scott: While Biden Hides, Inflation is Devouring the Incomes of American Families Today, following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Senator Rick Scott released the below statement highlighting the need to implement substantive fiscal reforms to end the ongoing inflation crisis fueled by the Biden administration’s tax-and-spend agenda. November’s CPI data shows that there has been a significant increase in inflation every month of Biden’s presidency. Year over year consumer prices increased 6.8% in November—the highest increase on record in 39 years. Additionally, inflation has increased by over 5.0% for seven consecutive months, another historic record. Senator Rick Scott said, “Every month this year we’ve watched inflation get worse, prices surge higher and Joe Biden does absolutely nothing to fix it. First, he denied there was a problem, then his White House tried to write this off as just a ‘high-class problem,’ and now he’s trying to lie to and mislead American families by saying the plain data doesn’t tell the full story. IT’S ALL A LIE. To make matters worse, Democrats keep trying to force through their trillion dollar tax-and-spend agenda that will only throw gasoline on Biden’s inflation fire. People are worried how they will make ends meet. But where is Joe Biden? HIDING—and so is his administration. They still haven’t shown up to committee to discuss the supply chain crisis even though I have been asking for months. I grew up poor and watched my mom struggle to put food on the table as prices went up so I know just how serious and devastating Joe Biden’s inflation crisis is for working families. “I’m no longer surprised that Joe Biden is incapable of leading, I’m just disgusted and furious. If the president is going to continue to fail in his duty to lead, he needs to step away and let someone else do it for him. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: I will not stand for Biden’s harmful socialist doctrine that he continues to push on families in Florida, and I will continue to fight against this inflation crisis with commonsense solutions that make Washington work for everyone.” Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida hospitals warning them of the dangerous provision within Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending bill that includes $34.5 BILLION in cuts to Disproportionate Share Hospital Payments (DSH) and states’ Uncompensated Care Pool (UCP) programs. These programs are used to fund charity care by hospitals for patients who are uninsured and underinsured. Senator Scott is requesting that hospitals provide additional information on the impacts these cuts will have on their ability to care for Florida’s more vulnerable and at-need patients who rely on these programs. Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Gary Peters to announce their bipartisan legislation, the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act, to streamline federal efforts to strengthen and expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. Senator Rick Scott said “Our nation’s crippling chip shortage is not only devastating to hardworking American businesses, but poses a threat to our national security by Communist China’s increasing aggression in this industry. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we bolster the United States’ ability to be self-sufficient in our domestic semiconductor supply chain and help our nation become more competitive on a global scale. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.” Read more from Senator Peters’ office HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Fights to Protect Benefits for Seniors, Reject Reckless Debt Limit Bailout Senator Rick Scott released the following statement ahead of the Senate’s consideration of legislation that would allow Democrats to lift the nation’s debt limit and push off self-induced cuts for Medicare that resulted from the passage of the Democrat’s reckless $1.9 TRILLION “COVID” bill. The legislation being considered today contains no reforms whatsoever to ensure Medicare’s long term solvency and allows even more reckless government spending by Congressional Democrats. Yesterday, Senator Scott joined his colleague, Senator John Kennedy, in introducing a clean bill to protect Medicare providers from spending cuts without helping Democrats increase the debt limit. Senate Democrats blocked its passage. Senator Scott has been clear that he does not support any cuts to Medicare benefits, which this bill does not touch, and cannot support raising the debt limit without structural spending reforms that would ensure the protection and long-term solvency of important programs like Medicare. Senator Rick Scott said, “I’ve never voted to raise the debt limit and I won’t do it now. Democrats are intent on digging a deeper and deeper financial hole, spending trillions more that we don’t have on liberal priorities with no accountability to American taxpayers. I will never support cuts to Medicare benefits for our seniors and my vote today has no impact on benefits, but if we continue down this path of reckless spending and never-ending debt, that’s exactly what will happen. In typical Washington fashion, Democrats are again asking us to bail them out from the provider cuts that they caused, kick the can down the road and give them a pass for more reckless spending and more debt. It’s time for Congress to live within its means and balance the budget – like every family and business has to – and finally put our nation on a financially secure path.” Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott asked for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass his resolution supporting tennis player Peng Shuai, who recently disappeared and is being censored by the Chinese Communist Party after making public allegations of sexual abuse by a former Chinese Communist Party official. In his resolution, Senator Scott expressed the Senate’s condemnation of Communist China’s human rights abuses and silencing of Ms. Shuai, as well as the International Olympics Committee’s (IOC) complicity in Ms. Shuai’s oppression. The resolution also applauds the actions of the Women’s Tennis Organization (WTA) to end its involvement in Communist China and demand a full investigation into Ms. Shuai’s allegations. Senator Scott’s resolution was cosponsored by Senators Cynthia Lummis, Marco Rubio, Mike Braun, Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz. Senate Democrats blocked its passage. Senator Rick Scott said, “Instead of demanding accountability for victims of sexual assault, Senate Democrats today chose to block my simple resolution in support of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai and basic human rights. It shouldn’t be hard to say that what the Women’s Tennis Association is doing is right. Communist China’s silencing of Ms. Shuai is wrong and the IOC’s cooperation with the authoritarian communist Chinese regime in covering up this alleged assault is unacceptable. Right now, Ms. Shuai is holed up in a room somewhere in Communist China under constant surveillance, yet Senate Democrats can’t be bothered to stand with her, demand accountability and condemn the horrific abuses of the Chinese Communist Party. The United States Senate should be standing with Ms. Shuai – not the Communist Party officials abusing and silencing her. It’s a sad day in the U.S. Senate when a resolution like this cannot be agreed to.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Requests Meeting with NBA Commissioner to Discuss Communist China Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver requesting a meeting to discuss the NBA’s involvement in Communist China. The letter follows Senator Scott’s conversation with Boston Celtics player, Enes Kanter Freedom, about their fight against Communist China’s horrific human rights abuses and oppression. Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott released the below statement on President Joe Biden’s announcement of a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games. For months, Senator Scott has been requesting a meeting with President Biden to discuss the horrific human rights atrocities occurring across Communist China and the Senator’s continued calls for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to select a new site for the 2022 Winter Olympics Games. Those requests have been met with total silence from President Biden. Last month, Senator Scott slammed reports that Biden was considering a diplomatic boycott and reiterated his call for Biden to outline his plan to protect the safety and personal information of American athletes. Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden had the chance to actually stand up to Beijing’s genocide and human rights abuses, but again, he has chosen appeasement and weakness over strength and resolve. Time and time again, Biden does the bare minimum when it comes to dealing with China and it’s absolutely unacceptable. Now, the Biden administration is going to engage in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Olympic Games, distracting from the fact that Biden has spent months ignoring calls from me, human rights groups and others to demand that the International Olympic Committee to move the Games to a country that actually respects human rights. Biden’s weak choice for a diplomatic boycott also does NOTHING to ensure the safety of American athletes who will undoubtedly be targets for Communist China to surveil and steal data and personal information. “As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am calling on the Department of Homeland Security to explain to the Committee what they are doing to ensure athletes are protected while traveling to Beijing. Their safety and security cannot be put in jeopardy.”Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott: The World Must Stand with Lithuania in the Face of Communist China’s Aggression Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after reports revealed that the Communist Chinese Government is giving multinational corporations an ultimatum: end business with Lithuania, or lose all business in Communist China. This comes after Lithuania has shown support for Taiwan and opened a representative office for the democratic nation in its capital city of Vilnius. Senator Rick Scott said, “I applaud Lithuania for standing up for freedom and democracy – first for the people of Cuba, and now for Taiwan as it faces increased aggression from Communist China. We all need to be clear-eyed about what the Chinese Communist Party is: authoritarian thugs. It behaves like a corrupt, organized crime syndicate that pressures the Chinese people into obedience and threatens foreign nations with economic destruction unless they do exactly what General Secretary Xi says. Communist China has spent the past year harassing and intimidating Australia because it dared to inquire about the origins of COVID-19. Now that Lithuania is treating Taiwan as the democratic and self-governing nation that it is, Beijing is throwing a fit and threatening corporations with economic ultimatums targeted at devastating the Lithuanian people and its economy. Communist China’s thin-skinned bullying shows nothing but weakness and cannot be tolerated. Every freedom-loving country must stand up to Communist China and support the people of Lithuania.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Invites Secretaries Buttigieg and Raimondo to Open Meeting on Supply Chain Crisis Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo inviting them to an open meeting with him and other members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) to discuss the ongoing supply chain crisis. This meeting invite follows Senator Scott’s earlier request made in October when, on the Senate floor, Senator Scott requested that the secretaries testify before the CST Committee. Following this initial request, last month Senator Scott sent a letter to CST Chair, Senator Maria Cantwell, where he noted he would hold the confirmation of all nominees through the Senate’s expedited process until the secretaries testified before the committee and addressed the crisis impacting families and businesses everywhere. As of today, Secretaries Buttigieg and Raimondo, and Chair Cantwell have failed to respond to Senator Scott’s requests. Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after reports that José Daniel Ferrer, the Cuban freedom and human rights activist, is being psychologically and physically tortured by the illegitimate communist Cuban regime in an attempt to end his life. Senator Scott continues to stand with the Cuban people fighting for freedom and condemning the brutal torture and inhumane treatment of José Daniel Ferrer by the Diaz-Canel and Castro regime, and urges President Biden and human rights groups in Europe and across the world to join him in calling the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for a humanitarian medical visit to José Daniel Ferrer immediately. Senator Rick Scott said, “Today marks 150 days of José Daniel Ferrer being unjustly detained in isolation, where he is subjected to physical and psychological torture by the brutal communist Cuban regime in an attempt to end his life. According to José Daniel’s family, his health is dire – he’s suffering from severe headaches, mouth bleeding, malnutrition, cough and insomnia – all products of the cruel torture and inhumane treatment from the regime. The illegitimate authoritarian Cuban regime is clearly terrified of brave and courageous leaders like José Daniel Ferrer who are the face of a free Cuba. They are doing everything they can to persecute, kidnap, torture and kill anyone who stands up against their oppression. The international community can no longer look the other way while Diaz-Canel and Castro commit genocide against their own people. And for all who do business with the communist regime, this should be a wakeup call. Whether it’s tourism, trade or other business – doing business with the regime funds this horrific torture and the stripping of basic human rights. “If Joe Biden truly cares about human rights and takes seriously his job as leader of the free world, he’ll join me in demanding the immediate release of José Daniel Ferrer and calling on the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for a humanitarian medical visit to José Daniel Ferrer immediately. Every freedom-loving nation and human right group across the world must stand with José Daniel Ferrer and the courageous activists who bravely fight to defend human rights, freedom and the democratic movement in Cuba”. Read more HERE. — El Senador Rick Scott emitió la siguiente declaración después de los reportes de que José Daniel Ferrer, el activista cubano por la libertad y los derechos humanos, está siendo torturado psicológica y físicamente por el ilegítimo régimen comunista cubano en un intento de acabar con su vida. El Senador Scott continúa apoyando al pueblo cubano que lucha por la libertad y condena la brutal tortura y el trato inhumano de José Daniel Ferrer por parte del régimen de Díaz-Canel y Castro, e insta al Presidente Biden y a las organizaciones defensoras de derechos humanos en Europa y en todo el mundo a unirse a él en su llamado a la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas a realizar una visita médica humanitaria a José Daniel Ferrer de inmediato. El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Hoy se cumplen 150 días de la injusta detención en aislamiento de José Daniel Ferrer, donde es sometido a torturas físicas y psicológicas por parte del brutal régimen comunista cubano en un intento de acabar con su vida. Según la familia de José Daniel, su salud es terrible: sufre de fuertes dolores de cabeza, sangrado bucal, desnutrición, tos e insomnio, esto producto de la cruel tortura y el trato inhumano de la dictadura. El ilegítimo régimen autoritario cubano claramente le tiene terror a los líderes valientes como José Daniel Ferrer, que son el rostro de la libertad de Cuba. Están haciendo todo lo posible para perseguir, secuestrar, torturar y matar a cualquiera que se oponga a su opresión. La comunidad internacional ya no puede mirar para otro lado mientras Díaz-Canel y Castro cometen genocidio contra su propio pueblo. “Si Joe Biden realmente se preocupa por los derechos humanos y se toma en serio su trabajo como líder del mundo libre, se sumará a mi llamado para exigir la liberación inmediata de José Daniel Ferrer y pedir a la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas que realice un examen médico humanitario a José Daniel Ferrer de inmediato. Todas las naciones amantes de la libertad y las organizaciones defensoras de los derechos humanos en todo el mundo deben apoyar a José Daniel Ferrer y a los valientes activistas que luchan para defender los derechos humanos, la libertad y el movimiento democrático en Cuba”. Lea más AQUÍ. — Sen. Rick Scott Issues Statement Following Loss of Senator Bob Dole: His Legacy Will Live On Senator Rick Scott issued the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Senator Bob Dole. Senator Rick Scott said, “Ann and I are heartbroken to learn of the loss of Senator Bob Dole. Bob was a tremendous leader, a pillar of the Senate, decorated WWII veteran and a true champion for conservative values. His legacy will live on through the positive change brought to the State of Kansas and our great nation during his decades of public service, the success of all the dedicated public servants he worked with over the years and the countless lives he shaped as a leader of conservatives across America. We join all in mourning this loss and praying for his wife, Elizabeth, daughter, Robin, grandchildren and all who loved him.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Donates Fourth Quarter Senate Salary to the Navy SEAL Foundation Senator Rick Scott announced he will donate his fourth quarter Senate salary to the Navy SEAL Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families. Senator Rick Scott said, “My wife, Ann, and I are proud to both come from hardworking military families. Our upbringing, as well as my own service in the Navy means that we know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform, and their families, make to serve our nation. With more than 1.5 million veterans calling Florida home, I’ve worked hard as both Governor and now Florida’s U.S. Senator to make sure our state is the most veteran-friendly in the nation and honor the American heroes who protect our freedoms. Today, Ann and I are proud to support the Navy SEAL Foundation and its incredible efforts to support members of the Naval Special Warfare community and their families.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sens. Rick Scott and Ted Cruz in The Hill: Hospitals in Underserved Communities Face Huge Cuts in Reckless ‘Build Back Better’ Plan
Senators Rick Scott and Ted Cruz wrote an op-ed for The Hill highlighting a devastating proposal in President Biden’s Build Back Broke plan that would cut spending for hospitals that provide care to underserved communities, and include tax cuts for the super wealthy. In the op-ed, Senators Rick Scott and Ted Cruz wrote, “Buried deep within Biden’s reckless tax-and-spending-spree package are devastating and vindictive payment cuts to state Uncompensated Care Pool (UCP) programs and a 12.5 percent reduction from Disproportionate Share Hospital Payments (DSH). What does that mean? As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi want to slash federal funds to hospitals who care for low-income patients, along with those who are underserved and uninsured. These patients, who are currently eligible for charitable and low-income assistance, may begin seeing medical bills and incurring medical debt. It’s worth noting these cuts are not happening in every state. Rather, Biden and Pelosi have targeted states that have opted to not expand Medicaid. … Even worse, all of this appears to have been done in secret. After receiving a letter from Sen. Scott on Nov. 5 warning about the disastrous impacts of these proposed cuts to charity care providers, House Democrats in the 12 impacted states wrote a letter to Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer saying they had not been informed of this addition to the bill. … You would think that Democrats — with full control of the House, Senate and the White House — would be doing everything they could to slow rising prices and make life more affordable for American families. And you would think that Democrats would want to partner with their Republican colleagues to focus on legislation that expands opportunity and freedom. … For Democrats, the question is simple: are you willing to cut services and hurt families in your own state to appease Pelosi and conform with her tyrannical House? The answer should be easy: ‘No.’ We’ll keep fighting for the families of our states and urge others in Washington to have the courage to do the same.” Read the full op-ed in The Hill HERE. — Fox News: Biden’s China response is ‘bare minimum,’ Olympics should be relocated: Sen. Rick Scott Fox News: Sen. Scott requests meeting with Adam Silver on NBA’s ‘unsettling’ China issues Forbes: Rick Scott Explains Why He’s Blocking Biden Nominees The Hill: ‘They’ve Lied To Us’: Rick Scott Tells Dems To Tell The Truth About BBB Cost The Daily Wire: Sen. Rick Scott: Winter Olympics ‘Should Be Moved’ From China The Daily Caller: Sen. Scott Calls For Meeting With NBA Commissioner Over Silence On China’s ‘Ongoing Genocide’ The Daily Wire: Republican Rick Scott Scorches NBA Commissioner In Letter Calling For Meeting Over China Breitbart: Rick Scott: ‘These Olympics Should Never Be Held in China — They Should Be Moved’ Newsmax: Sen. Rick Scott Urges NBA Support in Moving Olympics Out of China The Capitolist: Florida Senators urge army corps to allocate $1.5 billion for environmental projects Florida Daily: Rick Scott Teams Up With Gary Peters on Bill Expanding U.S. Semiconductor Chips Manufacturing Florida Daily: Rick Scott Will Donate Senate Salary to Navy SEAL Foundation Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators Call on Army Corps to Allocate $1.5 Billion for Everglades Restoration, Fund State Priorities |
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RPOF Newsletter
Governor’s Budget Puts Freedom First
Governor DeSantis released his Freedom First Budget proposal today, which totals $99.7 billion, with reserves exceeding $15 billion. That puts the budget at $2 billion less than last year’s budget.
The Freedom First Budget focuses on preserving freedom and prosperity for Floridians with record funding for education, environmental resources and law enforcement. The budget also protects freedom and liberty by once again rejecting mandates and lockdowns.
“In Florida, we have put Freedom First – protecting Floridians’ freedom to earn a living, to operate businesses and to choose educational options tailored for their children,” Governor DeSantis said. “As a result of our commitment to freedom, Florida’s economy continues to thrive and Floridians are better able to provide for their families…This budget puts Floridians and their freedoms first, keeps taxes low, and addresses key priorities – all while maintaining record budget reserves.”
Economic Freedom
The Governor’s budget gives Floridians the freedom to use their incomes to provide for their families, not grow government. The Freedom First budget recommends tax holidays, including a Fuel Tax Holiday to provide a reprieve from increasing gas prices and save Florida Families over $1 billion.
Florida’s economy has grown faster than the nation as a result of smart investments and policies that kept Florida open and businesses operating. Investments in rural communities and the tourism industry give Florida communities the freedom to elevate their regions for decades to come. So the Freedom First Budget includes:
- $105 million, an increase of $100 million over the current year, for the Rural Infrastructure Fund to support local rural infrastructure projects such as roads, storm, wastewater systems, and internet access for rural communities.
- $100 million for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support projects that create workforce training opportunities and invest in critical infrastructure.
- $50 million in recurring funding for Visit Florida, Florida’s tourism marketing agency.
Investments in highways, bridges and ports give Floridians the freedom to open and operate businesses, knowing that their goods will swiftly travel through our ports and on our roads. The budget provides $9.27 billion for the State Transportation Work Program.
The Freedom First Budget invests $25 million to maintain and restore the Freedom Tower, to ensure that the Freedom Tower continues to be a beacon of freedom and serve as a symbol of the democratic values we hold dear.
Education Freedom and Teacher Support
The Governor believes that children have a right to learn in positive learning environments and parental rights need to be preserved in making educational decisions for their children. Governor DeSantis is proposing record funding for K-12 education and prioritizes teachers and students. Included in the Freedom First Budget are:
- A second round of $1,000 bonus checks for approximately 179,000 teachers and principals in Florida. He is also proposing $600 million – a $50 million budget increase over the past year – for teacher pay, continuing Florida’s efforts to reach a minimum teacher salary of $47,500.
- An increase in per-student funding to raise this year’s budget to $8,000 per student. This will represent the highest amount of per-student funding in Florida’s history.
- $421 million for school safety and mental health initiatives.
To fully eliminate the Florida Standards Assessment and implement progress monitoring in its place, Governor DeSantis is proposing $15.5 million in recurring funding to provide progress monitoring tools to schools.- $500,000 to expand access to the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative into every school.
- To make Florida the number one state for Workforce Education by 2030, $534 million in funding to support workforce education programs is included in the proposed budget.
For Those Who Protect Our Freedom
Florida supports first responders and service members who protect our freedom. Due to the hard work of Florida’s law enforcement officers, our crime rate decreased last year, marking the 50th consecutive year the state has seen a drop in its crime rate.
While other states want to defund the police, in Florida, our Freedom First Budget backs the blue, and includes:
- $226.7 million to provide salary increases for those working in public safety – including 25% raises for all veteran state sworn law enforcement and 20% salary increases for entry-level state sworn law enforcement.
- A $5,000 signing bonus for every recruit who is new to the law enforcement profession in Florida once they complete their training and they officially become a law enforcement officer.
- Providing the State Officer Certification Exam free of charge to law enforcement officers relocating to Florida and covering the cost of any necessary equivalent training programs for relocating officers, up to $1,000 per officer.
- Creating a law enforcement academy scholarship program to cover the cost of enrollment for men and women seeking to serve their state and communities through police work.
Florida is also committed to supporting those who serve. Our National Guard has been called upon time and time again during times of emergency, and we must ensure they are ready to serve Floridians. Governor DeSantis is proposing more than $100 million for our National Guard.
The Freedom First Budget also includes $8 million to implement a program to protect against harms from illegal immigration, and $2.4 million in E-Verify enforcement.Environmental Protection
Florida’s natural resources are the foundation of our state’s communities. The environment drives tourism, affects property values, anchors many local economies and is central to our quality of life. The Freedom First Budget reaffirms Governor DeSantis’ commitment by recommending more than $4.4 billion to protect our environment and natural resources.
The Freedom First Budget proposes more than $980 million to restore the Everglades, fight Red Tide and protect Florida’s water resources. This would bring Florida’s four-year investment to $3 billion, surpassing our goal of $2.5 billion and doubling the investment of the previous four years. The budget also invests over $550 million to increase the resiliency of Florida’s coastal and inland communities and more than $151.7 million to protect our prized properties and waters in Florida.
Health Care Support
The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to have unforeseen consequences for workers. Florida is placing freedom above heavy-handed vaccination mandates and Faucism.
To support health care freedom and protect Floridians as they make their own health care choices, the Freedom First Budget includes:
- More than $200 million in funding to support direct care workers with pay raises.
- $100 million – a $37 million increase – for cancer research.
- $15 million, an increase of $10 million over the current year, in funding for Alzheimer’s Disease research to enhance diagnosis and prevention strategies for those Floridians impacted by this disease.
- $188.6 million in behavioral health initiatives including mental health and substance abuse services to ensure Floridians get the help that they need.
- $133 million to provide services to those served by the child welfare system, including foster parent support and adoption subsidies, including.
Read full budget here: http://www.floridaleadsbudget.com/PDFLoader.htm?file=OverView.pdf
Republicans lead on flood resiliency
Governor DeSantis and Republican legislative leaders are proactively pursuing a bold agenda on sea-level rise with the creation of a first-ever statewide plan to protect Florida’s coastal and inland communities.
The Florida Statewide Flooding Resilience Plan announced this week consists of a range of projects that will enhance Florida’s efforts to protect inland waterways, coastlines, shores, and coral reefs — which are invaluable natural defenses against sea-level rise and flooding.
The plan is part of Senate Bill 1954, signed by Governor DeSantis earlier this year, which ensures a coordinated approach to the resiliency of Florida’s coastal and inland regions, and provides a structure for ongoing resilience following the best science and data. This strategy will enhance the protection of inland and coastal resources that act as natural defenses against sea-level rise.
“We have done a lot to support Florida water resources and we know infrastructure for clean and strong waterways is important,” Governor DeSantis said. “We also want to fortify infrastructure to make communities across Florida more resilient. We are a low-lying state, a storm prone state, and a flood prone state.”
In the previous legislative session, Governor DeSantis worked with Speaker Chris Sprowls, President Wilton Simpson and the rest of the Legislature to create a pathway to protect Florida communities and the state’s economic livelihood. Under that legislation, Governor DeSantis is now proposing 76 projects totaling more than $270 million across Florida, which will be matched by local investments as part of a three-year plan to strengthen community-identified vulnerabilities.
“With our ‘Always Ready’ legislation signed into law and the first preliminary plan delivered today, Florida is going to be strategic, proactive and a leader among all other states in our response,” said House Speaker Chris Sprowls.”
“Strategic planning and key investments made today will have a tremendous benefit for future generations of Floridians,” said Senate President Wilton Simpson.
The current 2021-2022 budget includes $640 million — the most significant investment in the state’s history — to ensure Florida’s communities are prepared to deal with the impacts of sea-level rise, intensified storms, and flooding.
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/12/08/governor-ron-desantis-announces-first-ever-statewide-flooding-resilience-plan/
The complete list of projects is here:https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/sites/default/files/documents/RF%20statewide%20plan%20PFT[2].pdf
Governor DeSantis blasts businesses with double standard on masking
Governor DeSantis criticized businesses earlier this week for requiring staff to wear masks while patrons move about mask-free, saying that it created a symbolic “two-tiered society” where the “servant class” goes around with their faces covered while the served class does not.
“Let these folks breathe,” Governor DeSantis said. “Let them make their own decisions on this because I think it’s terribly uncomfortable that they’re in this for so many hours a day and I don’t think it’s proven to make a difference.”
The Governor has been consistent in opposing mask mandates, including those that are not equally applied, along with vaccine mandates.
“I think it’s like a two-tiered society,” DeSantis said. “They’re trying to have a servant class that has to always do all this. But yet the other class, they can lecture you about wearing masks, but then they don’t wear masks themselves. That’s wrong.”
Read more here: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/478334-let-these-folks-breathe-gov-desantis-urges-businesses-to-unmask-employees/
Florida
Governor’s plan for increasing cancer research
Governor DeSantis is recommending $100 million for cancer research and care in next year’s budget, an increase of $37 million, or nearly 60%, over prior year funding. The funding will be used to forward cancer care and research at three cancer institutes in Florida — Moffitt Cancer Center, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and University of Florida Health Cancer Center.
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Governor DeSantis’ recommendation this week at a roundtable at Moffitt.
“Florida offers some of the best cancer care and research in the nation, and I’m proud that we are proposing historic investments in our leading cancer centers,” First Lady Casey DeSantis said. “The Governor and I are committed to helping cancer patients through innovative research and high-quality care. While we increase this important funding, I also urge Floridians to go through appropriate cancer screenings. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in our state and now is not the time to delay care.”
First Lady DeSantis was joined by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and representatives from the center.
“Florida’s cancer institutes are critical in providing treatment that saves the lives of patients with cancer,” said Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “This funding will also continue supporting advancements in cancer research and treatments that can potentially lead to new cures.”
This funding will greatly benefit Florida’s three homegrown cancer centers — Moffitt, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami and UF Health Cancer Center. It will enable these institutions to recruit the best and brightest from around the world.
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/12/08/first-lady-casey-desantis-announces-100-million-proposal-for-cancer-research-and-care-in-florida/
View the full roundtable https://rumble.com/vqdy1t-first-lady-casey-desantis-announces-100-million-in-cancer-research-funding.html
Governor proposes creation of Florida State Guard
Governor DeSantis announced more than $100 million in funding proposals last week to support the Florida’s National Guard and establish the Florida State Guard, a civilian volunteer force that will assist the National Guard in state emergencies.
The Governor’s budget proposal includes:
- $87.5 million to expand the existing readiness center in Miramar and to establish three new armories in Homestead, Gainesville and Malabar;
- $8.9 million for existing armory maintenance;
- $2.2 million for a new headquarters for the National Guard Counter Drug Program;
- $5.1 million to support Florida National Guardsmen seeking higher-education degrees; and
- $3.5 million to establish the Florida State Guard.
“We are proud of our veterans and active-duty military members and proud of what our communities do to support them,” Governor DeSantis said. “Florida is one of the most veteran friendly states and I think there are very few places that you would rather be on duty than in the state of Florida. As a veteran, I really appreciate what everyone who wears the uniform does in our state and am excited about these proposals – they will go a long way and have a meaningful impact.”
The establishment of the Florida State Guard will support emergency responses from hurricanes, natural disasters and other state emergencies. The $3.5 million to establish the Florida State Guard will enable civilians to be trained in the best emergency response techniques. Florida will now become the 23rd state with a state guard recognized by the federal government.
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/12/02/governor-ron-desantis-announces-military-budget-proposal-to-guard-floridas-future/
Senator Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio’s stand against Chinese slavery
Spectator World recently ran an article on Senator Marco Rubio’s unflinching stand against the Chinese Communist Party’s slave labor and genocide against the Uighurs. It came to a head when Senator Rubio wanted to amend a bill to include banning imports from Xinjiang, where the genocide is taking place. It has unanimous support in the Senate, but Majority Leader Schumer took it out on a ginned up technicality. So Rubio scotched a vote on the broader bill.
Here’s an excerpt:
Rubio notes that the Xinjiang proposal has unanimous support in the Senate and suggests that the revenue-raising complaint, the so-called blue slip objection, is applied unevenly. “It cannot mean it applies when I’m not for the policy and it doesn’t apply when I’m for it,” said Rubio last night.
Schumer has been caught flatfooted yet again — and handled it badly. Rubio is taking a stand against slave labor and genocide. The Senate majority leader would be wise not to call that “sad” or “absurd.”
Read the entire article here: https://spectatorworld.com/newsletter/marco-rubios-stand-against-chinese-slavery/
Tweets
https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1467881570270916610
https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1468636247811842060
https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1468312517311148037
https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1467826021919604750
https://twitter.com/FloridaGOP/status/1467168747534393344
https://twitter.com/teamrondesantis/status/1466895381690728450\
https://twitter.com/TeamMarco/status/1467932948930379776?s=20
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
Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds
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Last week the United States House of Representatives was in session as lawmakers scrambled to keep the government open following years of fiscal irresponsibility, especially in this Congress.
Like most of you, before I entered Congress, I watched in frustration as the headlines would warn of a government shutdown. Years and years of fiscal negligence on both sides of the aisle have led to the doomsday scenario that members could solve if they passed a balanced budget. Unfortunately, the Democrats in charge on Capitol Hill want to continue kicking the can down the road and, even worse, bloat their funding bill with partisan policies like increasing the funding for refugee resettlement and preventing appropriate safeguards for the massive influx of refugees. I didn’t get sent to Congress to follow the status quo, which is why I voted NO on this Continuing Resolution. It is time we bring fiscal structure and stability to Capitol Hill. Last Monday, the Supreme Court heard the opening arguments for the Dobbs v. Jackson case. This case has the potential to change federal law on the books regarding abortion, tilting in favor of America’s unborn children. As you know, I am a fervent fighter for the life of the unborn, and I will always stand for pro-life policies and commit to being a voice for the voiceless.
Finally, the November jobs report came out last week, and the data was not pretty. Anyone not living under a rock is well aware of the dire economic conditions occurring under the Biden-Harris administration. Every American feels the pain of their policies at the pump, Publix, and pretty much every aspect of daily life. The Democrats in control of Washington, D.C. are financially illiterate, and their America last domestic agenda is holding America’s great resurgence back.
Continue reading for more information on this week’s legislative updates, community engagement, and must-see media interviews.
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| Erika and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Bob Dole. Senator Dole lived a remarkable life that shaped our nation for generations to come. America is better today because of the service and dedication of proud patriots like him.
May he Rest In Peace.
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| While Democrats continue to look for the root causes of the disastrous economy & continue to blame the ongoing COVID pandemic, all roads lead back to the economic illiteracy of Democrats in power.
Read my full statement on the abysmal Nov jobs report & the overall failing American economy.
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| At the beginning of last week, I had a great meeting with faculty members of the Florida Gulf Coast University Department of Rehabilitation where I had the opportunity to tour their facility, discuss the importance of patient access, and the critical role Physical Therapists play in our healthcare system.
Go Eagles!
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| Last week, I sat down with Elizabeth MacDonald, host of ‘The Evening Edit‘ on Fox Business to discuss the rampant fraud in U.S. jobless benefits, 40% of which has ended up in the hands of the Chinese and Russians.
Democrats in Congress are hellbent on dishing out money without proper oversight to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars ends up in the right hands.
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| ICYMI: This past week, I joined Laura Ingraham on Fox New’s ‘Ingraham Angle’ to discuss a recently passed bill in the House that would spend $400M for a national vaccine database.
Watch the interview below:
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| Last week, I had the pleasure of having a conversation on Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla to discuss the nation’s leading headlines.
Listen to the full conversation below: Rep. Byron Donalds On Inflation and Why He’s Still Got The Most Swag In Congress |
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RPOF Newsletter – From the desk of Joe Gruters
Paid political advertisement paid for by the Republican Party of Florida, 420 East Jefferson St., Tallahassee, Florida 32301.
Chairman’s Message
The Florida Legislature’s Special Session was short but powerful, enshrining in state law freedoms for Florida employees and parents.
Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Republican Legislature went into the Session with the clear goal of standing for workers and parents’ rights. The rapid success of these new laws is exactly what robust, principled and effective leadership looks like.
The legislation signed by Governor DeSantis is the strongest pro-freedom, anti-mandate action taken by any state in the nation.
“I told Floridians that we would protect their jobs and today we made that the law,” Governor DeSantis said. “Nobody should lose their job due to heavy-handed COVID mandates and we had a responsibility to protect the livelihoods of the people of Florida. I’m thankful to the Florida Legislature for joining me in standing up for freedom.”
Here are the elements of the legislation protecting employees:
- Private employer vaccine mandates are prohibited.
- Employees can choose from numerous exemptions, including health or religious concerns; pregnancy or anticipated future pregnancy; and past recovery from COVID-19.
- Employees can choose to opt for periodic testing or PPE as an exemption.
- Prohibits employers from passing along the costs of testing and PPE to employees.
- Employers who violate these employee health protections will be fined. For businesses with 99 employees or less, the fine is $10,000 per employee violation. For businesses with 100 or more employees, the fine is $50,000 per employee violation.
- Government entities may not require COVID-19 vaccinations of anyone, including employees.
- $5 million for the Attorney General to investigate complaints.
And here are the elements of the legislation protecting families:
- Educational institutions may not require students to be COVID-19 vaccinated.
- School districts may not require students to wear face masks.
- School districts may not quarantine healthy students.
- Students and parents may sue violating school districts and recover costs and attorney’s fees.
The Governor also signed legislation that would allow for removing Florida businesses from the onerous control of an ever expanding OSHA, and create a Florida equivalent administration to ensure workplace safety without the federal overreach.
Republican leadership in the Legislature was unified and every Republican in both chambers supported the legislation.
House Speaker Chris Sprowls: ”We have passed the smartest, strongest legislation in America to combat the Biden Administration’s unlawful vaccine mandate. We are proud to stand alongside every Florida parent and worker and say that forced masking of our kids in schools and forced vaccinations to keep your job stops here in Florida.”
Senate President Wilton Simpson: “Today we are sending a clear message that Florida stands for freedom. To our health care workers, law enforcement, first responders, farmers, truckers, and every other worker who never got a day off and couldn’t work from home during the pandemic – thank you for getting us through this crisis. Thank you for putting your family at risk. You stood with us when we needed you most, and we are proud to stand with you now.
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/11/18/governor-ron-desantis-signs-legislation-to-protect-florida-jobs/
Also at the signing event, Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that Florida is suing the Biden administration over the unlawful CDC vaccine mandate that threatens to exacerbate the health care worker shortage. The unlawful mandate comes as the nation is already experiencing what some are calling the worst health care labor crisis in memory.
Attorney General Moody filed the complaint for Temporary Restraining Order in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida in Pensacola.
“Governor DeSantis has shown exemplary leadership throughout the pandemic, and I am proud to stand with him as we challenge unlawful vaccine mandates forced on Floridians by the president and his power-hungry bureaucrats,” Attorney General Moody said. “I will always fight for freedom, Florida’s sovereignty and the autonomy of American workers.”
Read more on the lawsuit here: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/C9F27051EC65B86D852587910059F8C1
Florida
The Environmental Governor continues to comes through
Governor DeSantis traveled to Naples and Miami Tuesday to lay out his environmental budget proposals for the legislative session, including more than $960 million for Everglades restoration and the protection of water resources, and more than $550 million to ensure that communities are prepared to deal with the impacts of sea level rise, intensified storms and flooding.
The proposed $960 million investment will bring the total four-year investment for Everglades restoration and water resource protection to over $3 billion, more than doubling investments from the previous four years and surpassing Governor DeSantis’ ambitious goal of $2.5 billion. The proposed $550 million investment for resilience will build on the historic funding already received this year. This would bring the total state investment in resiliency to more than $1 billion over two years.
“When I took office, I outlined a bold vision to protect Florida’s environment, and we have not only kept the promises we made, we’ve exceeded them,” Governor DeSantis said. “We are excited to announce this historic support for Florida’s environment, Everglades restoration, and our water resources. We have seen great results so far, but we are not yet at the finish line. It’s nice to see so many coming together to support these initiatives. We will be pushing hard to continue the momentum this legislative session.”
The $960 million in Everglades restoration and water protection include:
- $660 million for Everglades restoration, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the EAA Reservoir Project, and the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project;
- $175 million for targeted water quality improvements;
- $50 million for projects to restore Florida’s world-renowned springs;
- $40 million for the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program;
- $35 million for increased water quality monitoring and to combat harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae and red tide;
- $3 million to remove invasive Burmese pythons.
The $550 million for community resilience includes $500 million for projects to make communities more resilient to sea level rise, intensified storms, and flooding; and more than $50 million to close the gap in resiliency planning and to protect our state’s coral reefs.
Environmental groups are praising the Governor’s actions.
“Because of Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s one-of-a-kind environment and water resources will have the funding to be protected and restored,” said Eric Eikenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Everglades Foundation.
“The Everglades is a national treasure, and the entire country is behind the movement to protect it,” said Capt. Daniel Andrews, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Captains For Clean Water. “With this record funding, Governor DeSantis is going far above the commitment he made when he took office to restore and protect the Everglades and Florida’s water resources.
Preserving Freedom Tower
Governor DeSantis proposed a $25 million preserve, refurbish and enhance the Freedom Tower in Miami.
For nearly 100 years, the tower has been a symbol of freedom and democracy, becoming an integral part of the Miami skyline and Miami history. From 1962 to 1974, the Freedom Tower became one of the most recognizable historic buildings in Florida — the place where Cuban refugees would be taken for assistance after fleeing the communist regime and landing in Florida.
It is worth noting that Governor DeSantis made this announcement at the same time as the people in Cuba continue to fight against the totalitarian communist regime. Over the weekend, Cuban Americans in Miami rallied in support of the Cuban people while the oppressive Cuban dictatorship continued to crack down on protestors on the island.
“After the Communist Regime took over in Cuba, hundreds of thousands of people fled and came to Florida to have a chance at freedom,” Governor DeSantis said. “Now it is our responsibility to carry on that legacy. We will continue to make sure the Freedom Tower remains one of the premier symbols of freedom and liberty in our nation.”
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/11/15/governor-desantis-announces-25-million-budget-proposal-for-the-freedom-tower/
Florida committed to Correctional Officers
Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Corrections announced unprecedented incentives for new correctional officer hires, including hiring bonuses up to $5,000.
“As so many cities and states choose to disrespect, degrade and defund the work of law enforcement, we want Florida to continue valuing our men and women of law enforcement today, tomorrow and for generations to come,” Governor DeSantis said.
Effective immediately, here are the new incentives:
- $3,000 new hire bonus for all new correctional officers;
- $1,000 hiring bonus for correctional officers to join high vacancy institutions;
- $1,000 hiring bonus for certified correctional officer applicants.
Beginning January 2022, state correctional officers starting salary will be raised to $38,750, an increase of 16%. This shows our state’s permanent commitment to all law enforcement.
Additional workforce training for veterans and spouses
Governor DeSantis announced $8.6 million to workforce development boards across the state to expand career and workforce training opportunities for military veterans and spouses seeking employment. The Governor’s announcement comes as Paychecks for Patriots Career Fairs for veterans and military families are underway across the state.
“We owe the freedoms we enjoy as Americans to our military veterans, and I am focused on ensuring Florida is the best state in the nation for those who have served to find great jobs, start or grow businesses and support their families,” said Governor DeSantis. “Business is booming in Florida, and employers are looking for the leadership skills, training and teamwork military veterans bring to the workforce.”
Read more about Paychecks for Patriots here: https://floridajobs.org/paychecks-for-patriots
Senator Marco Rubio
Senator Marco Rubio has been a strong and consistent advocate for veterans and veteran care. For Veterans’ Day, Rubio put out an ad
“They had a job to do, and they did it. No matter how they felt about it, no matter what they believed about it beforehand or after,” he says in a clip from one of the many events he has been part of in support of veterans.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyrZ5ZuoxrI
Attorney General Ashley Moody
Moody leads the charge against robocall scammers
Attorney General Ashley Moody continues to lead the fight to protect Floridians from robo scammers who have found workarounds to bypass anti-robocall tech.
Moody is the leader of a letter from 50 state attorneys generals calling on the Federal Communications Commission‘s to implement stricter processes on companies to curtail the calls. In particular, Moody noted that bad actors are exploiting legitimate phone numbers to circumvent previously implemented anti-robocall technology.
“Working with the FCC, we have been successful in reducing the number of scam robocalls targeting Americans,” Moody said. “Unfortunately, in recent months, scammers have found ways to circumvent the technology created to protect our citizens from fraudulent robocall messages.”
Read more here: https://thecapitolist.com/ashley-moody-leads-effort-to-stop-robocallers-from-abusing-phone-numbers/
ICYMI
Florida’s outstanding financial condition
The state of Florida has earned the highest possible financial rating from Standard and Poor, higher than the United States’ rating.
S&P confirmed late last week that Florida’s AAA Stable rating on Florida’s General Obligation bonds, the highest rating available, showed that Florida revealed a rating higher than the nation’s and h higher than other big states, such as California and New York.
Here it is from the S&P report: “Florida’s GO bonds are eligible to be rated above the sovereign because we believe the state can maintain better credit characteristics than the U.S. in a stress scenario.”
“Florida’s economy is strong because we have kept the state open, maintained a positive economic climate, taxed lightly and spent wisely,” Governor DeSantis said. “Florida is yet again outpacing the nation, and the state is well-positioned to weather future economic challenges.”
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/11/12/sp-announces-floridas-aaa-credit-rating-ranks-higher-than-the-nation/
Tweets
https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1461022432295362565
https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1460972510326009865
https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1460358644499992584
https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1460358531442479111
https://twitter.com/teamrondesantis/status/1459250556489326596
https://twitter.com/TeamMarco/status/1461077685094940677
REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state, and you are integral to making that happen.
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