RPOF Newsletter – Chairmans message

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Chairman’s Message

Huge Election Day


Republicans thump Democrats in Florida and nationwide

Voters in Florida and across the nation soundly rejected the freedom-stealing, open-border, America-last agenda of the Democrats and the Biden administration during Tuesday’s off-year elections. Governor DeSantis described Tuesday as a wave building for 2022 that will be bigger than 2010.

Republicans in Florida won several key municipal races across the state, including multiple mayoral contests such as Steve Bovo in Hialeah.

In Virginia, a blue state that went for Biden by 10 points just one year ago, Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated long-time Democrat establishment figure Terry McCauliffe for governor. Republicans swept all the statewide races in Virginia and flipped the state house. And the Republican challenger shockingly came within a whisker of winning the governor’s race in New Jersey, which went for Biden by 16 points.

Republicans also flipped seats in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Texas and New Hampshire.

It was a very good night and portends well for slamming the door on the Democrats’ radical agenda.

 

Election integrity set for the 2022 Legislative Session  

Governor DeSantis announced a new legislative proposal Wednesday for the 2022 session that begins in January that will further strengthen Florida’s election integrity.

“We are excited to say that next legislative session we are proposing another package of election integrity reforms that will make Florida the number one state for elections,” Governor DeSantis said. “I am excited that with this legislation, our state will be able to enforce election violations, combat voter fraud and make sure violators are held accountable. If potential violators know they will be held accountable, they will be much less likely to engage in improper conduct in the first place.”

Governor DeSantis called on the Legislature to take four additional steps to safeguard our elections:

  • Establish an Office of Election Crimes and Security within the Department of State to investigate election crimes and fraud;
  • Elevate the crime of ballot harvesting to a third-degree felony, recognizing that this offense is a serious attack on democracy;
  • Require timelines for supervisors of elections to clean the voter rolls of ineligible voters; and
  • Prohibit unsecure drop box locations in Florida.

 

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/11/03/governor-ron-desantis-announces-legislative-proposal-to-protect-floridas-election-integrity/

Watch the Governor’s press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1614182528931181

 

“A recession is when your neighbor loses his job; a depression is when you lose yours; a recovery is when Dr. Fauci loses his.” – Governor DeSantis

Special Session Update:
Protections against vaccine status discrimination

Governor DeSantis announced that the Special Session to provide protections for Floridians who could lose their jobs due to vaccine mandates will begin on November 15, 2021, and go no later than November 19, 2021.

“Your right to earn a living should not be contingent upon COVID shots,” Governor DeSantis said. “We have somehow gone from 15 days to slow the spread to 3 jabs to keep your job. In Florida, we believe that the decision whether or not to get a COVID shot is a choice based on individual circumstances, so we are litigating against the Biden Administration and will be passing legislation in this Special Session to protect Florida jobs and protect parents’ rights when it comes to masking and quarantines.”

He added: “The health, education, and wellbeing of our children are primarily the responsibility of parents. As long as I am Governor, parents in Florida will play a strong role in determining what their kids are learning and how they’re treated in school.”

Here are some of the elements Governor DeSantis is calling on the Legislature to consider in the Special Session:

  • Protect employees against unfair discrimination on the basis of COVID-19 vaccination status and ensure robust enforcement for this protection;
  • Ensure that educational institutions and government entities are prohibited from unfairly discriminating against employees, students, and residents on the basis of COVID-19 vaccination status;
  • Clarify that the Parents’ Bill of Rights, Chapter 1014, Florida Statutes, vests the decision on masking with parents, not government entities, and that schools must comply with Department of Health rules that govern student health, including rules that ensure healthy students can remain in school;
  • Repeal the authority for the State Health Officer to order forced injections or vaccinations under Section 381.00315, Florida Statutes, originally enacted in 2002; and

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/29/governor-ron-desantis-announces-date-of-special-session-to-protect-florida-jobs/

Florida

Less than a week after Governor DeSantis announced Florida is suing the Biden Administration for unlawfully requiring mandatory injections for federal contractors, the Biden Administration quietly updated its guidance.

“The backtracking by the Biden administration demonstrates that Florida has been right to stand up for people’s jobs and against federal overreach,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are continuing to fight for Floridians. This edict from the Biden Administration is creating chaos for both workers and businesses, as well as putting livelihoods at risk. In Florida, your right to earn a living should not be contingent upon COVID shots. Federal contractors in Florida should suspend their threats of termination over the Biden mandate.”

Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the lawsuit last week against the Biden Administration’s order requiring employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated by December 8, making Florida the first state to bring a comprehensive legal action against the federal contractor vaccine mandate. The lawsuit seeks an immediate end to the unlawful requirement that federal contractors ensure that all employees have received a mandated injection. The lawsuit can be found here.

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Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/11/02/governor-ron-desantis-continues-fight-against-federal-contractor-mandates-following-biden-backpedaling/

Governor DeSantis announced $6 million for the City of Tavares to build a regional workforce training and innovation center in partnership with Lake Technical College. While Lake Technical College currently can enroll 16 students in its programs for diesel systems technology, automotive services, and automotive collision, this new center will allow the college to triple its enrollment to 48 students. This will help Florida meet the demand of more than 67,000 new openings in these occupations over the next eight years.

Governor DeSantis has been focused on making Florida the best state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. This year, Governor DeSantis has awarded more than $20 million for workforce training initiatives in Florida. While these are creating immediate jobs, they are also creating skilled workers that are combating the nation’s supply chain crisis.

“In Florida, we are stepping up in the midst of the nation’s supply chain woes. Our ports are open and have capacity, we are standing up for businesses, and we are continuing to support the supply chain by training skilled workers across our state,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/29/governor-ron-desantis-announces-6-million-award-for-workforce-education-programs-at-lake-technical-college-through-the-florida-job-growth-grant-fund/

Washington, D.C.

Newsmax reported Senator Marco Rubio’s stinging denunciation of the Biden Administration.

“Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, ridiculed the deviations between then-candidate and now-President Joe Biden, explaining to the National Conservatism Conference on Monday that the reasons for the difference are – if expressed during the campaign – he would not have been elected.

“‘I think it’s telling that the agenda promoted by the candidate Joe Biden is very different from the one that’s being pushed by President Joe Biden,’” Rubio said via a livestream video conference to the three-day gathering in Orlando, Florida.

“‘Candidate Joe Biden, for example, promised a return of competency and professionalism;  President Joe Biden delivered chaos: Historic calamity on the southern border, humiliating and deadly debacle in Afghanistan, stranded cargo ships off the coast of California, and the skyrocketing prices of literally everything.’”

“Rubio was slated to join in person but was affected by the ongoing American Airlines flight cancellations.

“He began declaring Biden is governing differently than he campaigned because he knew from the outset his actual ideas were unpopular with the majority of ordinary Americans – as opposed to those managing society on a day-to-day basis.

“‘The problem is they have power beyond the numbers,’” Rubio said. “‘They happen to be the people who run our schools and our universities, our tech companies, our large corporations, meetings, boards, the entertainment industry; they are the most generous donors and enthusiastic activists in one of our two major political parties.’”

Read more here: https://www.newsmax.com/us/conservative-conference-florida-candidate/2021/11/01/id/1042863/

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Seeing the shocking results in Tuesday’s elections in Virginia, New Jersey, Florida and elsewhere, Senator Marco Rubio tweeted this truism:

“364 days a year a powerful minority tells everyone what they are allowed to believe, do and say. And Election Day is the day the normal majority tells them they are crazy.”

ICYMI

 

The New York Post recently published a column titled:

The country needs a dose of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to battle COVID-19

“Florida has the lowest COVID-19 case rate in the country. They did it without vaccine mandates, without mask mandates in school and with no restrictions on businesses. Life simply went on.

“Over the summer, when Florida was experiencing a spike in cases, the media was wall-to-wall news about the numbers. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis was a frequent target for the blame. His sensible moves, such as not forcing low-risk kids to wear masks, was treated as akin to murder by the media.

“In August, President Biden criticized DeSantis, although not by name, saying: “Some state officials are passing laws that forbid people from doing the right thing. I say to the governors, please help. If you’re not going to help, get out of the way of the people that are trying to do the right thing.”

“But what DeSantis understood is that there is no absolute “right thing” where COVID-19 is concerned, that we are living in an endemic (no longer a pandemic thanks to vaccines) and that there is very little political action that can be implemented to stop it. At the time of Florida’s spike, the state had an above-average vaccination rate when compared with the rest of the country. They weren’t doing anything differently than places with lower case rates, they were simply at the peak of their seasonal spike.

“Florida is doing better in per-capita cases and deaths from COVID than states that put in universal mask mandates and lockdowns. But you won’t hear that from the media. Now that DeSantis’ strategy has worked, they have quietly moved on without acknowledging their predictions of doom were wrong.

“It’s a lesson that we need to quickly learn. Encouraging vaccination is important, but ultimately COVID will be something we need to handle with less hysteria going forward, and DeSantis has been a model for that.”

Read the entire column here: https://nypost.com/2021/10/28/florida-gov-ron-desantis-has-shown-how-to-handle-covid-19/

Social Media Highlights

 

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
 

Governor DeSantis Introduces Election Integrity Plans

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PALM BEACH – Today, Governor DeSantis introduced new policy items he hopes to pass in the upcoming legislative session to further secure Florida’s elections.

“A recession is when your neighbor loses his job; a depression is when you lose yours; a recovery is when Dr. Fauci loses his.”

His proposal outlines 4 primary prongs to help strengthen Florida’s election integrity:

  • Establish an investigative unit to investigate election crimes and reports of fraud;
  • Elevate the crime of ballot harvesting to a third-degree felony;
  • Establish a timeline for local supervisors of elections to clean the voter rolls;
  • Secure locations for Florida’s drop boxes

 

Governor DeSantis also embraced the “Let’s Go Brandon” frenzy, dubbing Joe Biden’s administration the “Brandon administration.”

“If you look at all the things that are going on and you see Big Tech, corporate media. If you look at what’s going on with some of the big corporations with their woke agenda. If you look at the Biden, or Brandon administration in terms of what they’re doing…bottom line is, we’ve got a lot of things that we’re facing. We’ve now seen after Virginia that people are willing to fight back. You know I’m willing to fight back.”

Florida’s DeSantis dubs Biden admin the ‘Brandon administration’

 

“What we need now more than ever, with all the stuff that’s going on, we need people to stand for the right things. They need to stand up and they need to display courage and backbone and not back down in the face of all the things we need to deal with.”

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PAID FOR BY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE’S COMMITTEE. WWW.FLORIDA.GOP
Paid political advertisement paid for by the Republican Party of Florida, 420 East Jefferson St., Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

Republican Party of Florida, 420 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review 10/30/21

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This week, as energy prices across America surge higher, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor to request unanimous consent on his Give Americans Stability at Pumps as Rising Inflation Causes Emergencies (GAS PRICE) Act. This common sense legislation would direct the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to report to Congress any policy or rule set by the Biden administration which raises energy costs for American families. Senate Democrats blocked its passage.

Growing up Senator Scott watched his mom struggle to make ends meet and put food on the table, and now we are seeing skyrocketing prices hurt families today who are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to keep up. While the Biden administration refuses to take responsibility for its policies that are causing rising energy prices, or take action to fix this urgent problem, Senator Scott continues to propose real solutions and fight against the Democrats’ radical socialist agenda that is driving up prices and hurting American families more every day.

See more HERE

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

Sen. Rick Scott: The Government is No Replacement for Parents When it Comes to Education

As the rights of parents are under attack by the Biden administration, Senator Rick Scott, joined by Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Richard Burr and nearly thirty other Republican senators introduced a resolutionsupporting parents’ rights to be fully and actively involved in the education of their children. Recently, Joe Biden and his administration have politicized and weaponized the Justice Department, threatening to use federal law enforcement resources to intimidate and silence parents who speak out to protect their children from harmful curricula like critical race theory that’s being pushed by Biden and the far-left. Biden’s dangerous tactics are a clear violation on parents’ rights of free speech and the right to have a say in their child’s education.

This resolution is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso, Marsha Blackburn, John Boozman, Mike Braun, John Cornyn, Tom Cotton, Kevin Cramer, Mike Crapo, Joni Ernst, Deb Fischer, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, Josh Hawley, John Hoeven, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jim Inhofe, Ron Johnson, John Kennedy, James Lankford, Mike Lee, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, Jerry Moran, James Risch, Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, Thom Tillis, Tommy Tuberville, and Roger Wicker.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The Democrats’ war on parents is disgusting. As a proud father of two, and grandfather to seven, it makes me furious to hear people say that the government knows better than a mom or dad when it comes to the education of their child. That’s why today I am proud to have Leader McConnell, Ranking Member Burr and nearly thirty other Republican senators join me in introducing a simple resolution supporting parents’ rights to be engaged and have a say in their child’s education. It’s not controversial or radical to say that we support the right of parents to be the leading voices in the education of their children. And it’s not controversial or radical to expect teachers, schools and school districts to regularly engage parents in constructive and open dialogue about school policies, curriculum, and instructional materials – and to LISTEN to their feedback. Moms and dads know what is best for their children, and it is a great thing when they get involved. We won’t let the Democrats use their radical, socialist agenda to drive parents out of education and replace them with the failed ideas of big government.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: GDP Bomb Shows Biden is Driving America Toward Economic Doomsday

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Department of Commerce’s latest Bureau of Economic Analysis Report noting that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell to a 2% annualized rate of growth in the third quarter amid President Biden’s growing supply chain and inflation crises. These awful, below estimate GDP figures, which serve as the primary indicator of the country’s economic health and growth, further prove what Senator Scott has been saying for months: Biden’s dangerous, socialist policies are pushing America backward, killing jobs and driving our nation toward an economic doomsday.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Joe Biden has been an absolute disaster for our country. By embracing radical socialist policies over what’s truly in the best interest of American families, he has brought America to a dangerous low after just nine months in office. At every turn, he has made the wrong choice. Vaccine mandates? Kills jobs. Paying people more to stay home than go back to work? Kills jobs. Reckless government spending? Fuels inflation and creates a massive supply chain disaster that’s causing shortages and raising prices for almost everything. I hear it from Florida families every week – they are sick and tired of Joe Biden’s failed policies that are making it harder and harder to put food on the table, gas in the tank and a roof over their head. Folks can’t get by in Joe Biden’s America. It’s time for the president to wake up and listen before a devastating economic doomsday comes for the United States.” Read more HERE.

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Democrats Want Americans in the Dark, Block Sen. Rick Scott Transparency Proposal to Address Rising Energy Prices

As energy prices across America surge higher, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor to request unanimous consent on his Give Americans Stability at Pumps as Rising Inflation Causes Emergencies (GAS PRICE) Act. This simple legislation, cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, Cynthia Lummis, Shelley Moore Capito, Ron Johnson, Jerry Moran and Marsha Blackburn, would direct the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to report to Congress any policy or rule set by the Biden administration which raises energy costs for American families. Senate Democrats blocked its passage.

Reports from the EIA have shown that prices on energy, like gasoline, have increased 55% in just one year, and it is predicted that this winter, home heating prices are going to rise by more than 40% for homes that use heating oil, more than 30% for homes using natural gas, and 54% for homes using propane.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Just this week, the South Florida Sun Sentinel ran a story with the headline, ‘Gas Prices hit their highest level since 2014. When will we get a break?’ As gas prices keep rising, the message from Florida couldn’t be more clear. But this is about more than just headlines. These skyrocketing prices are hurting real families who are living paycheck to paycheck, and struggling to keep up. I grew up poor. When my parents’ bills went up, it made it more difficult on my family. When gas prices went up, it meant we had less food to put on the table.

“The only person to blame for what we are seeing across this country is Joe Biden. He’s done everything in his power to destroy America’s energy independence. In his first month in office, he cut the Keystone Pipeline permit and killed thousands of American jobs. Then he suspended new oil and gas leasing and drilling permits for federal lands. Of course, Joe Biden only knows how to blame everyone but himself. Since the Biden administration has shown ZERO interest in fixing this urgent problem, I introduced a simple bill today that just made it so Congress would be informed when a new policy or rule causes energy costs for American families to go up. Of course, Democrats blocked it. Joe Biden’s lieutenants in the Senate will do anything to cover up the disastrous impacts of his failed energy agenda and today was just further proof of that fact. It’s shameful but I won’t stop fighting against the Democrats’ radical socialist agenda that is driving up prices and hurting American families more every day.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Sends Open Letter to G-20 Leaders: I Won’t Support a Global Minimum Corporate Tax

Ahead of the G-20 Summit in Rome, Senator Rick Scott sent an open letter to the G-20 leaders expressing his opposition to a country-by-country minimum tax rate of 15% on multinational enterprises, which represents a significant threat to American competitiveness. In his letter, Senator Scott reminds global leaders that any changes to tax code or tax treaties must obtain approval by the U.S. Senate. Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: I Urge Airlines to Fight Biden’s Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Airlines for America President and CEO Nicholas Calio and National Air Carrier Association President George Novak urging the airline industry to abandon plans to impose President Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandates on their workforce—a driving force for unemployment. Throughout the pandemic, airline employees have worked hard to keep themselves and passengers safe. Now, the Biden administration is attempting to bully hardworking Americans and threatening their livelihood by forcing a false choice: get the vaccine or lose your job. Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott to President Biden: Taiwan Deserves Invitation to White House Democracy Summit

Senator Rick Scott urged President Joe Biden to publicly invite Taiwan to participate in The Summit on Democracy, which is being convened by the White House and Department of State on December 9th and 10th, to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the world’s democracies. Senator Scott’s letter follows President Biden’s public statement committing to protect Taiwan in the event of an invasion by Communist China. Senator Scott continues to fight for his bill, the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act, to end America’s failed policy of strategic ambiguity. Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Colleagues in Legislation Requiring Federal Employees to Return to Work

Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Marsha Blackburn, Mike Rounds and Roger Marshall to introduce the Having Employees Return to Duty (HERD) Act of 2021. This bill would require federal employees to return to their duty station and the hours they were working prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to help citizens across the country who are currently being underserved by federal agencies due to remote work and a backlog of casework issues.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’ve heard from families across Florida who are facing issues due to backlogs at federal agencies. Americans everywhere are expected to go to work each day and are able to do so safely – the federal government shouldn’t be any different. We must get the government back to work for the American people and I hope all of my colleagues will support this good bill.” Read more from Senator Lummis’ office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Chair Powell Must Prove Federal Reserve is Independent & Working for American Families

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell making it clear that he will not support Chair Powell for another term as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve unless he shows that the Federal Reserve is an independent agency working in the best interests of American families. Throughout this year, Senator Scott has repeatedly expressed his frustration with Chair Powell’s blind obedience to the failed policies and agenda of President Biden and the Democrats, and his lack of independent leadership to mitigate the harmful impacts of rising inflation. As hardworking families across America continue to suffer because of skyrocketing inflation, a supply chain crisis, a workforce disaster and a historical amount of federal debt, Chair Powell has continued to direct the Federal Reserve to manipulate markets with huge treasury bond purchases and done nothing to protect families. Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Raging Inflation Shows Biden’s Socialism & Powell’s Inaction are Destroying America

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Bureau and Labor Statistics Reportnoting the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index has risen to 4.4% over the year, the highest level seen all year. This data shows how President Biden’s inflation crisis, caused by his and Democrats’ socialist policies and reckless government spending, is shrinking budgets for families as the prices of everyday goods continue to skyrocket.

Senator Scott has been urging President Biden to stop his unconstitutional vaccine mandates which are causing families to make an impossible choice: comply to keep their job, quit, or be fired. Reports from the Federal Reserve have shown that reckless policies like this are fueling Biden’s supply chain and inflation crises. Earlier this week, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Federal Chair Jerome Powell making it clear that if Powell does not start showing the Federal Reserve is acting as an independent agency, Senator Scott will not support another term for Powell as Chair.

Senator Rick Scott said, “What in the world is President Joe Biden thinking? Report after report shows plain and simple that Biden’s socialist policies and unconstitutional vaccine mandates are killing our economy, harming our businesses and leaving our families with less and less. And what is he doing to fix it? NOTHING. Biden signed up to lead the country but he’s done absolutely NOTHING to help American families. This is hurting mothers like mine growing up, who struggled to make ends meet, and it makes me furious. The incompetence is astonishing. But, Biden isn’t the only one to blame. As Biden destroys the economy, Chair Powell has been nothing but a puppet for his disastrous agenda. With inflation still raging and the latest GDP figures showing the economy is headed in the wrong direction, we must act now to protect American families. If Biden and Powell can’t do the job, they need to get out of the way.” Read more HERE.
Fox News: GOP senators demand fully-vaccinated federal employees return to in-person work to address massive backlog

National Review: Exclusive: Congressional Republicans Affirm That There Is No International Right to Abortion

Jerusalem Post: GOP bill seeks to stop Jerusalem consulate for Palestinians

Taipei Times: Invite Taiwan to summit: US’ Scott

Breitbart: Report: 129 Republicans Demand 11 Biden Admin Officials Resign

Jerusalem Post: Senate GOP bill seeks to block Jerusalem consulate reopening

WKMG: Senators call for new zip codes for Ocoee, Oakland in bill

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Calls on Airline Industry to Resist Mandatory Vaccinations

Florida Daily: Rick Scott to HHS Inspector General: American Families Demand Answers on COVID-19 Origins

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Wants to Know if State Department is Investigating Pan American Health Organization

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Introduces the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act With Kyrsten Sinema’s Support

Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Want New Zip Codes in Florida

Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Michael Waltz Continue Efforts to Change Water Quality Allocation to the States
Senator Scott has received his COVID-19 vaccine, and he encourages everyone consider doing the same. The COVID-19 vaccine works and is critical to ending the pandemic and saving lives.

For more information and to find out where you can get the shot, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines.
TALLAHASSEE
111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 942-8415		 WEST PALM BEACH 
415 Clematis Street, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-0189		 TAMPA
801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 225-7040
KISSIMMEE 
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (407) 586-7879		 PENSACOLA 
221 Palafox Place, Suite 420
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 760-5151		 MIAMI 
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 505
Miami, FL 33134
Phone: (786) 501-7141
NAPLES
3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 231-7890		 JACKSONVILLE
400 West Bay Street, Suite 289
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 479-7227		 ORLANDO
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161
  WASHINGTON, D.C.
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274		  
  Fax: (202) 228-4535

RPOF Newsletter – Chairman Joe Gruter’s Message

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Chairman’s Message

Florida job growth soars. Covid cases plummet.

At the same time as Covid cases continue to plunge in Florida, to the lowest in the nation, the state’s job growth soars to the highest in the nation — demonstrating again the wisdom of Governor DeSantis’ freedom-first agenda.

Florida’s Covid case count is down 90 percent from two months ago, and 76 percent since Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo signed new rules about a month ago that empowered parental control over their children’s health, banned quarantining healthy people and kept kids in school mask-free. Florida’s case rate is currently half of California’s, which has the strictest mask and vaccine requirements in the nation and is mandating every child over five be vaccinated to attend school.

“Without mandates or lockdowns, COVID-19 cases in Florida have decreased 90% since August,” Governor DeSantis said. “In addition to cases, hospitalizations have plummeted in our state. This has been accomplished by making monoclonal antibody treatments and vaccines widely available throughout our state while protecting Floridians from government overreach.”

Draconian, freedom-squashing government mandates do not stop Covid and Florida’s path is shown to be the best in dealing with the virus while allowing people to freely make their own health decisions.

These freedoms have fueled Florida’s economy by allowing businesses and consumers to go about creating a thriving marketplace.

Florida’s economy rapidly accelerated in September, growing at three times the rate of the nation’s growth. Florida gained 84,500 total jobs, marking 17 consecutive months of private-sector job growth. Importantly, Florida has also seen 11 consecutive months of labor force increases, adding 50,000 workers in just the past month. Florida’s labor force growth of 5.4% is dramatically higher than the national rate of 0.8%.

In total, Florida has gained more than one million jobs since April 2020, and September’s job creation was almost twice that of California.

“While the entire nation gained 194,000 jobs in September, Florida gained 84,500 jobs in the same month – we are outpacing the nation in job growth and job opportunities because businesses know that Florida will stand up for them,” Governor DeSantis said. “We will continue to work hard to keep Florida open, free and built for opportunity.”

Governor DeSantis was joined this week by representatives of three Florida-based businesses — Tervis, PGT Innovations, and Anna Maria Oyster Bar — to highlight the recent success of Florida’s job market and support Florida-based companies.

“Governor DeSantis has created a business environment that has enabled us to hire 115 people since June that has helped minimize the broader impact that the pandemic created, and Tervis is very fortunate to be in a state with a healthy economy,” said Rogan Donelly, President and CEO, Tervis. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Tervis was able to keep our headquarters open in order to manufacture our products, our employees were able to safely stay at work and provide for their families.”

“The pro-business atmosphere in Florida has been crucial for PGT innovations to prosper; specifically over the last 18 months, our business has benefited from low taxes from forward-thinking policies,” said Rod Hershberger, Chairman, PGT Innovations. “We’re able to stay open and continue working because of Governor DeSantis’ efforts to protect Florida jobs. This is the best place to work from a tax perspective and from the leadership that we have, and we intend to stay here for a long time.”

“Everybody in our industry feels we’ve got a governor that’s got our back, that’s working with us, that’s working to help us,” said John Horne, President & Owner, Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

These three represent the sentiments of thousands of thriving and grateful Florida businesses.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/22/floridas-september-job-growth-rate-is-three-times-faster-than-the-nation/

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/25/governor-ron-desantis-highlights-florida-leading-the-nations-job-growth/

Read more: https://news.yahoo.com/florida-now-has-americas-lowest-covid-rate-does-ron-de-santis-deserve-credit-090013615.html

 

FLORIDA

Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody announced a lawsuit today against the Biden Administration’s order requiring employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated by December 8. The Governor promised to take legal action to stop federal overreach and is keeping that promise, making Florida the first state in the nation to hold the President accountable.

The lawsuit seeks an immediate end to the unlawful requirement that federal contractors ensure that all employees are injected.

“Just months ago Joe Biden was saying that it wouldn’t be appropriate or lawful for the federal government to mandate these COVID shots,” Governor DeSantis said. “But now we have somehow gone from 15 days to slow the spread to 3 jabs to keep your job. The federal government is exceeding their power and it is important for us to take a stand because in Florida we believe these are choices based on individual circumstances.”

“I have never seen such blatant disregard for the Constitution or the laws governing our country,” said Attorney General Moody. “President Biden does not have the authority to force millions of Americans to receive a shot, nor does he have the ability to punish Florida economically for not abiding by his authoritarian, unlawful, and unconstitutional executive order.”

The Governor and Attorney General were joined at the announcement by Floridians who are facing consequences as a result of vaccine mandates.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/28/governor-ron-desantis-announces-lawsuit-against-biden-administrations-unconstitutional-vaccine-mandates/

And here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/florida-biden-lawsuit-covid-vaccine-mandates-federal-contractors

Watch the full press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=337652531454633

Read the lawsuit here: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/047123627394.pdf

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.

With Congress back in session, Val Demings radicalness is impossible to hide. She is in lock-step with the most extremist members of Congress, such as the socialist Squad, and out of touch with Floridians by supporting every penny of the full-fledged $3.5 trillion socialist spending spree.

In joining fellow radicals to push this budget, Demings is supporting 40 separate tax increases that would take $2 trillion out of Americans’ pockets. In addition to tax hikes on Florida families, the socialist spending spree paves the way for the Green New Deal, amnesty for illegal immigrants, and taxpayer-funded abortion.

Demings is trying to unseat Senator Marco Rubio, who released a great ad highlighting how radical his opponent is, voting with the Squad 94 percent of the time.

Watch the Rubio ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccc2oKnGBG8

 

ICYMI

What they’re saying about Governor DeSantis calling for a Special Session

Business owners and industry leaders from around the state applauded Governor DeSantis’ call for a Special Session of the Florida Legislature last week to protect Florida employees from unconstitutional vaccine mandates and vaccine passports.

Here is what they are saying:

Ralph A. Lewis, Co-Owner of Florida’s oldest steakhouse, Okeechobee Steakhouse, said: “Without Governor DeSantis holding his ground and making decisions based on scientific facts, our loss of business would be catastrophic. From the staff of Okeechobee Steakhouse and Okeechobee Prime Meat Market, thank you, Governor DeSantis, for allowing us to keep our jobs.”

Charles Musgrove, Jr., CPA and Founder of CAPSERV360, said: “Thank you to Governor DeSantis for standing in the breach to protect our liberties. I have never been prouder to be a Floridian than over the past 18 months. Your leadership is inspirational for all Americans and an example for all political leaders whether local, state, or federal.”

Nick Sarra, Chief Operations Officer of Saltwater Restaurants, said: “Allowing customers to freely dine without mandated vaccine passports has allowed us to continue to employ hundreds of workers in our nine restaurants across Northwest Florida. Placing our employees on the front line of our customers’ medical decisions is not their responsibility as professionals in the restaurant industry. We are grateful for Governor Ron DeSantis’ strong support of restaurants and our employees.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/22/what-they-are-saying-businesses-applaud-governor-desantis-protecting-floridians-jobs-and-livelihoods/

 

Social Media Highlights

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Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds

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Weekly Wrap-Up with

Congressman Byron Donalds

October 25, 2021
 
 

This past week in Congress, instead of working to find solutions for the national labor shortage, supply chain crisis, rising inflation, or the worsening border crisis – Speaker Pelosi instead called members back to Washington, D.C. to unsuccessfully rally support for her radical agenda. 

 

Abiding by his constitutional requirement to testify in front of Congress, Attorney General Merrick Garland appeared in front of the House Judiciary Committee this past week to discuss a wide range of issues. Most notably his weaponizing of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target concerned parents who oppose the implementation of Critical Race Theory in their child’s curriculum. Attorney General Garland weaponizing the DOJ, an agency intended to serve as a non-partisan agency to seek equality and justice under the law, being used to intimidate law-abiding parents without legal basis will not stand. Parents belong in education, not the FBI. 

 

The Hyde Amendment, an amendment that has had bipartisan support since its inception in 1976, has been cut from Biden’s budget. The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. This legislation has saved over 2.5 million lives from abortion, and today’s progressive Democrat Party wants to end this lifesaving amendment. It’s time to tell the radical Democrats in DC that taxpayer dollars should never fund abortions.

 

Lastly, the crisis occurring at our southern border continues to reach new heights. During the 2021 Fiscal Year, Border Patrol agents have now apprehended 1.7 illegal immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now warning Americans that they expect roughly 400,000 illegal border crossings during the month of October. As the severity of this crisis rapidly worsens, our President continues to take another vacation to his Delaware home. Along with his absent leadership on the border crisis, Joe Biden is also attempting to sneak in mass amnesty for up to 10 million illegal immigrants, leaving the American taxpayers with the $100 billion burden. 

 

Every day that the border remains open and vulnerable, our national security is at risk. President Biden, it’s time to Build The Wall! 

 

For a continued update on legislation out of Capitol Hill, the latest on what’s happening on the House floor, and more, keep reading! 

 

 

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Legislative Updates
 
This past week, I spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives of the radical reconciliation package that includes a $100 billion provision that provides a pathway to amnesty for 10 million illegal immigrants.

 

This provision endangers our country, further escalates the border crisis, and fails to protect our national security. Watch my full speech below:

 

 

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This past week, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on global supply chains amidst the national worker shortage that our economy is currently facing. In this committee hearing, I discussed the economic consequences that stem from extended federal unemployment benefits and the supply chain crisis that we are currently facing. Watch my remarks below:

 

Rep. Byron Donalds – Supply Chain Labor Shortage

 
On the House floor last week, I spoke on the very real economic dangers that will arise from Biden’s multi-trillion-dollar Build Back Better Act. Watch my full remarks below:

 

 

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In the Media
 
Last week, I had the opportunity join NBC’s Meet the Press Reports with Chuck Todd to discuss the ongoing textbook wars and the dangers of implementing Critical Race Theory in our schools.

 

Watch a segment of the feature interview below:

 

 

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On Saturday, I had the pleasure of joining ‘The Unfilteredwith Dan Bongino’ on Fox News to discuss Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to ban vaccine mandates in Florida, New York’s rising COVID numbers, and Biden’s ongoing border crisis.

 

Watch the interview below:

 
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Serving the hardworking men and women of Florida’s 19th Congressional District is my distinct honor and privilege. It’s time Washington works for our community’s values, and every day I will always strive to ensure your government is working for you.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Byron Donalds
Member of Congress
 

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
(239) 252-6225
LEE COUNTY OFFICE
1039 SE 9th Ave
Suite 308
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 599-6033

 

RPOF Newsletter – Joe Gruters -Chairman’s Message

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Chairman’s Message

SPECIAL SESSION

Governor DeSantis calls for quick legislative action to block vaccine mandates

Governor DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, and Floridians threatened with job loss due to vaccine mandates stood together today as the Governor called a Special Session of the Florida Legislature to provide protections for employees.

“Your right to earn a living should not be contingent upon COVID shots,” Governor DeSantis said. “When the vaccines first came out, we worked very hard to provide them, particularly to our elderly, but we said from day one: we will make it available for all, but we will mandate it on none because ultimately we want individuals to make the determinations about what is right for them. I want a state in which people are able to maintain their livelihoods, earn a living, and provide for their families. And if the federal government or big corporations are hurting people, then we have a responsibility to step up and lead.”

During this Special Session, Governor DeSantis is asking the Florida Legislature to provide protections for employees facing termination because of discriminatory vaccine mandates and to make clear that government entities, including school districts, may not fire any employee based on vaccine status. Employers’ broad liability protections should also be reevaluated if they harm their employees through vaccine mandates.

Further, the Governor is asking the Florida Legislature to provide greater protections to parents to manage the health care decisions of their children, including the freedom to opt their children out of mask mandates. According to Florida Department of Health data over the last twelve to fourteen months, COVID-19 infection data from Florida counties reflects no meaningful difference between counties with parent opt-outs for mask requirements.

There is strong support for these freedom-protecting steps in Florida leadership.

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez: “Mandates have no place in the free state of Florida.”

Attorney General Moody: “We will always fight illegal government actions that negatively impact first responders, America’s workers, and public safety.”

Dr. Joseph Ladapo: “Condemning Americans to financial instability is detrimental to the well-being of this country and to public health.”

 

Florida Ports helping break supply chain logjam 

Governor DeSantis is making it clear that Florida Seaports have the available capacity to help unclog the supply chain in America and meet holiday demand, while other seaports across the country, particularly in California, are struggling to keep up.

At an event with the Governor, Jaxport officials announced this week that they will be offering incentives to any company that chooses to bring its business to the port, freeing up backlogs at other ports while ensuring Americans are able to receive the goods they order.

“Year after year we continue to invest in our seaports, in infrastructure and in workforce education to make sure our supply chain is resilient,” Governor DeSantis said. “I’m especially proud of Florida’s seaports. They are crown jewels in our state.”

While California is just now opening their ports 24/7, that is the norm in Florida.

“While other U.S. ports are just now announcing around-the-clock operations, in Florida many of our ports are used to serving Florida farmers, families and businesses with 24-hour operations,” Governor DeSantis during a press conference at Jaxport. “As the rest of the nation faces rampant inflation and businesses stare down unprecedented supply chain problems, our message is this: Florida is here, we have capacity, we have incentive packages to help businesses who want to move here and we are going to make sure Americans get their Christmas Gifts this season.”

The Governor pointed out that at least one European container ship supplier has chosen Jaxport for its U.S. unloading destination bringing an extra 1,000 shipping containers a week through the port, highlighting an incentive package aimed at gaining more customers to the state.

The Governor also said that Port Everglades unloaded nearly 7,000 containers from a ship this past weekend, and a second ship from India is coming to the port with more than 9,000 containers.

“We in Florida have the ability to help alleviate the logjams and help ameliorate the problems with the supply chain,” the Governor said. “Part of it is because we’ve long been committed to reliable, modern and accessible port facilities.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/19/governor-ron-desantis-floridas-seaports-are-open-and-ready-to-meet-holiday-demands/

And here: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-desantis-press-conference–20211019-bywe53a6jrfxtnb2e7f3vt2cru-story.html

 

 

Fortifying parents rights

Governor DeSantis stood with parents who were targeted in a recent memo from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that attempted to silence them for speaking out to protect their children, saying that Florida would further fortify their parents rights.

Garland’s memo followed a letter from the National School Board Association to President Biden, which likened parents who oppose the masking of kindergartners and teaching critical race theory in public schools to “domestic terrorists.” Revealing the divisiveness of this, the Florida School Board Association fired off an opposing response to the NSBA, urging the organization to acknowledge their request is federal overreach. The state intends to do more.

“The Federal Government would have you believe that parents who care about their children’s upbringing are a menace to society. In Florida we won’t allow it,” Governor DeSantis said. “Debate is welcome in the state of Florida and should be welcome anywhere in the United States. If that debate turns into anything that’s not peaceful, then we have the best law enforcement in the nation to handle it.”

Punctuating the point, the Governor was joined by members of local law enforcement and state attorneys who are capable of assessing threats in their community without meddling by politicized federal bureaucrats.

“We don’t need the federal government investigating and intimidating parents in an attempt to squelch dissent. Today, I was proud to support the parents who won’t be silenced by the Biden Administration’s threats,” the Governor said.

Senator Debbie Mayfield added: “Our children do not belong to the federal government nor to the school boards, they belong to their parents. Parents have every right to be involved in their child’s education and should not be silenced by the federal government. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for continuing to fight for Florida’s parents and children.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/20/governor-desantis-stands-with-parents-against-biden-administrations-attempt-to-silence-free-speech-through-intimidation/

Read the FSBA’s letter here: https://spacecoastdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FSBA-Letter-Response-to-NSBA-Letter-to-President.pdf

 

Our Fighting First Lady

First Lady Casey DeSantis joined Governor Ron DeSantis to deliver surprise remarks at the Hernando County Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner on Saturday night, vowing “to never ever, ever give up the fight, ever.”

“I just want to say God bless you and thank you,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “There’s a lot that we can be upset about, that we can be sad about: the direction of our country, the future of our nation, our families, our communities, our safety, our children, their education, their futures, our health, and our wellbeing. But I’ll tell you one thing that’s for sure, I’m sure as hell not giving up,” she said. “When you know in your heart what is right, never ever, ever give up the fight, ever,” she said.

Governor DeSantis highlighted the strength and determination his wife has shown during this difficult time. “Probably the most important person that has stood by me is our wonderful First Lady,” said Governor DeSantis. “I trust in the Lord. I know how tough she is.”

Watch the video of her here: https://twitter.com/RonDeSantisFL/status/1450097460781756417

Protecting Floridians’ jobs

Instead of changing course to stop the crisis of mass illegal immigration occurring at the Southwest border, the Biden Administration has doubled down to further weaken immigration enforcement. A memo issued last week by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas directed immigration authorities to stop deploying worksite operations that enforce illegal immigrant employment laws, effectively greenlighting American employers to hire illegal aliens.

As usual, it will be up to states to enforce the law.

“This latest action by DHS should come as no surprise given that mass illegal immigration is this administration’s policy, but yet again, Florida will fill the chasm left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to enforce the law,” Governor DeSantis said. “State and federal law explicitly prohibit the employment of illegal aliens. In Florida, we will enforce the law, and we will protect the jobs and wages of Florida’s workers.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/15/governor-ron-desantis-to-biden-administration-do-your-job-enforce-the-law-stop-incentivizing-illegal-immigration/

 

Investing in Florida infrastructure

Governor DeSantis announced a $6 million infrastructure grant to Sumter County to help complete a one-and-a-half-mile road expansion that serves a 300-acre industrial park. The road expansion will support high-demand fields like manufacturing and construction, creating nearly 7,000 jobs and adding an estimated $336 million in additional income for Sumter County residents.

Governor DeSantis made this announcement as part of a multi-week tour of the state highlighting job growth, workforce training initiatives, and infrastructure investments in small and rural communities. “Infrastructure projects are vital for the growth and development of new business in the State of Florida,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/18/governor-ron-desantis-announces-6-million-infrastructure-investment-for-sumter-county/

–––––

Governor DeSantis announced a $6.1 million infrastructure grant to Hernando County for the development of an 18-acre site where Pasco Hernando State College and Suncoast Technical Education Center will build additional campuses and provide new workforce training programs for residents.

The training offered at the new campuses will focus on skills in targeted industries, including manufacturing, professional services, aviation, and medical and diagnostic laboratories, which will help create job opportunities for residents of small and rural communities.

Governor DeSantis made the announcement at American Aviation, a local company that has supported the project and will serve a pivotal role in providing training for students who want to pursue aviation. “The more that we invest in workforce education, the more we see companies moving to our state because they know they will have access to a talent pool unlike any other state in the nation,” the Governor said.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/18/governor-ron-desantis-announces-6-1-million-to-support-workforce-education-in-hernando-county/

–––––

Governor DeSantis announced a $1.69 million infrastructure grant to the City of North Port for the installation of water and wastewater infrastructure across 500 acres at the Panacea Activity Center. The City of North Port represents 20 percent of Sarasota County’s growth over the past 10 years, but 90 percent of the workforce commute to work outside the city’s borders.

The City of North Port is matching the state’s investment, resulting in a project that is estimated to create as many as 9,700 new, permanent jobs to support the area’s self-sufficiency. This announcement was the final stop on Governor DeSantis’ weeklong tour announcing investments in small and rural communities.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/15/governor-ron-desantis-announces-1-69-million-to-the-city-of-north-port-to-invest-in-infrastructure-and-create-local-job-opportunities/

–––––

Governor DeSantis announced a $2.8 million infrastructure grant to Northwest Florida State College to fund a new diesel mechanic technician training program. Diesel mechanics are in-demand both nationally and in Florida.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for diesel service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by 8% over the next 10 years, and in Walton and Okaloosa counties, current projections show an 18% increase in demand for transit technicians over the next five years. “To support job growth in our state, we are focused on not only investing in infrastructure, but also supporting workforce training programs like the great ones here at Northwest Florida State College,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/14/governor-ron-desantis-announces-2-8-million-award-to-northwest-florida-state-college-through-the-florida-job-growth-grant-fund/

–––––

Governor DeSantis announced a $5.8 million infrastructure grant to Collier County Public Schools to open iTECH Glades Technical College in Moore Haven, a new location of Immokalee Technical College. The new iTECH Glades campus in Moore Haven will serve an area that does not have any post-secondary training programs within 30 miles.

The $5.8 million award will cover five years of startup costs and 12 career training programs. Workforce training will be offered in high-demand fields such as HVAC, diesel systems, accounting, nursing, welding and healthcare, and will be available to Floridians in Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Okeechobee and Collier counties.

“This new campus will provide the area with access to workforce education that actually helps Floridians find high-paying jobs without being saddled by debt,” Governor DeSantis said. “By investing in projects that make a meaningful difference to Florida’s workforce, we have been able to keep our economy growing month-after-month, and we are continuing to build an even stronger industrial base in our state.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/10/15/governor-ron-desantis-announces-more-than-5-8-million-to-provide-workforce-education-opportunities-in-rural-communities/

 

ICYMI

Val Demings radicalness is showing. Congress is back in session and the progressives will fight to keep spending trillions of dollars we don’t have on an America-changing liberal wishlist. And Val Demings is right there with the most radical members of Congress, such as the socialist Squad, supporting every penny of the full-fledged $3.5 trillion socialist spending spree. She is wildly out of touch with Floridians.

In joining fellow radical progressives to push this budget, Demings has indicated her support for forty separate tax increases, totaling an eye-popping $2 trillion to be taken out of Americans’ pockets.

Senator Marco Rubio, who Demings is trying to unseat, released a great ad highlighting how radical his opponent is. The video shows how closely aligned Demings is with the socialist squad of Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley and her willingness to vote with the squad 94 percent of the time. You can watch the ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0zuqqrSoiE

In addition to tax hikes on Florida families, the socialist spending spree paves the way for the Green New Deal, amnesty for illegal immigrants, and taxpayer-funded abortion.

Read more here: https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/08/24/marco-rubio-releases-video-slamming-val-demings-alignment-with-socialists/

–––––

Senator Marco Rubio responded to the Biden Administration’s proposed woke Department of Labor regulation that would allow fund managers to consider “climate-change related factors” and “progress on workforce diversity [and] inclusion” when investing the savings of fund beneficiaries under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

“Following the lead of Wall Street and corporate America, President Joe Biden wants the investment of workers’ and retirees’ hard-earned savings to advance progressive, woke social policies instead of their best interests,” Rubio said. “This is the latest example of how the political left works. They want to remake the entire country to comply with the latest woke agenda. And with this rule, the political left’s allies on Wall Street and corporate America will be free to do it with no recourse for the workers and retirees harmed by it.”

Read Senator Rubio’s full statement here:https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=30E556A9-BF2B-462A-B8D1-116FD94ED00A

Connected to this, Rubio previously filed the Mind Your Own Business Act earlier this year, which would “require corporate directors to prove their ‘woke’ corporate actions were in their shareholders’ best interest in order to avoid liability for breach of fiduciary duty in shareholder litigation over corporate actions relating to certain social policies. If they really believe that being woke is good for business, they should have to say so — and prove it — under oath in court,” Rubio said.

Read more here: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=30E556A9-BF2B-462A-B8D1-116FD94ED00A

 

Social Media Highlights

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Legislative Update – October 17, 2021

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The Melo Minute – October 10, 2021

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News and updates you don’t want to miss.
The Melo Minute

 

October 10, 2021 – Happy National Fire Prevention Week!
Reserving Our Resources 
Any member of our community could say water is the staple resource in Southwest Florida. However, caring for and utilizing our water is a delicate process. This week I had the pleasure of getting a firsthand experience on one of the many ways we do this. The Caloosahatchee River West Basin Storage Reservoir (C-43) is an active water management project in Hendry County that will finish by the end of 2023! As a fellow Floridian, Representative, and member of the Environment, Agriculture & Flooding Subcommittee, I am dedicated to ensuring the preservation and vitalization of our natural resources.

 

What this Basin will provide

 

Maintenance of salinity levels and the locally allocated agricultural water

Help with the timing and quantity of freshwater flow going into the Caloosahatchee Estuary

12 Miles of Versatile Trails for Walking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

Public Parking & Restrooms

Equestrian Area with Parking, Paddock, and Wash

Canoe & Kayak Launch Area

Fishing by Boat & Bank

Informational Kiosks

 

Huge thank you to Phil Flood and his team with South Florida Water Management for giving us an amazing and informative tour of the C-43 Reservoir project! It was impressive to see all the progress made and to receive an update on the construction still ahead.
Legislative Updates
On Tuesday,

 

I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Senator Ray Rodrigues and Representatives Spencer Roach and Jenna Persons-Mulika at the Chamber of Southwest Florida Pre-Legislative Session Luncheon to discuss some of our priorities for Session 2022. As always, it was a spirited event with all attendance enjoying the opportunity to speak directly with their elected officials.
On Thursday,

 

we were back at it again with the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association Legislative Panel. This time Representatives Bob Rommel, Persons-Mulika, and I spoke to the FOAA convention about future bills that may impact their industries and how we continue to fight to protect business owners and private individuals alike from intrusive big-government policies in Tallahassee.
What We’re Reading

 

China-US spot freight rates plunge

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh Plaza
Ban on negotiating Medicare drug prices under pressure

 

 

 

 

 

Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar

AP News
Save the manatees: Researchers seeking ways to restore, enhance warm water habitats in Florida

 

 

 

Karl Schneider

Naples Daily News
The Song of the Week

 

This week’s Song of the Week is

“Seminole Wind” by John Anderson

 

After touring the C-43 Reservoir Project, Team Melo was reminded how much South Florida has changed in such a relatively small amount of time. While we can’t completely undo the environmental mistakes of the past, we can protect what we have left and allow that “Seminole Wind” to continue blowing through the sea of grass we know as the awe-inspiring Everglades.

 

Have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week? Let us know!
Connect with Me!

 

Social Media

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This Survivor is rockin’ the pink!

 

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
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Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
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Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

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This week, following President Biden’s proposal for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to monitor every financial transaction made by Americans of $600 or more, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor in support of his and Senator Tommy Tuberville’s bill to protect Americans’ financial privacy. Senators Scott and Tuberville’s attempt to pass their legislation stopping Biden’s proposal to weaponize the IRS for Communist China-style totalitarian surveillance was blocked by Senate Democrats.

Nearly 20,000 Floridians have shared their disgust for President Biden’s insane IRS overreach with Senator Scott in recent weeks. Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to share their thoughts on this and other issues on our website HERE.

See more in the video HERE or below.

—

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

Sen. Rick Scott: Joe Biden is Pushing America Off a Cliff

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ September Employment Situation Summary noting that U.S. job growth fell to its slowest pace of Joe Biden’s presidency.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Joe Biden and Democrats in Washington are pushing America off a cliff. Up in Washington, the inmates are running the asylum. Look at what Joe Biden is doing. We have 11 MILLION job openings in this country… there’s no excuse for the job numbers we are seeing from this administration outside of pure stupidity. Is anyone surprised that when you spend months paying able bodied adults more to stay home than go back to work that folks aren’t getting back on the job? NO. Is anyone shocked that when Biden pushes billions and billions of ‘free’ money to able-bodied adults that folks aren’t getting back to work? NO. Is anyone surprised that when the Biden administration chooses woke, left-wing radicals to run the government that Americans are scared to death of what the government is going to do to their taxes and constitutional rights? Of course not. Everything Joe Biden has done has led to more fear, less growth and fewer jobs. Joe Biden’s socialist agenda is killing the American Dream.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott on the Senate Floor: Struggling Families & Businesses Can’t Afford Biden’s Unconstitutional Mandates and Systemic Socialism

Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor on how President Joe Biden’s overreaching and unconstitutional vaccine mandates for private companies trample on the personal freedoms of Americans and will cause massive shortages throughout American supply chains, further fueling Biden’s inflation crisis and higher prices on everyday goods for families already struggling to keep food on their tables.

Senator Scott is calling on President Biden to take immediate action to ensure the United States’ supply chains won’t completely crumble under his failed policies and mandates, and is urging the President to have Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo testify to the Senate Commerce Committee on this issue.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden and the Democrats’ radical agenda of systemic socialism is crushing American families and businesses. It’s clear that Democrats want to control your life and their latest vaccine mandate on private companies is indisputable proof of that. Biden’s mandate forces people into an impossible ultimatum to comply, quit or be fired. This unconstitutional mandate tramples on the personal freedoms of Americans, will push more workers out of the workforce, devastate our economy with product and service shortages that cripple supply chains and throw America into a stagflation crisis not seen since the 1970’s.

“When I think about the impact of burdensome government regulations, I think about my dad who was a truck driver. Biden’s new mandate would not only put an insane burden on truck drivers and the trucking industry, but also fuel inflation hurting poor families, like mine growing up, who are already struggling to put food on the table with the massive inflation caused by Washington’s reckless spending. Americans can’t afford this. We need more jobs, not less; lower prices on everyday goods, not higher. The role of government is to inform, not mandate. Biden’s systemic socialism has to stop.” See more in the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott to Biden: Stop the Secrecy About Illegal Immigrants & Secure the Border

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Ted Cruz and his colleagues to discuss President Biden’s failed policies of amnesty and open borders that have fueled a massive humanitarian and national security crisis on the United States’ southern border. Senator Scott continues to demand that President Biden reverse his disastrous policies, inform law enforcement and local governments of where his administration is sending illegal immigrants within the United States and secure the southern border. Under President Biden’s watch, more than 1.2 million migrants have illegally crossed the border this year. Last week, news reports showed the Biden administration is preparing for upwards of 400,000 illegal border crossings in October. See more in the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues to Introduce Resolution Establishing a Bipartisan Joint Afghanistan Investigation Committee

Senator Rick Scott was joined by Senators Kevin Cramer, Thom Tillis, Joni Ernst, Steve Daines, Mike Braun and Josh Hawley to introduce a 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. This joint select committee would follow the precedent set in the aftermath of the Iran-Contra affair. For over a month, Senator Scott has been calling on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to launch a bicameral, bipartisan investigation, but they have been silent.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Last month, President Biden’s misguided and dangerous decisions in his botched withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan led to the United States most stunning, unforced and humiliating defeat in decades. Due to President Biden’s carelessness and failed leadership, 13 U.S. service members were lost, billions of dollars of U.S. military equipment was left for the Taliban, hundreds of American citizens were stranded behind enemy lines and Afghanistan has been returned to the Taliban and now rests in the hands of the same terrorist-coddling extremists who ruled it on September 11, 2001. The world is now a more dangerous place and the American people are rightfully demanding answers. For over a month, I have called on Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi to launch a bipartisan and bicameral investigation into the Biden administration’s failed withdrawal of American forces. They’ve been shamefully silent. That’s why today, I am introducing a resolution to establish a bipartisan and bicameral Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan to conduct a full investigation and compile a joint report on the United States tragically failed withdrawal from Afghanistan. It’s time to put partisan politics aside and demand accountability.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: As Border Crisis Skyrockets, Biden Administration Putting Florida Families in Harm’s Way

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to continue its failed open border policies. Last week, DHS announced plans to once again terminate the secure and safe remain-in-Mexico policies implemented under the Trump administration despite a federal court order requiring the agency to enforce these protocols.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Joe Biden has spent every day of his presidency pointing fingers and refusing to take responsibility for the crisis he has created at the southern border. Month after month we are seeing illegal crossings at the border skyrocket, overwhelming border patrol, and allowing dangerous cartels to pour drugs into the United States and run horrific human trafficking rings that are victimizing innocent women and children. I heard about these devastating cartel-driven crimes directly from our brave border patrol agents when I visited the southern border in Arizona earlier this year. And we have all seen the heartbreaking images of young children being stranded in the desert and left for dead but for the lifesaving actions of our border patrol and law enforcement on the ground.

“But this isn’t just an issue in Arizona and Texas. Every state is a border state. I have been hearing from sheriffs across Florida about how this crisis is hurting our families. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, there has been over double the amount of fentanyl smuggled across our border compared to all of last year – killing thousands of Americans – and the year isn’t even over. Law enforcement in Florida is seeing more and more dangerous drugs in our communities hurting families because of the savage cartels having free reign at the border. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have taken one failed step after another to dismantle the proven border and national security policy we have set in place to protect this country. It must stop now. It’s time for Biden to ditch his failed policies of open borders and amnesty and secure the border now.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: We Must Reform the Broken National Flood Insurance Program

Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of three bills to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which would help lower the cost of flood insurance and ensure the property insurance market better serves Florida families. According to FEMA data, since the inception of the NFIP, Florida policyholders have paid more than $19 billion in premiums, but only collected approximately $5.6 billion in claims reimbursements, which equates to a nearly 4 to 1 ratio of premiums paid to claims reimbursements. The situation Florida families face is clearly unfair and exactly why Congress must make reforms to encourage participation in the private flood insurance market as an alternative for hardworking Americans across our country.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The National Flood Insurance Program is a perfect example of what happens when government tries to take over an industry – it fails. The NFIP is not only buried in debt, it’s now pushing huge rate increases through FEMA’s new ‘Risk Rating 2.0’ that is unsustainable and unaffordable for Florida families. When we increase availability and competition in the market, more homeowners get insured and taxpayers and homeowners are better off. If the private sector can offer families better coverage, better service and a better price, why would we deny them of that? While I was Governor, we reformed Florida’s property insurance market to better serve families and we can do it at the federal level too. It’s time to make commonsense reforms that better serve Florida families. I am committed to fighting for change that encourages the development of a robust and affordable private flood insurance market and gives homeowners more choice and flexibility when purchasing their flood insurance plans. I know many of my colleagues in the Senate agree with me on this, and I urge them to join me in passing these good bills.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Bipartisan Call to Expand Sanctions on Nicaragua to Include Daniel Ortega Himself

Senator Rick Scott joined Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez and colleagues to introduce a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to draw attention to the Daniel Ortega regime’s harassment and jailing of more than 150 opposition leaders, including presidential candidates, and its ongoing authoritarian crackdown in advance of the country’s November 2021 presidential election. In a bipartisan letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators call for increased efforts to secure the immediate release of political prisoners targeted by Ortega, urging the Biden administration to expand its use of sanctions authorities to designate Ortega himself as well as his regime’s top military brass.

Senator Scott continues to fight for the people trapped under his oppressive regime—calling out the violence, instability and chaos in Latin America that is directly tied to the illegitimate tyrants like Ortega, Maduro, and Castro, who continue to oppress their people. Read more from the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Congressional Delegation Urging President Biden to Defend Florida Farmers

Senator Rick Scott, member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined Senator Marco Rubio along with members of the Florida congressional delegation in a letter to president Biden urging his administration to protect Florida’s seasonal fruit and vegetable growers from unfair trade competition. Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Cornyn and Colleagues in Letter to Sec. Mayorkas Demanding Answers on the Release of Haitian Migrants into the U.S.

Senator Rick Scott, a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined Senator Cornyn and 36 of their Republican colleagues demanding answers from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the release of thousands of Haitian migrants into the United States. Senator Scott has repeatedly pushed the Biden administration to end its failed policies of amnesty and open borders which are fueling a massive humanitarian and national security crisis on the southern border. Read more from Senator Cornyn’s office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

This week, without any Republican support, Democrats voted to raise the debt ceiling to nearly $29 TRILLION while not taking any action to care for Social Security and Medicare. That means Democrats added $480 BILLION to the national debt simply to further fund their radical agenda for just 46 days until December 3, 2021. Senator Scott has been clear that he will not vote to raise the debt ceiling and allow for more reckless government spending that will further fuel Biden’s raging inflation crisis. Senator Scott continues to urge his colleagues to pass his Federal Debt Emergency Control Act and Full Faith and Credit Act. His legislation will rein in Washington’s reckless spending and force Congress to be accountable to American taxpayers and get its house in order. Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott in Fox Business: How to Stop Dems’ Spending, Debt Mismanagement from Destroying our Financial Security

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox Business on how Congress must reject the failed ideas of Democrats’ socialist agenda, including their reckless $5.5 trillion liberal wish list, that will lead to dire economic consequences and the death of American credit. Senator Scott is fighting for real reform like his Federal Debt Emergency Control Act and the Full Faith and Credit Act to rein in Washington’s spending and help the nation reverse course, rebuild its accountability to the American people and secure a stronger and more certain tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “For more than half a century, the United States has enjoyed the power of being a global financial superpower and the dollar being held as the world’s reserve currency. But reckless government spending and gross mismanagement of federal debt threatens the eminent financial standing of our republic.

Today, the United States’ federal debt is nearly $29 trillion and barreling closer to $30 trillion every day. With interest rates at historic lows, the U.S. pays almost $350 billion each year in interest on our debt. That’s $350 billion that provides zero return for taxpayers.

Fast forward to 2031. The federal debt has climbed to more than $45 trillion and interest rates have returned to the 50-year average of 6.2%. Under this terrifying but very possible scenario, the annual interest owed on federal debt would grow to $2.8 trillion. This is where things begin to unravel.

If we allow our nation to get anywhere near this point, we will see a full meltdown of American financial security and credit. Unsustainable government spending would fuel a devastating inflation crisis that would crush working families and severely devalue the dollar. America would soon be unable to pay its bills, critical government programs would face brutal cuts or be entirely eliminated and the U.S. would be forced to default on its debt.

This is what would happen if Democrats got their way by passing a reckless $5.5 trillion tax and spending spree.

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The American people are smart. They will never vote for politicians that will raise their taxes enough to bailout Congress from its decades of reckless spending and dysfunction – and they shouldn’t. 

So, it must be said, under total Democrat control in Washington, Americans at and nearing retirement beware. The Democrats’ insane debt growth will have disastrous effects on once safe investments, like long-term treasuries. That’s the consequence of Democrat control.

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While my Republican colleagues and I have taken a stand against raising the debt ceiling without more measures of fiscal responsibility, Congress must pass substantial reform and commit to a true shift in priorities to avoid the coming death of American credit and secure a strong and stable financial future for our nation. 

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It can be done. I know because I led similar efforts to restore financial stability to my state when I was Governor of Florida. Over eight years, we paid down a third of the state debt, cut taxes 100 times, slashed 5,000 burdensome regulations and saw Florida business boom creating more than 1.7 million new jobs. The Democrats said the sky was falling. It wasn’t. Our playbook worked in Florida and it will work across the nation.”

Read the full op-ed in Fox Business HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott in Fox Business: Biden’s Vaccine Mandate Will Push Workers out of the Workforce, Cripple Supply Chain

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox Business on how the Biden administration’s latest vaccine mandate for private companies will further cause workforce shortages, continue to cripple supply chains, and worsen the ongoing inflation crisis that is to blame for the increase of prices on everyday goods. In Washington, Senator Scott continues to fight for the rights of every American family. His Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act will protect the privacy of Americans’ personal health information and prevent the government from dictating what is best for Americans and their families in order to go to work.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “Biden’s latest vaccine mandate for private companies tramples on the personal freedoms of Americans, will push more workers out of the workforce, devastate our economy with product and service shortages that cripple supply chains and throw America into a stagflation crisis not seen since the 1970’s. 

By forcing some working Americans to choose between keeping their jobs, or doing what they believe is best for their health, Biden’s mandate hurts the very people they claim it will help – workers, low-income Americans and seniors on a fixed income who will all either be hit with higher unemployment, higher prices or a shortage of available goods. 

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When I think about the impact of burdensome government regulations, I think about my dad. My adopted father was a truck driver. Anyone who has driven trucks or been close to someone in that line of work knows how demanding the job can be. It’s hard work and it’s one of the most critical jobs in our country.

Truck drivers are like the offensive linemen of America’s supply chain – often overlooked but absolutely essential to get things moving. There is already a driver shortage in this country and we can’t afford to lose any more.

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In a weak economy where simply keeping shelves stocked is an everyday challenge, losing workers in almost any critical industry will have catastrophic impacts across our supply chains and drive prices higher.

We can never forget that as inflation worsens and prices surge higher, it’s the poorest Americans, like my family growing up and seniors on fixed income, that are hurt the most. Right now, we already have families across America having to make hard choices. There’s single moms wondering if they can put an extra few gallons of gas in the car and still afford to put dinner on the table this week. Or, a mom like mine who took on odd jobs to make ends meet and watched the smallest price changes at the grocery store to make sure we could still get by.

If President Biden actually talked with small and mid-size employers and hardworking families, like I have, he’d quickly learn that massive federal mandates aren’t the solution to any of our problems. I got the vaccine and I encourage others to talk with their doctor and consider doing the same. But getting the vaccine is a choice everyone gets to make for themselves.

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Restoring our supply chains is critical to getting the American economy rolling again and it’s time for President Biden to acknowledge massive unconstitutional mandates on private companies won’t do anything but hurt American business and throw gasoline on the already raging inflation crisis he has created.”

Read the full op-ed in Fox Business HERE.

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Fox Business: Sen. Rick Scott: Dems’ spending, inflation ‘hurting poor families’

The Hill: Senate GOP seeks bipartisan panel to investigate Afghanistan withdrawal

Real Clear Politics: Sen. Rick Scott: The Democrats Are Hurting Poor People With Inflation, Price Increases

Breitbart: Republican Senators Introduce Bill Establishing Bipartisan Select Committee to Investigate Afghanistan Withdrawal

Politico: GOP senators target Pentagon nominee over ‘offensive’ tweets

Washington Examiner: Senate Republicans call for select committee to probe Afghanistan withdrawal

Breitbart: GOP Accuses AG Garland of ‘Weaponizing’ DOJ, FBI to Intimidate Anti-CRT Parents — ‘This is Totalitarianism’

CNS News: Sen. Scott: ‘No, Of Course Not,’ Facebook Should Not Be Allowed to Restrict Speech

Newsmax: Senate Republicans Support US Military Presence in Taiwan

WFLA Radio: Whistleblower tells Rick Scott she backs raising age to access social media

Tallahassee Democrat: Sens. Rubio, Scott sign on to naming Tallahassee federal courthouse for Judge Hatchett

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Wants a Committee to Investigate Withdrawal of U.S. Forces From Afghanistan

Florida Daily: Rick Scott: Why Are Microsoft, LinkedIn Helping Chinese Regime Target Journalists?

Florida Daily: Rick Scott, Dan Crenshaw Introduce Bill to Stop Feds From Imposing Vaccine Passports for Interstate Commerce

Actualidad 1040AM: EXCLUSIVA | Rick Scott: “El pueblo americano está cansado de la agenda de Biden”
Sen. Rick Scott Releases “Un cafecito con Tony Morejon” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

As part of his “Un cafecito con” video series in recognition and celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Senator Rick Scott released “Un cafecito con Tony Morejon.” Tony Morejon is a Cuban-American leader who served as the Community Affairs Liaison for the Hillsborough County Government. He has dedicated his life to representing the Hispanic community and being a leading voice for Hispanic families in Hillsborough County and across the state. Throughout the month, Senator Scott is sitting down with Hispanic leaders from across Florida to highlight their incredible stories and recognize the countless contributions of the Hispanic community to the great state of Florida and to our country. See Senator Scott’s original video HERE. See “Un cafecito con Tony Morejon” in the video HERE or below or in Spanish HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Releases “Un cafecito con Aníbal Albertorio” in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

As part of his “Un cafecito con” video series in recognition and celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Senator Rick Scott released “Un cafecito con Aníbal Albertorio.” Command Sergeant Major Aníbal Albertorio, 91 years young, served proudly as a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as The Borinqueneers. Command Sergeant Major Albertorio has dedicated his life to serving America and representing the Hispanic and Puerto Rican community through his admirable and courageous actions. See “Un cafecito con Aníbal Albertorio” in the video HERE or below or in Spanish HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Releases “Un cafecito con Raul Castro Rodríguez” in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

As part of his “Un cafecito con” video series in recognition and celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Senator Rick Scott released “Un cafecito con Raul Castro Rodríguez.” Raul Castro Rodríguez is a Spaniard international speaker specializing in business management who has traveled throughout Latin America supporting business growth and development. Now based in Florida, he is the host of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay’s podcast “Entrepreneurial Entrepreneur” and has become a staple in business entrepreneurship in the Hispanic Community. See “Un cafecito con Raul Castro Rodríguez” in the video HERE or below, or in Spanish HERE.

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Senator Scott has received his COVID-19 vaccine, and he encourages everyone consider doing the same. The COVID-19 vaccine works and is critical to ending the pandemic and saving lives.

For more information and to find out where you can get the shot, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines.

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