RPOF Newsletter

/0 Comments/in /by

At 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, the Surfside community and first responders marked the transition from rescue to recovery with a moment of silence. Please keep the Surfside community in your prayers. Please join Floridians and those around the country in continuing to pray for the victims, families, friends and first responders.

Governor DeSantis has been in Surfside almost every day since the tragedy happened, working with state and federal emergency personnel. There is so much work to be done to get closure for families. And then there will be a deep look at what went wrong to ensure it never happens again.

Florida Update

We were fortunate that Tropical Storm Elsa was not a worse storm. Early reports suggest damage was minimal, but the state was prepared because we Floridiana know better than anyone to take these storms seriously.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-150 declaring a state of emergency for 15 counties that were in the path of Tropical Storm Elsa. Read his order here: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Executive-Order-21-150.pdf

For more information on the storm and help, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/info/

Updates on the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s resources for Elsa recovery can be found here: https://www.floridadisaster.org/news-media/news/20210706-the-state-of-florida-issues-tropical-storm-elsa-updates/

––––

Republicans from around Florida were at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds in record numbers for President Trump’s Save America rally on July 3, to celebrate the birth of our nation.

The President delivered on the themes of patriotism and freedom.

Attending leaders included Congressmen Greg Steube, Vern Buchanan, Byron Donalds, Mike Waltz and other elected officials including RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters and Vice Chairman Christian Ziegler. While originally scheduled to speak, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called President Trump to let him know that he regretted not being able to attend due to the Surfside tragedy and what was at the time Hurricane Elsa which was threatening Florida. President Trump agreed with Governor DeSantis’ decision and asked the crowd to join him in a moment of silence to remember the victims of the Surfside tragedy.

––––

Florida’s monthly revenues continue to soar past expectations, driven by a strong state economy and an increase in tourism-industry tax collections, according to a new report from the Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research.

The May general-revenue collections were $3.6 billion, just roaring past expectations for the month by $573.8 million, or 18.9 percent.

“Most remarkable, almost 72 percent of the total gain for May came from sales tax GR (general revenue),” the report said. “For context, May 2020 was the lowest sales tax collection month during the entire pandemic.”

The May numbers marked the 10th consecutive month of exceeding revenue expectations as Florida recovers rapidly from the economic fallout of the response to COVID-19.

Read more here: https://thecapitolist.com/state-revenues-beat-expectations-in-may/

Florida Politics’ Joe Henderson: Gov. DeSantis gets an ‘A’ for leadership in a crisis

The political news site Florida Politics is no right-wing outfit by any stretch. But even they see the strength in Governor DeSantis’ leadership in multiple crisis:

“I think most people would agree the last couple of weeks in Florida scored high on the stress meter, what with the Surfside calamity and Tropical Storm Elsa. In times like this, politics should go out the window while leaders step up and, well, lead. That’s how we judge them.

“We don’t grade these things on the curve, though. The difference between success and failure can hinge on the choice of a word, good or bad. With that in mind, whatever your political leaning, if you’re scoring fairly, then Gov. Ron DeSantis gets an “A” for his handling of this twin crisis.

“He thankfully kept politics out of the mix at the condo collapse and struck a welcomed bipartisan tone with President Joe Biden. He worked well with federal relief efforts and was the compassionate, focused Governor all Floridians needed him to be.

“DeSantis quickly responded when Elsa started heading for Florida.”

Read the rest here: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/439635-joe-henderson-gov-desantis-gets-an-a-for-leadership-in-a-crisis/

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

The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo

/0 Comments/in , /by

June 25th, 2021

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: New Laws!

Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis for signing HB1507 Thursday morning in Tampa! It was an honor to stand next to Speaker Chris Sprowls, Representative Clay Yarborough , Senator Kelli Stargel, Secretary Richard Corcoran, Secretary Dane Eagle, Representatives Toledo, Zika, Tuck, Harding, and others to witness this historic moment for the future of Florida’s workforce. HB1507 will reform Florida’s workforce systems to provide Floridians greater opportunity in the marketplace, prepare students and jobseekers for future employment, and increase access to the American dream. #BeMoreDoMore

HB 491

Signed by Governor DeSantis last Wednesday, 6/16.

This law was substituted for the identical Senate Bill 346. This legislation serves to adjust the composition of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB) in an effort to provide a more equitable distribution of industry representation. It decreases the number of members who represent the appraisal management industry and increases the number of board members who represent the general public.
HB 1231

Signed by Governor DeSantis on Monday, 6/21.

This law ensures that our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and fiscal management. For example, it allows certified domestic violence centers to carry up to 8% of their funding from one fiscal year to the next — whereas their funds had to be reabsorbed previously. It also reestablishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program in our State.
HB 1507

Signed by Governor DeSantis on Thursday, 6/24.

Representative Clay Yarborough and I collaborated in the creation of this legislation that will streamline workforce programs and services. In addition, HB1507 will open more pathways for our students so they can have bigger and better opportunities in the future. All in all, this system will ensure equity and access to jobs that promote upward mobility for our citizens.

Quotes on the Workforce Legislation

Speaker Sprowls: “No longer will Floridians be trapped in the vestiges of an antiquated, one-size-fits-all workforce system that forces them into a bureaucratic maze of hoops to jump through… We’ve worked with educators, employers, and industry leaders to provide a 21st century solution for job seekers. It shouldn’t be so hard to find work – and won’t be any longer. On behalf of Florida’s students, workers, job seekers and taxpayers, thank you to Governor DeSantis, Representatives Yarborough and Melo, Senate President Simpson and our Senate partners for making the difficult job search process easier.”

Representative Melo: “HB1507 is a promise made and a promise kept to the people of Florida. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for signing this historic legislation and thank you to Speaker Sprowls for the opportunity to sponsor this bill in partnership with Representative Yarborough. Our goal is to make Florida the best state in the union to find a job, raise a family, and do business. HB1507 will transform Florida’s workforce systems to provide jobseekers better access to the marketplace and prepare our citizens for future employment in a business environment where new technologies are beginning to take precedent. Today, with HB1507 signed into law, we have taken a great step in accomplishing our goal and we are excited to witness the positive impacts this bill will have on Floridians in their pursuit of the American dream.”

In and Around the Town!

Collier County Mosquito Control District

This Friday I had the pleasure of visiting the Collier County Mosquito Control District. The district is looking to put forward legislation to roughly double its size. The proposed expansion would primarily be towards the Northeastern portion of Collier County — District 80. The desire to extend their boundaries is so that they may perform additional research, enhance their ability to control the mosquito population, and uncover any diseases being carried that may be potentially harmful to humans.

Where I’m Heading Next!

· NCH “Wall of Honor” ceremony at 9AM on Wednesday June 30th.

What We’re Reading

Test Scores Down in SWFL After Unusual School Year

Gail Levy & Jackie Winchester

DeSantis… Florida Will… Teach ‘Evils’ of Communism

Brendan Farrington

Pray for Surfside
Our hearts and prayers are with all those impacted by the Surfside building collapse and their families. We are also praying for all the first responders in their recovery efforts.

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!

This week’s song is “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder because we’ve just got three of our bills signed, and they are soon to be delivered to law books across the state!
I could not have done it without the support from all of you in the District. It is truly an honor to serve as your State Representative as we worked to get these great bills signed, sealed, and delivered for the benefit of our state.

Fun fact: Stevie Wonder credited the title and chorus of the song to his mother who came up with the words after hearing the melody.

FL Chamber Report Card

Proud to have received an A rating from the Florida Chamber of Commerce! We worked hard during Session to make Florida the best state in the union to do business.

Q&A’s

My team is always ready to help out!
If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov


Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

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

RPOF Newsletter – From the Desk of Chairman Joe Gruters

/0 Comments/in /by

Chairman’s Message

The success of Republican Governors keeps growing

While Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are offering a rudderless, embarrassing administration to the world, and backing freedom- and business-crushing governors like Andrew Cuomo, Phil Murphy and Gretchen Whitmer, Republican governors such as Governor DeSantis are actually solving problems.

For instance, even as the feckless Biden administration continues to ignore the human crisis it created at the border, Republican governors along the southern border are taking the lead in protecting Americans by pursuing border security of their own.

When Texas and Arizona called for help at their overwhelmed southern borders, Florida was the first to step up as Governor DeSantis said Wednesday that Florida will provide additional law enforcement resources to the southern border region. Some of the agencies include the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and sheriff’s offices, such as Brevard, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

“America’s border security crisis impacts every state and every American,” Governor DeSantis said. “The Biden Administration ended policies implemented by President Trump that were curbing illegal immigration, securing our border, and keeping Americans safe. Governors Abbott and Ducey recently sent out a call for help to every state in the nation, needing additional law enforcement manpower and other resources to aid with border security. I’m proud to announce today that the state of Florida is answering the call. Florida has your back.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/16/governor-ron-desantis-directs-florida-law-enforcement-to-aid-in-border-crisis/

––––

At every turn, Republican leadership in the states is giving positive results. According to Labor Department data, the top 12 states for job recovery over the last year are led by Republican governors. And 17 of the top 20 are. At the same time, 12 of the top 15 states with the lowest unemployment rates are led by Republican governors — the top 6 are all Republican. And the average unemployment rate for the nation’s 27 red states is just 4.6 percent, nearly two percentage points lower than the average for the nation’s Democrat-led states.

Democrats issued unscientific decrees forcing the elderly into nursing homes and destroying businesses and family relationships with their incessant lockdown policies. Republicans kept their residents free and safe and now prosperous.

The results are incontrovertible. Conservative policies deployed by Republican governors are making their resident’s lives far better than those Americans suffering under Democrat governors — or a weak, directionless White House.

––––

Speaking of GOP leadership, the Republican National Committee announced Wednesday the launch of Real America, a podcast hosted by RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. The podcast will share stories from outside the beltway, highlighting Republican leadership, and showing how Republican policies are leading America’s comeback. Chairwoman McDaniel is offering the platform for Republican leaders to share their successes and for listeners to hear real stories from the leading voices in our Party.

“America is an amazing country filled with wonderful people who do incredible things, but too often the media and liberal politicians ignore big parts of our nation and the people who make it work,” said Chairwoman McDaniel. “So I’m thrilled to speak with these amazing leaders and policymakers in our party who solve real problems every day, and help spread their message far and wide.”

You can take in the Real America podcast here: https://gop.com/podcast

Legislation

Governor DeSantis was joined by leaders in the Jewish community and members of the Florida Legislature at the Shul of Bal Harbour to sign HB 529, requiring Florida schools to hold a daily moment of silence, and HB 805, which ensures that volunteer ambulance services, including Hatzalah, a free emergency transport service operating in South Florida, can continue to operate.

Governor DeSantis also highlighted other initiatives included in the Florida Leads Budget to support Florida’s Jewish community and the nation of Israel, including:

$4 million in security funding for Florida’s Jewish Day Schools, including for the first time ever funding for professional security
$1.35 million for the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Pete
$400,000 for the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach
$100,000 for the Holocaust Task Force
$250,000 for the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator
$1 million in recurring funds for collaborative research, development, and commercialization of projects related to aerospace and other technology through a memorandum of understanding which Space Florida has entered into with Israel

“Every family in our state should be able to send their children to school and know that they will be protected from harm and be able to practice their faith,” Governor DeSantis said. “I’m proud to sign these bills today to help protect religious freedom in Florida and increase the safety and security of our Jewish communities.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/14/governor-ron-desantis-signs-legislation-to-protect-religious-freedom-and-support-floridas-jewish-community/

––––

Governor DeSantis signed into law new consumer-protecting insurance reforms. The new law protects Florida families by restructuring litigation rules for disputed insurance claims; expressly disallows contractors, public adjusters, and companies from using advertisements that encourage Floridians to make an insurance claim for roof damage; and imposes a fine of up to $10,000 when companies violate the law.

“I’m proud to sign SB 76 today to continue our mission of insurance reform in Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Since my first days in office, I have been committed to doing whatever it takes to reduce the burden of property insurance on Florida families. That includes signing into law historic reforms to the assignment of benefits process and appointing principled justices to our state courts.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/11/governor-desantis-signs-legislation-to-continue-insurance-reform-in-florida/

Florida Update

Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state clemency board voted to prove full pardons to remaining Floridians from local government overreach with COVID-19 restrictions. Too many Floridians were needlessly punished for breaking unscientific, unnecessary directives. Former gym owners Mike and Jillian Carnevale are examples of Floridians who have faced criminal penalties, including possible jail time, for not complying with local mask mandates at their former business in Broward County.

“Floridians like Mike and Jillian Carnevale should have never faced criminal charges for not requiring masks in their businesses,” Governor DeSantis said. “Today, we took action in Florida to reject the overreach of local authorities through unnecessary and unscientific mask mandates.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/16/governor-ron-desantis-protects-floridians-from-unscientific-and-unnecessary-covid-19-mandates-by-local-governments/

––––

The Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee rejected the Palm Beach County School District’s racially-infused “Equity Statement.”

In a Resolution drafted by former state Senate candidate Brian Norton and amended by Chairman Michael Barnett, the REC unanimously and soundly condemned the “Equity Statement” as the School Board’s “attempt to sneak the flawed zealous ideology of Critical Race Theory into our public education system” and “blatant indoctrination of our children into adopting a divisive, dangerous, and self-destructive view of the world…”

Barnett, a black man who has served as chairman since 2014, praised the Republican Executive Committee members for their courage.

“Republicans have historically been the strongest voice against the left’s pitting of peoples against each other. We are one America, and we vehemently oppose schools teaching our children that an entire race of people is to blame for past evil,” Barnett said. “Critical Race Theory is a sinister plot that seeks the prevention of racial unity spoken of by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who dreamed that one day his children would live in a nation where they would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Val Demings said this week she will introduce a bill that would destroy the election integrity measures that were recently passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.

RPOF’s Executive Director Helen Aguirre-Ferre issued the following statement

“Val Demings’ so-called ‘Every Vote Counts Act’ would put Washington D.C. in charge of Florida’s elections.

“Demings never tires of pushing Nancy Pelosi’s radical agenda and this time she is going too far by trying to hijack Florida’s elections process. Governor Ron DeSantis has made election integrity a top priority since getting elected. He has worked diligently with the Florida Legislature to ensure that our elections remain safe and secure.

“She will stop at nothing. First, Demings led efforts in the House to enact Nancy Pelosi’s disastrous H.R. 1 elections bill that would eliminate voter ID laws, force tax dollars to be spent on campaign advertising, and eliminate Florida’s election system safeguards. Now, she’s introducing another bill that would preempt state laws in an effort to undo critical election safeguards that were put in place in Florida.

“Perhaps Demings doesn’t realize that under Florida’s election integrity law Floridians will be proud that our state will remain a leader in election administration. Elections should be free and fair, and under Florida’s new law Governor DeSantis has strengthened voter identification, prohibited mass mailings of ballots, banned ballot harvesting, and prohibited private money from administering elections in our state.

“Demings’ priorities could not be more clear — she will always place Pelosi’s demands and her liberal agenda ahead of what is best for Florida.”

Visit FloridaDems.com to learn more.

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

From the Desk of Chairman Joe Gruters

/0 Comments/in /by

Chairman’s Message

Critical Race Theory banned in Florida

At the urging of Governor DeSantis, the State Board of Education today voted to maintain the integrity of Florida’s academic standards by keeping Critical Race Theory out of the classroom.

“The woke class wants to teach kids to hate each other, rather than teaching them how to read, but we will not let them bring nonsense ideology into Florida’s schools,” Governor DeSantis said.

Florida’s public education system exists to create opportunity for our children by teaching them how to think, not what to think. Critical Race Theory teaches kids what to think, and that is to hate our country and to hate each other. It is state-sanctioned racism and has no place in Florida schools.

“I love this state, and I love my country. I find it unthinkable that there are other people in positions of leadership in the federal government who believe that we should teach kids to hate our country,” Governor DeSantis said. “We will not stand for it here in Florida. I’m proud that we are taking action today to ensure our state continues to have the greatest educational system in the nation.”

During his remarks, Governor DeSantis cited several recent examples of Critical Race Theory nationally, and in Florida.

Read them here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/10/governor-desantis-emphasizes-importance-of-keeping-critical-race-theory-out-of-schools-at-state-board-of-education-meeting/

The Race for 2022 has shaken out and we’re ready

With the announcements of the final major Democrats to challenge for Florida Governor and Florida’s U.S. Senate seat in 2022, the biggest statewide races are crystalizing. And the Republican Party of Florida is ready for the fight.

Val Demings announced that she will be challenging U.S. Senator Marco Rubio for his Senate seat. Senator Rubio’s solid conservative record, including being one of the toughest opponents of China in all of Congress. He gets America and freedom. Demings? Well, she’s a radical aligned with the Squad and Nancy Pelosi, pursuing the most destructive agenda out there.

And we know all too well what Charlie Crist and Nikki Fried bring to the table for governor. A hard left turn in leadership that would remake Florida in Nancy Pelosi’s image. Crystal clear choice.

So your RPOF will be concentrating over the next year and a half on building on our highly successful voter registration efforts from 2020 and turning out a wave of Republicans in November 2022.

The next RPOF quarterly meeting in September will have School Board training sessions, aimed at how to win School Board seats, geared toward non-partisan races, such as endorsing early on the right candidates.

This is important in light of the rise of Critical Race Theory in public schools. The media says it is not being taught, but efforts have been underway in Palm Beach County, Jacksonville and even Sarasota County. While the Board of Education voted to ban it, we cannot have any Republican School Board members who will not openly oppose the Marxist, race-based teaching of our children. Proponents will keep trying to slip it in.

Legislation

Governor DeSantis this week signed groundbreaking legislation to combat the theft of Florida’s intellectual property by foreign players.

The Governor signed HB 7017 and HB 1523 — two bills that will protect Florida’s higher education institutions and government from foreign influence and combat corporate espionage, keeping Florida’s intellectual property safe within the state’s boundaries.

“Make no mistake — China is a hostile foreign power, and every Governor has the responsibility to protect their education system, and every other entity within their purview, from the espionage and commercial theft undertaken by the Chinese Communist Party,” Governor DeSantis said.

The Governor said that while China remains the biggest threat, numerous other countries are attempting to infiltrate our state and nation. “By signing these bills today, we are taking action to ensure foreign adversaries will not have unfettered access to our schools, government, and companies,” he said.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/07/governor-ron-desantis-signs-groundbreaking-legislation-to-combat-theft-of-floridas-intellectual-property-by-foreign-countries/

––––

Florida continues to be the most military and veteran friendly state as Governor DeSantis signed three bills to establish a “Purple Star Campus Program,” help transitioning service members gain workforce training, and enhance veterans’ preference in hiring.

“In my time as Governor, we have worked hard to serve those who have served our country by making investments in military bases, schools around those bases, and programs that serve veterans and their families,” Governor DeSantis said. “Today, I’m proud to build on that legacy by signing three bills that continue to provide resources for military service members, veterans, and their families.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/04/governor-desantis-signs-three-bills-to-strengthen-commitment-to-supporting-florida-military-families-veterans/

Florida Update

Franklin County has flipped from Democrat to Republican in voter registration! Thank you to the Franklin County GOP and our strong grassroots for their dedication to spreading the Republican message of liberty and freedom.

On June 2, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis reinforced their unwavering commitment to strengthen Florida families through significant funding in the 2021-2022 budget to support the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) as they continue bolstering access to life-changing behavioral health services. These include:

$158.4 million for the State Opioid Response Grant
$1.4 million in continued funding for residents affected by Hurricane Michael
$3 million to allow 211 to expand mental health supports
“The Florida Behavioral Health Association and our statewide members are thankful for Governor and First Lady DeSantis who continue to prioritize the healthcare needs of all,” said Melanie Brown-Woofer, President and CEO of the Florida Behavioral Health Association.

“Florida’s Managing Entities applaud Governor DeSantis for prioritizing behavioral health services in his budget, especially at a time when Floridians are experiencing increased mental health and substance use issues due to the pandemic,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities.

“Opioid overdoses have skyrocketed in Central Florida, and I applaud Governor DeSantis for taking this issue head-on by prioritizing mental health services and combating the opioid epidemic, which has plagued Florida and claimed lives for far too long,” said Maria Bledsoe, CEO of Central Florida Cares Health System.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/06/09/governor-and-first-lady-desantis-continue-to-strengthen-florida-through-vital-funding-for-mental-wellbeing-and-substance-abuse-services/

Pelosi Puppet Val Demings’ damages Florida families with her dangerous record of supporting radical policies that would make us less safe, and would push us in a perilous direction. Florida voters deserve the truth about the Real Val Demings’ record.

RPOF’s executive director Helen Aguirre Ferre issued the following statement:

“Val Demings is a political opportunist who went to Washington, became a puppet of Nancy Pelosi, and consistently places Pelosi’s socialist agenda ahead of the best interests of Florida families. Just look at her voting record. The Real Val Demings has voted with Pelosi 100% of the time, and like Pelosi would defund our police, lockdown our economy, close our schools, raise taxes on working families, gut the Second Amendment, and let the crisis at our border get worse. Demings is clearly delusional about what is good for the Sunshine State. She thinks Pelosi knows what is best for Florida families. While Senator Rubio consistently delivers results for Florida, Val Demings will always prioritize her political ambitions and liberal socialist agenda over the needs of Florida families.”

Visit FloridaDems.com to learn more.

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

The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Melo Minute –

June 4th, 2021 – Melo on the Move

In and Around the Town 

Americans for Prosperity (6/1)

This event was hosted by AFP President Tim Phillips and discussed the question “Can the Federal Government Spend the USA into Prosperity?” This inquiry points to the different economic philosophies of the Democrat party and the Republican party — it makes for riveting conversations.

Southwest Florida Chamber of Commerce (6/1)

This was a post-legislative luncheon, hosted at Crowne Plaza at the Bell Tower Shops, where myself and many other elected officials discussed this year’s legislative session.

It was great to see all of our friends: Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Representative Spencer Roach, Representative Mike Giallombardo, and Representative Bob Rommel!

Visiting Yo Gusto (6/3)

Yo Gusto is a terrific Florida company that produces its dairy products in Clewiston. Yo Gusto was kind enough to provide my fellow House Members with some of their delicious drinkable yogurts as District 80’s Session gift. I had a great time visiting them this week and I am thankful for their hospitality. Be sure to grab some of their products and give them a try!

Where I’m Heading Next!

Next Tuesday (6/8) at 12PM I will be going to the LaBelle Rotary Club to give a legislative update.

Education Information

· The recently passed 2021-2022 Florida budget allocated $22.8 billion for K-12 education in our state. The budget expands school choice options, raises teachers minimum base salaries, and expands mental health services in our schools.

· The breakdown: $24.7B in overall commitment, $12.9B for the Florida Education Finance Program for K-12, $550M to increase teachers minimum base salary and salary increases for veteran teachers, $216M in disaster relief, $120M in mental health programs, and much more.

The Foundation for Florida’s Future recently sent out a report card grading me on my work to improve education last Session. Proud to report to you all that I’m an A+ student this year! My team and I worked hard by putting forward legislation that benefits our students. HB 1505 & HB 1507 – Workforce Bills, and HB 1279 – Florida Talent Development Council (PTech), all work to provide our kids with best opportunity to excel. I’m excited to shoot for another A+ next year!

What We’re Reading

Gov. DeSantis Approves National Guard Expansion in New Budget

Jason Delgado

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” everything’s getting better than before as more and more Floridians are being vaccinated and participating in the economy. With at least 62% of Collier County’s population and 40% of Hendry County’s population being fully vaccinated (source) — and the local economy bouncing back so well — we surely are looking forward to a brighter tomorrow!

Fun fact: The hit “Rumours” album was almost called “Yesterday’s Gone” after the line used in “Don’t Stop.”

You Go, Yo Gusto!

Thank you to the founder and CEO of Yo Gusto, Gustavo Perez, for the amazing tour of your facilities. I’m looking forward to seeing this Florida based business continue to thrive in the best climate for business in the union!

Be sure to follow my social media to keep up to date on what I’m up to!

Q&A’s

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out!

If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov


Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

Contact Us

Facebook‌ Twitter‌ Instagram‌

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

Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds

/0 Comments/in , /by

Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds

This week, the House of Representatives entered a committee work week. I spent my week in the district where I had the opportunity to meet with the hardworking constituents of FL-19, tour the vast ecosystems of Southwest Florida, and virtually attend numerous Congressional committee hearings.

The hypocrisy of the Democrats was evident this week as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was spotted at a dinner party with twelve friends, breaking her own state’s COVID-19 dining restrictions. While businesses suffer from draconian lockdowns, liberal leaders continue to violate their own rules. I am proud to represent the 19th district of Florida, where small businesses are able to prosper without tyrannical government lockdowns and mandates.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill this week to combat the censorship of Floridians by Big Tech. The bill allows people that are treated unjustly by Big Tech to sue for monetary damages. This decision by Governor DeSantis bolsters efforts to preserve and protect freedom of speech for all Floridians and take a stand against the Big Tech oligopoly. Freedom of speech is a Constitutional right that every American should be able to exercise freely without the threat of censorship by Big Tech platforms.

This upcoming Monday, May 31 is Memorial Day. Join me in honoring those who have selflessly gave their lives fighting for the United States Armed Forces. We recognize America’s fallen heroes who have made the greatest sacrifice to their country and in defense of freedom around the globe; we are forever indebted to their service and bravery.
mday

Please continue reading to learn more about current legislation, upcoming events, and ways in which I’m working to advocate for conservative policies in #FL19!

Response to the One Year
Passing of George Floyd

This Tuesday marked the one year anniversary of the passing of George Floyd. Progress is recognizing that America is not a systematically racist nation and that the actions of bad police officers do not define the heart of the men and women who swear an oath and dutifully protect our communities.

Read my full statement regarding the anniversary of George Floyd’s passing below:
GeorgeFloydPress

Legislative Updates

This week the House Small Business Committee held a hearing on an examination of the SBA’s COVID-19 programs. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I had the opportunity to address the witness, Administrator Guzman, and learn about the challenges currently facing our nation’s small businesses and how Congress can help bolster our economy and implement effective economic relief.

Despite being required by law, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was not present at the hearing. If the Biden administration truly cared about our nation’s small businesses, Secretary Yellen would be testifying before the committee.

Click the link below to watch my exchange with Admin. Guzman:

Rep. Donalds Gets an Answer on How Planned Parenthood has received $90 million in taxpayer funds through the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program.

Recently, I signed on as a Co-Sponsor to The Return to Work Act and Help Wanted Act which benefit our nation’s workers as we rebound from the pandemic.

The Return to Work Act, introduced by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), would end the $300 per week Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit. It is time to end government paychecks and focus on bringing back our strong American workforce. Click the link below to read more about this legislation.

Return to Work Act

I also Co-Sponsored the Help Wanted Act, introduced by Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-NY), which addresses our nation’s severe labor shortage that was caused by federal unemployment policy. It requires states to restore work search requirements to continue receiving and distributing enhanced unemployment benefits. It also removes the provision in the CARES Act that allows individuals to collect unemployment benefits if they voluntarily decided to leave their job. Finally, it clarifies that individuals can no longer collect Pandemic Unemployment Assistance if they decline work based on generic safety concerns related to COVID-19.

I will continue to fight every day on behalf of American workers and ensure our economy is supported by our businesses. Click the link below to learn more about this critical legislation.

Help Wanted Act

I Co-Signed the Restaurant Revitalization Fund letter, lead by Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), to the Small Business Administration. Restaurants have suffered a massive hit from the pandemic. On May 24, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund was closed. The letter calls upon SBA to provide justification as to why they are giving preference to individuals that may lack proper documentation, or an unknown immigrant, over our American citizens. Additionally, we emphasize the Biden Administration’s strategy of choosing winners and losers. It is critical that funds allocated by Congress go to the intended recipients, and Americans deserve transparency from the Small Business Administration.

As a free-market capitalist, I am a strong believer in letting the free-market dictate the economy, rather than the federal government produced widespread discrimination.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Letter

Community Engagement

This week, I was proud to join my fellow Florida House GOP colleagues to tour Lake Okeechobee and meet with local leaders who are dedicated to keeping Florida’s water clean and safe. Fighting for safe water quality in Southwest Florida is one of my top priorities; I am grateful for the opportunity to ensure Florida has a voice in Washington in resolving this critical issue.

Okee22
Okee1

This week, I hosted a Veterans Town Hall in Fort Myers where I met with Veterans from Southwest Florida. I was able to hear directly from the SWFL veteran community as they expressed their concerns. I look forward to bringing their comments to D.C. in order to ensure the federal government is properly serving our servicemen and women. It is an honor to represent our American heroes in Congress and I will continue to fight on their behalf every day.

VetTH

I am excited to announce the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. All current high school students in Florida’s 19th Congressional District are eligible to participate in the Congressional Art Competition. Artwork must be submitted to one of my Congressional offices, in either Lee County or Collier County, no later than June 9th, 2021 at 12 PM. For entry and submission details and guidelines, I encourage all interested participants to please visit my website: donalds.house.gov/forms/submitartwork/

The judging ceremony for Florida’s 19th Congressional District Congressional Art Competition will be hosted on June 10th, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, in Fort Myers, Florida.

In the Media

This week, I sat down for an interview on America’s Newsroom with Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer to discuss police reform and the need to stop the dangerous calls to defund the police. Watch the interview below.

Byron Donalds: People don’t call ‘activists, politicians’ when in danger, they call police

I joined Fox Business’ ‘Kudlow’ for an interview to discuss Biden’s reckless $6 trillion budget and the unacceptable growing crime rates in liberal cities, due to poor leadership and lack of police presence. Watch the interview below.

Biden’s budget is ‘reckless, crazy, makes no sense’: Rep. Byron Donalds
TUNE IN ALERT:

I’ll be on Fox News’ Justice with Judge Jeanine on Saturday, May 29 at 9:00PM EST.
tune in

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 Signature
Byron Donalds
Member of Congress

The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Melo Minute

May 28th, 2021 – Memorial Day Edition

Lake Okeechobee Trip

Water is the lifeblood of South Florida and Lake Okeechobee is at its heart pumping freshwater out to our local communities and keeping our agriculture, our citizens, and our environment strong and vibrant. It is important that we as a state continue to fund projects north of the Lake in order to ensure access to clean, drinkable water for current and future Floridians.

This week I had a great time visiting Lake O with Congressmen Byron Donalds, Mario Diaz-Balart, Greg Steube, Congresswomen Maria Salazar and Kat Cammack, State Representative Toby Overdorf, Hendry County Commissioner Ramon Iglesias, and other stakeholders.

Thank you to Mike Elfenbein, Williamson Cattle Company, and all our guides for giving us the grand tour of Florida’s crown jewel and for reminding us how vital Lake Okeechobee is to sustaining a healthy ecosystem in South Florida.

We owe it to ourselves and to our future generations to preserve and protect Florida’s beautiful and unique environment. I look forward to working with our local, state, and federal leaders to develop solutions that will help us make Lake O great again!

Hurricane & Tax Information

· The Florida Legislature has green-lit three tax-free holidays so that citizens can stock up on plenty of supplies in preparation for hurricane season (June 1st — November 30th).

· The first tax-free holiday is the Disaster Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday. It is on May 28th and ends on June 6th.

· Some of the supplies that will be tax-free include portable light sources, portable radios, tarps, certain battery packs, coolers, portable generators (under $1K), and more!

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is The Doobie Brothers’ “Black Water” as our ode to Lake O. This song perfectly captures the joyful and harmonious feeling of being out on the water.

Whether it’s Lake Okeechobee or the Caloosahatchee, this Doobie Brothers hit will surely have you whistling on the waves.

Fun Fact: “Black Water” wasn’t seen as having the potential to be a hit and was delegated to the B-side of “Another Park, Another Sunday” when it released in 1974.

Click the Image Above to Learn More About the Tax Holiday

Q&A’s

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out!

If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov


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

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80