“Freedom Works” – From the desk of Joe Gruters

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Chairman’s Message

“Freedom Works”

“We have made Florida the freest state in these United States.”

Governor DeSantis delivered a rousing State of the State speech Tuesday to launch the 2022 Legislative session in Tallahassee, noting Florida’s stand-out successes this past year and reaffirming his priorities for year ahead.

Here’s a summary look at the Governor’s address.

Freedom

Governor DeSantis fully embraces President Reagan’s adage that “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction,” and has made Florida a beacon of freedom in the nation. He said:

“While so many around the country have consigned the people’s rights to the graveyard, Florida has stood as freedom’s vanguard.

In Florida, we have protected the right of our citizens to earn a living, provided our businesses with the ability to prosper, fought back against unconstitutional federal mandates and ensured our kids have the opportunity to thrive.”

Fiscal Responsibility

At a time when the federal government has been spending money we don’t have at obscene levels, burdening our children with crushing debt for no discernable reason, Governor DeSantis is proposing a $99.7 billion budget that loads fully $15 billion into reserves while still increasing funding in key areas such as education, the environment and law enforcement.

“Florida’s revenues have exceeded estimates by billions of dollars over the past year. December’s revenues came in at more than $500 million over the latest monthly estimate.

And this is all being done with no income tax and the lowest per capita tax burden in America.”

A Powerful Economy

A strong economy impacts everyone’s quality of life and Florida is the envy of the nation in this regard. Much of this success is owed to Governor DeSantis’ strength and courage in maintaining Floridians’ freedoms in the face of authoritarian dictates. Everyone has benefitted.

“Job creation in Florida is far exceeding the national average. And our labor force has increased six times faster than the nation’s.

Florida also leads the nation in business formations, which have increased by 61% since I took office in 2019. In 2021, Florida saw 114,000 more new businesses than second place California — even though California has a population that is 40% larger.”

Putting Kids First

While other states shamelessly locked kids out of school and then masked them up if they ever let them return, all in a moral perversion to protect adults, Florida put children first and kept schools open and children breathing. Florida teachers met the challenge of the times and it shows in our students’ scores. And educators have been acknowledged with increased minimum salaries and bonuses, while the state also enacted the needed Parents Bill of Rights to ensure parents can make the best decisions for their children.

“Education represents a major pillar of Florida’s future. I’m happy to note that Florida is again ranked number three for K-12 achievement in the latest Education Week Quality Counts rankings. We have worked hard to keep schools open, increase teacher compensation, promote workforce education and protect the rights of parents.

In pockets across America, schools are closing once again. These closures are enormously destructive and will not be tolerated in the state of Florida. Florida has led the way in putting our kids first.”

Environmental Protection

Florida’s quality of life and economic security are inextricably linked to the good stewardship of our natural resources. Governor DeSantis has been a bold leader in this area, winning accolades from many environmental organizations.

“We Floridians are heirs to a unique environment that makes our state the envy of the nation for fishing, boating and other outdoor activities. Three years ago, we promised bold action to safeguard Florida’s natural resources, improve water quality and restore the Everglades. With the support of the Legislature, especially Speaker Chris Sprowls and President Wilton Simpson, we have secured historic funding to support these efforts.

Since January 2019, 42 Everglades restoration projects have broken ground, hit a major milestone or finished construction, record funding has gone to conduct research and secure technologies to mitigate blue-green algae and red tide, and the state now has dedicated streams of revenue to promote coastal resiliency and water quality improvements.”

Honor Law Enforcement and Protect Communities

While baffling and dangerous notions of defunding police, eliminating bail and freeing violent criminals early have taken tragic hold in some parts of the nation, Governor DeSantis has made it clear those won’t happen in Florida.

“These soft-on-crime policies have been tried in communities throughout the country to disastrous results: crime has skyrocketed, morale for police officers has plummeted and quality of life has been destroyed.

We have stood by the men and women of law enforcement. Not only do we reject defunding law enforcement — we enacted $1,000 bonuses for all police, fire and EMTs in Florida. I’m asking the Legislature to re-up these bonuses for another year. They deserve it.”

Election Integrity

Perhaps nothing is more essential to our republic than trustworthy, transparent elections. Florida already has some of the best election laws in the nation in protecting the sanctity of the vote, making it easy to vote and hard to cheat. But there is still more to be done to ensure that cheating is all but impossible.

“Ballot harvesting has no place in Florida and we need to increase the penalties for those who do it. We also need to ensure that supervisors clean the voter rolls, that only citizens are registered to vote and that mail ballots only go to those who actually request them before each individual election.

To ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the rule of law, I have proposed an election integrity unit whose sole focus will be the enforcement of Florida’s election laws. This will facilitate the faithful enforcement of election laws and will provide Floridians with the confidence that their vote will count.”

Read the entire speech here: ​​https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/11/governor-ron-desantis-state-of-the-state-address-3/

​​

Florida

Governor DeSantis announced nearly $17 million to the City of Bonita Springs in Lee County through the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program.

The flood mitigation money will pay for critical improvements to 2.5 miles of stormwater infrastructure through the heart of the city, and will repair damage caused by Hurricane Irma.

“Today we are excited to be able to make an impact in Bonita Springs,” Governor DeSantis said. “This award will help the city make key stormwater system improvements and is one of the many projects we have awarded utilizing long-term recovery funds to make meaningful infrastructure improvements. We are going to continue to support infrastructure that builds our resiliency.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/12/governor-ron-desantis-announces-nearly-17-million-for-stormwater-infrastructure-improvements-in-bonita-springs/

Governor DeSantis has secured an additional 15,000 doses of Regeneron for the people of Florida, which will be immediately utilized to support new monoclonal antibody sites. Unfortunately, this action was necessary because the Biden Administration federalized distribution of the lifesaving monoclonal antibody treatments based on political calculations.

Actually, Democrats have continuously politicized Covid. The Department of Emergency Management had covid testing kits that went unused when the covid pandemic subsided, and has received three extensions on their expiration date. In the deceitful world of Nikki Fried, these were being “hidden.” But Florida was just waiting for the Biden administration, and as the nation well knows, they are slow in responding to every need.

So last week, Governor DeSantis highlighted the importance of these lifesaving therapeutics and called on the Biden Administration to release its stranglehold on the supply of monoclonals and increase Florida’s supply by at least 30,000 doses per week. In response to this pressure, the federal government will be sending 30,000 more monoclonal antibody doses to Florida.

Additionally, the Florida Division of Emergency Management sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offering logistical support to receive the additional doses as quickly as possible, including picking them up and driving them to Florida.

“But for the federal government’s decision to restrict supply of monoclonal antibody treatments to Florida, my administration would have already opened additional monoclonal antibody treatment sites throughout the state,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/07/governor-ron-desantis-secures-15000-doses-of-regeneron-for-floridians/

 

​Attorney General Ashley Moody

In 2020, Americans lost more than $520 million through robocall scams. Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking action by pressuring the Federal Communications Commission to put measures in place to stem the tide of foreign-based illegal robocalls attempting to scam Americans.

Attorney General Moody, as part of a bipartisan group of attorneys general, sent a letter to insist the FCC require companies that allow foreign calls into the United States to take steps to reduce or block robocalls entering the U.S. telephone network. These necessary steps include implementing STIR/SHAKEN, a caller ID authentication technology that helps prevent spoofed calls.

“Scammers often use robocalls in an effort to quickly engage millions of targets across the country,” Attorney General Moody said. “Robocalls using spoofed numbers are difficult to track and even harder to stop — especially when they originate from overseas. That is why I am calling on the FCC to work with telecommunications companies to put up barriers to reduce the number of foreign robocalls bombarding Americans’ telephones.”

Read more:http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/6C239762654091F6852587C600691DB5

 

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is highlighting his Born Free legislative priorities for the 2022 legislations session. The CFO’s top priorities include $10 million in funding for Florida’s Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces, providing tax relief so Floridians can protect their homes and lower their insurance premiums, and continuing efforts to protect consumers.

“Florida’s strength is based on a love of freedom. We’ve got over 800 people a day flocking to our state because we have worked hard in Tallahassee to protect freedoms; not squash them,” CFO Patronis said. “We’ve got blue lock-down states working hard to crush their economies, undermine law enforcement and fire firefighters over not taking the jab, while allowing big corporate businesses – with zero loyalty to our country – to treat Americans with complete indifference. We’ve also got an Administration on the federal level unlawfully using rules to try and turn the Sunshine State into a California or New York. We’re not having ANY of it.”

Read more: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/sitePages/newsroom/pressRelease.aspx?id=6066

Read the priorities here: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/documents/Born-Free-Legislative-Priorities.pdf

Tweets

https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1481075960342622212

https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1481343635883020290

https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1481299587084296199

https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1480952608802185225

https://twitter.com/FloridaGOP/status/1481356021985591297

https://twitter.com/teamrondesantis/status/1481011785629057024?s=20

https://twitter.com/TeamMarco/status/1481357312363220995

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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News and updates you don’t want to miss.
The Melo Minute
January, 14th 2022
Happy New year!
Issue No. 46
Welcome Back to Tallahassee!
Regular Session began on Tuesday and Team Melo is very excited to get back to Tallahassee to do the people’s work! Of course, with a new year comes new legislation. Listed below are all of the bills I have filed so far and I am pleased to present them this year in the Florida House:

 

HB 411 Safe Harbor

This bill ensures that materials, such as PPE, training, and potentially even private loans, provided by a business owner to subcontractors during a declared emergency would not alter their employment status. The bill creates a “safe harbor” for business owners from legal claims arising from their good faith actions. Indeed, good deeds should go unpunished!

 

HB 461 Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Student Service Requirements

Allows students to apply their work hours as well as their volunteer hours toward the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. This bill levels the playing field for young adults who have to work and provides them the opportunity to obtain scholarship funds for their secondary education.

 

HB 579 Aquatic Plant Management

Directs the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in partnership with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida and the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, to study the strategic use of innovative biomass nutrient removal technologies and mechanical aquatic plant management techniques where ecologically and technically feasible within the Lake Okeechobee watershed.

 

HB 893 Residential Treatment Programs

Authorizes the Department of Children and Families, under certain circumstances, to place children in therapeutic group homes without prior court approval and requires DCF to appoint a qualified evaluator for assessments. In addition, the goal of this bill is to align Florida law with the requirements of the Federal Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018. Finally, the bill would maximize available federal funding and reduce systemic barriers that prevent immediate treatment for children needing intensive services.

 

HB 915 Motor Carriers

This bill modernizes practices within the trucking industry and increases the safety standards of motor carriers across the state. Part one, will encourage increasing the use of safety equipment and training for independent contractors. Part two, will allow the physical license “plates” to be changed every three years instead of every year.

 

HB 1239 Nursing Home Facility Requirements

This legislation modernizes Florida Statute 400.23 to put residents at the center of care. Nursing center staffing should recognize all professionals that provide direct care by incorporating existing definitions into staffing standards: “Direct care staff includes those individuals who, through interpersonal contact with residents or resident care management, provide care and services to allow residents to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Direct care staff does not include individuals whose primary duty is maintaining the physical environment of the facility, such as food preparation, laundry, or housekeeping.” This definition references 42 CFR s. 483.70(q) and will:

 

1) Include a mix of highly skilled direct care staff to incentivize quality and meet the complex needs of today’s nursing center residents. This includes staff providing therapeutic and mental health services, social workers, and activities staff.

2) Only measure actual direct care and not administrative or other functions.

3) Maintain the current required number of hours of direct care to be provided to each resident.

4) Keep licensed nurses and CNAs providing care with the same required staffing ratios.

 

HB 1321 Advanced Life Support Non-transport Services

& Medical Countermeasures

This is another big bill that I am running this Session. The purpose of HB 1321 is to save lives and increase the level of emergency medical services provided to our citizens and visitors by allowing licensed firefighters/paramedics to provide advanced life support services at the scene of a call while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

 

HB 1495 Immokalee Water and Sewer District

This is a local bill that I am happy to sponsor for the the Immokalee Water and Sewer District. A local bill is a piece of legislation that only affects a particular entity or region in the state. HB 1495 codifies the four special acts of the Immokalee Water and Sewer District into a single act.
Mind on the Military
As a Blue Star Mother whose son served in the United States Army, it is an honor to serve as the Representative to so many active and veteran service members. Re-adjusting to life as a citizen can be overwhelming for some of our veterans when they return home from war. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor HM 63, Recognizing Veteran Suicide, this “Urges Congress to recognize the epidemic of suicide among veterans and fully fund suicide prevention efforts by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.” If you, your family, or friends are in need of any help obtaining information in Veteran services, please contact my office and we will direct you to the valuable resources or follow the links below:

 

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

 

For 24-hour counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 

1-800-273-8255. You are NOT alone!

 

Veterans in Florida, call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 

1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or 2-1-1
What We’re Reading
Go Big or Go Home: FHCA Releases Ambitious Legislative Wish List

 

 

 

 

Christine Jordan Sexton

Florida Politics
Necropsy on Eko, Tiger Killed at Naples Zoo, Shows Big Cat Died Quickly From Blood Loss

 

 

 

Michael Braun

Naples Daily News
Legislation Calls for More Mechanical Harvesting of Plants on Lake Okeechobee

 

 

 

 

Katrina Elsken

Lake Okeechobee News
This Week’s Words of Wisdom
The Song Of The Week

 

This week’s Song of the Week is

“Feeling Good” by Michael Buble

 

It is a new year and Team Melo is “Feeling Good” heading into the 2022 Regular Session. We can’t wait for you all to visit us in the Capitol and to get back to work!

 

“It’s a new dawn, It’s a new day, It’s a new life… and I’m feeling good”
Connect With Me!

 

Social Media

 

Follow our social media pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

@LaurenMeloFL
Have Any Suggestions?

 

We are always ready to help!

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

 

HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov
Representative Lauren Melo

Florida House District 80

If you’re new to The Melo Minute and would like to subscribe, click here!

 

 

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

 

RMCCC Member John Dugan Endorsed by Naples Better Government Committee

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Our fellow Republican Men’s Club of Collier County member is endorsed by Naples Better Government Committee.

See News Release Below:

As part of its mission to promote better government in the City of Naples, Collier County and the State of Florida, Naples Better Government (NBG) meets individually with each candidate to discuss their qualifications and platform statement requested and provided prior the interview and endorsement.

Three of the five candidates running for a seat on City Council were interviewed on Thursday, January 6–incumbent Raymond Christman, John Dugan and Ian Robert Rudnick. It is important to note that two candidates, current Councilman and Vice Mayor Terry Hutchinson and Beth Petrunoff, did not participate in the interviews. Hutchinson withdrew from the interviews about two weeks prior indicating an inability to attend. Responding late to the invitation, Petrunoff indicated a fundraiser conflict making it difficult for her to attend unless a time adjustment was made.

Christman, Dugan and Rudnick impressed the Directors with their grasp of the issues facing the City and willingness to do whatever they could to get the City running efficiently under the leadership of a new City Manager. According to NBG Bylaws, candidates are to be interviewed and a ballot containing the names of all candidates in that race issued to each Director. A voting Director can vote for one or more or for no candidate, with an endorsement requiring a 60 percent majority vote by a quorum of the Directors.

Naples Better Government is pleased to endorse Raymond Christman, John Dugan and Ian Robert Rudnick, all of whom received 60 percent or more of the vote

2021 Wrap Up: Congressman Donalds Remains Committed to Southwest Florida

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2021 Wrap Up: Congressman Donalds Remains Committed to Southwest Florida
 
 

In the Congressman’s first year in office, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) never stopped fighting for the hardworking and proud Americans of Florida’s 19TH Congressional District. Rep. Donalds never wavered in his fight against the radical and reckless policies of the Biden-Harris-Pelosi-Schumer agenda, always found opportunities to work with Democrats on key issues to better the American people, and work relentlessly to prioritize the needs of his constitutes.

 

2021 Breakdown:

  • 11 bills sponsored
  • 2 resolutions sponsored
  • More than 110 cosponsored letters
  • More than 170 bills cosponsored
  • More than 350 interviews with Southwest Florida and National reporters
  • 750 constituent cases resolved

 

Rep. Donalds’ Legislative Accomplishments:

 

Protecting Southwest Florida’s Natural Resources and Water

  • One of the greatest things about Florida is the beauty of our environment and water. As promised, my first bill in Congress was the Harmful Algal Bloom Essential Forecasting Act. This bipartisan bill would allow for the water to be monitored in light of a government shutdown. I supported 7 pieces of legislation and signed onto more than 20 letters to support the vitality of Florida’s wildlife, water, and environment.

 

Prohibiting Biden’s Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandate 

  • In my first year of Congress, I had the privilege of supporting more than 18 pieces of legislation and 12 letters that would fight against the politicization of covid-19 and combat the government’s overreach into the lives of millions of Americans. Whether it was legislation that would prevent unconstitutional vaccine mandates or protect citizens’ access to monoclonal treatment, I am proud to continue the efforts of a full recovery post-pandemic and uphold the integrity of our constitution.

 

Defending Life

  • I’ve long been an advocate for life. This year I submitted an amendment to prevent giants like Planned Parenthood and its affiliates from accessing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Funds. I also supported legislation that would protect the life of the unborn, like the Hyde amendment, and sent countless letters advocating for children.

 

Backing the Blue

  • I back the blue. This year I introduced a resolution honoring fallen officers. I also signed supported legislation to establish an officers’ bill of rights and strengthen police funding. More than ever, we see with spiking crime rates under the Biden administration how important it is to support officers in our communities. I’m proud to back the blue, and I will continue to do so.

 

Fighting Critical Race Theory

  • Democrats are determined to undermine the beauty of our nation by teaching radical ideologies that taint the minds and perceptions of our students. I support education and honoring the good and bad of our nation’s history, but that is not what CRT is doing. This year I signed onto several letters and legislation to protect our students from radical democrat teachings that strive to divide Americans further.

 

Securing our Border

  • This year I visited the border twice and saw firsthand the travesty the Biden administration has been covering up for the last year. I’ve signed onto more than 20 immigration-related letters and cosponsored 10 pieces of immigration legislation that would enforce and strengthen our existing laws, protect our citizens, and require immediate deportation of criminally convicted illegal immigrants.

 

Supporting our Small Businesses

  • Small businesses have been the backbone of the U.S. economy. After the havoc the covid-19 pandemic imposed upon them, I knew I wanted to serve on the House Small Business Committee. I’m happy to say that I introduced two small business bills this year, one that would help improve cyber security for small businesses. The other would allow small business owners to access capital through the FinTech sector. In addition to those pieces of legislation, I cosponsored 12 pieces of small business legislation, offered 3 amendments, and signed onto more than 20 small business-related letters. Florida’s 19th district has some of the most amazing small businesses in the country, and those businesses are a large part of what makes my district so unique.

 

Taking care of our Veterans and Servicemembers

  • Our nation is the beacon of hope because of the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. It’s been said before that we are the land of the free because of the brave. This is why I’m pleased to say I hosted a veterans town hall, cosponsored 9 pieces of legislation, and signed several letters that would support our troops and veterans. Some of these efforts included troops not being dishonorably discharged if they refused the vaccine. Additionally, I supported efforts like the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act, which would allow paralyzed veterans to purchase new vehicles every ten years to allow for mobility and independence. I’ve also supported efforts to have members of the Biden administration testify before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on the inconceivable and disgraceful backlog of veteran’s records.

 

Notable Speeches & Opinion Pieces

  • Remarks at the House Oversight Hearing on the fossil fuel industry
  • Remarks at the GOP Freshman Delegation press conference
  • Remarks on the House Floor opposing the Build Back Better Act
  • Washington Times: Divisive critical race theory spits on the Civil Rights Movement
  • News Press: Intimidation, coercion, nor harassment is effective governing
  • Fox News: Colin Powell and his inspiring vision of a great America
  • News Press: Cuba: In a nation deprived and starved of optimism, there is hope
  • The Hill: For America’s future, look to Africa
  • News Press: A beacon of freedom
  • The Hill: Divide and conquer or unite and prosper

 

For complete access to speeches, media interviews, and much more, be sure to subscribe to my Congressional YouTube account, Newsletter, and social media accounts with the username @RepDonaldsPress.

 

Happy New Year!

 
 

Office Locations
 
WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
523 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2536
NAPLES DISTRICT OFFICE
3299 Tamiami Trail East
Suite 105
Naples, FL 34112
LEE COUNTY OFFICE
1039 SE 9th Ave
Suite 308
Cape Coral, FL 33990

RPOF Newsletter – From the desk of Chairman Joe Gruters

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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.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/04/following-governor-ron-desantis-calls-for-increased-monoclonal-supply-florida-notified-planning-process-for-shipment-of-30000-additional-doses-has-begun/

​​

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.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/05/governor-ron-desantis-announces-nearly-10-million-to-support-chip-and-semiconductor-manufacturing/

​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.

 
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

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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

  • Senators Scott, Marco Rubio and their colleagues’ bipartisan Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021 which will reauthorize and modernize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and strengthen NOAA’s Coral Reef program.
  • Senators Scott, Rubio and their colleagues’ Defending Domestic Produce Production Act to help Florida fruit and vegetable growers combat unfair trade practices by countries like Mexico.
  • Senator Scott, Rubio and their colleagues’ bipartisan NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2021 to extend NASA’s enhanced use lease (EUL) authority for two years so that NASA may lease underutilized areas on its properties to other federal agencies, academic institutions, state and local governments, and private partners in space exploration.
  • Senators Scott and Rubio’s bipartisan Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act to update the current funding formula used to allocate state funding to a per capita model and ensure quality waterways across the nation.
  • Senators Scott and Rubio’s South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act to expand research on blue-green algae and red tide and develop a plan with local stakeholders on how to best fight against harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
 
Making Washington Work

  • Senator Scott and his colleagues’ No Budget, No Pay legislation to require members of Congress to do their job and work together to pass a budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done.
  • Senators Scott, James Lankford and their colleagues’ Prevent Government Shutdowns Act to hold Congress accountable and prevent government shutdowns by setting up an automatic continuing resolution if government funding has not been enacted on time and requiring Congress to stay in town until the job is done.
  • Senators Scott and Mike Braun’s End Pensions In Congress (EPIC) Act to end taxpayer-funded pensions for members of the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
  • Senator Scott’s Federal Debt Emergency Control Act to rein in Washington’s out-of-control spending and provide a concrete path forward to tackle the nation’s nearly $30 trillion debt.
  • Senator Scott’s Supply Chain Emergency Response Act. This bill would allow unspent CARES Act funding to be used to alleviate the impacts of President Biden’s supply chain crisis which continues to fuel his raging inflation disaster and hurt families with higher prices and empty shelves.
  • Senator Scott’s Stop Mandating Additional Requirements for Travel (SMART) Act to prohibit the federal government from requiring Americans to wear masks on public transportation.
  • Senator Scott’s Freedom to Fly Act to prohibit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from requiring Americans to show proof of vaccination or produce a vaccine passport for domestic flights and protect the privacy of personal health information.
  • Senator Scott and his colleagues’ resolution supporting parents’ rights to be fully and actively involved in the education of their children.
  • Senators Scott, Rubio and their colleagues’ Treatment Restoration for Emergency Antibody Therapeutics (TREAT) Act which would stop the Department of Health and Human Services from restricting hospitals and health care facilities’ access to life-saving COVID-19 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments.
 
Securing the United States’ Southern Border

  • Senator Scott led his colleagues in introducing the Upholding the Law at Our Border Act to require the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the vetting and processing of migrants apprehended along the southwest border and to ensure that all laws are being upheld. Democrats blocked its passage by unanimous consent December 1, 2021.
 
Ensuring Free and Fair Elections

  • Senator Scott’s Save Democracy Act to improve our election system and restore confidence in our nation’s democracy. The legislation creates much needed national standards and guidelines to safeguard the accuracy and integrity of our election system and prevent fraud.
  • Senator Scott’s Promoting Election Integrity by Proving Voter Identity Act to establish common sense, nation-wide standards and requirements for voter ID in elections.
 
Standing With Israel

  • Senator Scott’s Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act would ensure no American taxpayer dollars will be authorized to the territory of Gaza until the president certifies to Congress that these funds can be spent without benefitting terrorist organizations. Senate Democrats blocked its passage on June 16, 2021.
 
Holding Biden Accountable for the Failed and Deadly Afghanistan Withdrawal

  • Senator Scott’s resolution establishing a bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan, composed of members of the House and Senate, to conduct a full investigation into President Biden’s failed and tragic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan that stranded hundreds of Americans behind enemy lines, left billions of dollars in U.S. military equipment in the hands of terrorists and took the lives of 13 brave U.S. service members.
 
Fighting for Freedom and Democracy in Latin America
 
Holding Communist China accountable

  • Senator Scott’s Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act further reinforces the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and strengthens Taiwan’s ability to resist Communist China’s aggressive policies and military actions.
  • Senator Scott’s Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act, to prohibit federal funds from being used to buy solar panels manufactured or assembled in Communist China, specifically the Xinjiang province, which is known for its use of forced labor.
  • Senator Scott’s 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.
  • Senator Scott’s bipartisan American Security Drone Act, which will prohibit the U.S. Government from purchasing drones manufactured in countries identified as national security threats, like Iran and Communist China.
 
Several of Senator Scott’s bills passed the U.S. Senate, including:

  • Senators Scott and Braun’s resolution to nullify Biden’s vaccine mandate on private sector employers under the Congressional Review Act.
  • Senators Scott and Jacky Rosen’s 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.
  • Senators Scott and Rubio’s resolution honoring the lives lost in the horrific tragedy on June 24, when the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Florida, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the night, and commending the bravery of the men and women who have risked their lives in search, rescue and recovery efforts.
  • Senators Scott and Rubio’s resolution condemning the December 6, 2019 terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola and honoring those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and those first responders whose heroism saved lives.
  • Senator Scott’s resolution recognizing the fifth anniversary of the attack on Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016, and honoring the 49 innocent victims lost that tragic day.
  • Senator Scott’s resolution recognizing the third anniversary of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018 in Parkland, Florida and honoring the 17 innocent lives lost that day.
 
Several of Senator Scott’s measures that became law:

  • As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Scott fought to include several measures in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including:
    • Providing $777.7 billion in national defense spending – a $25 billion increase over President Biden’s inadequate defense budget proposal;
    • Funding the continued mission of F-35 squadrons at Tyndall Air Force Base;
    • Funding more than $170M for military construction projects for Florida bases and more than $130M for key national security projects that help support Florida bases;
    • Raising the pay for our brave men and women in uniform by 2.7%;
    • Supporting Taiwan by stating it shall be the policy of the United States to maintain ability of the nation to resist a fait accompli against Taiwan and providing a comprehensive report on the status of efforts to build Taiwan’s capacity to defend itself against Communist China; and
    • Requiring the Pentagon to update regulations on drone technology that make it easier for American drone makers to compete against Chinese drone manufacturers, like DJI
  • Senator Scott co-sponsored the original bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, led by Senator Marco Rubio, which will ensure that goods made with Uyghur forced labor in the Xinjiang region do not enter the United States’ supply chain.
  • Senators Scott and Gary Peters’ K-12 Cybersecurity Act, which puts protections in place to keep school-aged children and their institutions safe online.
  • Senator Scott and his colleagues’ bipartisan and bicameral legislation to establish the location of the Pulse Nightclub as a national memorial to serve as a tribute to the lives lost in the tragic terror attack on June 12, 2016, and a reminder for us to always stand for love and kindness over hate and evil in this world.

RPOF Newsletter – Chairman’s message

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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.”

 

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/12/15/governor-desantis-announces-legislative-proposal-to-stop-w-o-k-e-activism-and-critical-race-theory-in-schools-and-corporations/

​​

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.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/12/10/governor-ron-desantis-announces-proposals-to-stop-the-flow-of-illegal-aliens-and-protect-floridians-from-the-ongoing-biden-border-crisis/

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.
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The Melo Minute

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The Melo Minute
December 10, 2021 – Recognizing Human Rights Week!
579 is a Dime
I am proud to introduce House Bill 597: Aquatic Plant Management.

 

This bill focuses on enhancing the treatment and water quality of Lake Okeechobee. HB 579 is an innovative pilot project that calls for the removal of biomass using “biomass removal technologies & mechanical aquatic plant management techniques.” I am also proud to mention that HB 579 is not just a bill to remove harmful biomass that affects our waters, but repurposes biomass nutrients to improve local economies! How? By repurposing the nutrients found into “a new, natural, and local source of soil amendments or compost for agricultural purposes that will also give way to innovation and job creation in the state.” This project will be spearheaded by The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission “in consultation with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida and the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University.” I am ecstatic about this proactive step towards protecting and improving Florida’s water. To read House Bill 579 click here.
Moving towards ’22
This past Wednesday, I had the privilege to join Senator Passidomo and fellow Florida House Members Borerro and Rommel for the Collier County Delegation Day. We heard from Collier County constituents, business, organizations, leaders, and their priorities for the upcoming 2022 Legislative Session. I loved directly hearing the diverse needs of this community. However, I always love hearing from members of the District 80 family; allowing myself and the District 80 team to tailor our goals to represent our constituents in the best possible manner. In the 2022 Legislative Session, I will continue to stand by my beliefs as a conservative Republican to protect our second amendment rights, honor our veterans, cut bureaucratic red tape, and grow our economy. If you did not have a chance to speak at the Delegation Day meeting, please reach out to our office. I would love to hear your comments, concerns, and ideas.
RoundTrip
Help sponsor the cost of a service member’s holiday gift home this Christmas. Full Circle Home is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping military personnel send their holiday gifts and cards back home. Be the bridge that helps bring our hero’s families closer. Find how you can support here.
Community Connection

 

Christmas Around The World – Let The Good Times Roll

December 11th

Click here for event details
Sugar Express-Clewiston

December 11th

Click here for event details
Out of the Darkness Naples Walk by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Naples

December 13th

Click here for event details
Ave Maria Patriots – Guest Speaker State Representative Lauren Melo

December 14th

Click here for event details
What We’re Reading

 
Collier County leaders meet with state legislators to discuss 2022 priorities

 

 

Karl Schneider

Naples Daily News
Ethics Commission finds probable cause Nikki Fried violated income disclosure law

 

Jacob Ogles

Florida Politics

Veterans, police officers fighting City of Naples for benefits they say they’re owed

 

Annette Montgomery & Drew Hill

Wink News
This Week’s Words of Wisdom
The Song Of The Week

 
 

 

This week’s Song of the Week is

“12 Days of Christmas” by Christmas Carol

 

There may be only “12 days of Christmas” but you can count on the District 80 team every day.

 
Connect With Me!

 

Social Media

 

Follow our social media pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

@LaurenMeloFL
Have Any Suggestions?

 

We are always ready to help!

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

 

HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov
Representative Lauren Melo

Florida House District 80

Contact Us
If you’re new to The Melo Minute and would like to subscribe, click here!

 

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

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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.

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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

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.

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Sens. Rick Scott and Jacky Rosen Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Ban Pensions for Corrupt Members of Congress

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.

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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.

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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.

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Sen. Rick Scott to Florida Hospitals: Democrats’ “Build Back Broke” Plan Slashes Charity Care Funding

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.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Gary Peters to Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Coordination on Strengthening Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing

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.

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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.

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Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott’s Resolution Condemning Communist China’s Abuse, Supporting WTA & Peng Shuai

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.

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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.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Weak Diplomatic Boycott of 2022 Olympics is Not Enough to Hold Communist China Accountable

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.

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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.

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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.

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Sen. Rick Scott Urges Biden, UN & Human Rights Groups to Call for Humanitarian Release of José Daniel Ferrer

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.

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El Senador Rick Scott insta a Biden, la ONU y organizaciones defensoras de DD. HH. a exigir la liberación humanitaria de José Daniel Ferrer

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.

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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.

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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.
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.

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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

Breitbart: Sen. Rick Scott Calls for Meeting to Discuss NBA’s Relationship with ‘Murderous and Tyrannical Chinese Government’

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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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/

 

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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/

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