Roundtable on Unmasking Kids in Schools

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Dear Members,

Earlier this week, Governor Ron DeSantis hosted a roundtable discussion with doctors, experts, a school administrator, a concerned parent, and a high school student about efforts by the federal government to require children wear masks in school.

During the discussion the participants shared their insights and experiences about how mask mandates and school closures harm children. Over the past 18 months, Governor DeSantis has been very clear about the importance of keeping Florida open and free.

He has also advocated for parents and students by ensuring they have choices – giving them the ability to make decisions that are best for their families.

Governor DeSantis opened up the discussion with the following:

As many of you know, there’s been talk amongst the CDC, the Academy of Pediatrics to force masking on school children — I think the academy even says teachers and school children, regardless of even immune status, even if they’ve recovered from COVID or even if they have been vaccinated.

And so, we in Florida, at this point, our school districts have, proposed the mask optional. But I think our fear is that seeing some of those rumblings, that there be an attempt from the federal level or even some of these organizations to try to push for mandatory masking of school children. And so, our view is that this should absolutely not be imposed. It should not be mandated. And I know our legislature feels strongly about it, such that if, if you started to see a push from the feds or some of these local school districts, I know they’re interested in coming in, even in a special session to be able to provide protections for parents and kids who just want to breathe freely and don’t want to be suffering under these masks during the school year. ~~ Governor Ron DeSantis

Participants of the discussion included the following:

Jay Bhattacharya, a Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and research associate at the National Bureau of Economics Research (NEBR). He is also a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, with an M.D. and Ph.D. Jay’s research has been cited over 11,000 times according to Google Scholar.
Cody Meissner, MD, a renowned pediatrician and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease and Professor of Pediatrics at the Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Meissner is a national authority on the well-being of children, having served on the AAP’s Committee of Infectious Disease, and the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and HHS National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC).
Mark McDonald, MD, a successful practitioner of over 14 years based out of Los Angeles who is a clinical psychiatrist with specific expertise working with children with autism, trauma, obsessive-compulsive and bipolar disorders. Dr. McDonald works closely with families, schools, pediatricians and therapists to aid in his treatments.
David Withun, Head of School of Jacksonville Classical Academy. He is also a veteran of the United States Army, he holds an MA and Ph.D. in Humanities from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. Dr. Withun has taught History, Literature and Humanities and his writing has been published in several popular and academic outlets, including Classical Receptions Journal, Black Perspectives, Phylonand Forma Journal.
Anita Whitby Davis, a concerned parent and mother of two sons. Her sons attend the Governors Charter Academy in Tallahassee where she also works as a parent liaison at the school
Everett Thompson is a rising senior and lacrosse player at Maclay Highschool in Tallahassee and is very concerned about masks being required this year.
To watch the entire discussion or to read the transcript please click here.

Watch Roundtable Discussion: https://rumble.com/vkd74v-07.26-covid-19-roundtable.html

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RPOF Newsletter

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Chairman’s Message

Planning for red tide is paying off

Governor DeSantis’ environmental foresight and commitment is paying off for Floridians as the state is prepared for the red tide growing off the Gulf Coast. The Governor, working with the Republican Legislature, allocated millions for red tide and blue-green algae in this year’s budget because they understand that these are long-term issues that also require rapid responses at times.

And because of that foresight, any state of emergency, as is being urged by some Democrats, would actually hurt Gulf Coast business and affected communities — and perhaps businesses statewide — by scaring away tourists and vacationers. We’ve seen it happen before in crises as the entire state gets painted as having a problem.

“Literally the only thing that would do is hurt some of these people,” the Governor said of declaring a state of emergency. Watch the clip here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/dldr14qler1fdbq/RD%20Red%20Tide%20Response%20to%20Kriseman.mp4?dl=0

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/21/governor-ron-desantis-surveys-impacts-and-provides-updates-on-states-response-to-red-tide-bloom-in-tampa-bay-area/

Cuba Libra

Governor DeSantis and Senator Marco Rubio, along with Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and other Florida Republicans, showed dynamic and passionate leadership during a town hall Wednesday night hosted by Sean Hannity in Miami’s Little Havana.

The focus of the town hall was Cuba Libra, highlighting the peaceful but giant uprising by the Cuban people determined to create a new government, a new Cuba, that has as its foundation freedom. The coast of Florida is just a few miles from Cuba and America can and should play a key role in helping the Cuban people in their quest to be free. So far, the rudderless Biden White House has been largely missing at this crucial moment.

But Florida leadership, exemplified last night, has been electric in backing the Cuban people and the Cuban Americans in Florida who have poured into the streets in support of a new Cuba.

Governor DeSantis has said Florida companies stand ready to get full internet into Cuba, past the communist government’s efforts to block it, and called on the Biden administration to rapidly approve the action. But President Biden is radio silent on it, reflecting the general confusion in the Democrat Party over how to view this freedom movement in a communist country.

Senator Rubio has been blistering Democrats online and in the well of the Senate, passionately making the case for helping the Cuban people. He is the most important, informed and persuasive voice in Washington on Cuba, and he is moving the listless apparatus of D.C.

Florida

Florida continues to advance childhood education as Governor DeSantis announced that Florida is investing $270 million in literacy initiatives throughout the state during the celebration of the signing of House Bill 3. This means that K-5 students who are reading below grade level can receive quality books at their homes.

The new law creates the New Worlds Reading Initiative, Florida’s first statewide book distribution program. In addition to the New Worlds Reading Initiative for distributing books, the state is also funding other literacy initiatives.

“As a father of three young children, I want every child to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential,” said Governor DeSantis. “The biggest difference we can make in setting Florida children up for success is making sure they know how to read.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/22/governor-desantis-celebrates-the-signing-of-house-bill-3-and-announces-270-million-in-investments-to-improve-student-literacy/

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Governor DeSantis celebrated the signing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act this week. The legislation directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to encourage and promote investments in areas that protect and enhance Florida Wildlife Corridors.

To support these efforts, the Florida budget dedicates $300 million specifically to protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This funding is in addition to the $100 million that is allocated to the Florida Forever program.

“Today we celebrate another milestone of this year’s legislative session, which was a resounding success for Florida’s environment,” Governor DeSantis said.

The legislation has been roundly applauded by conservation and environmental groups around Florida.

Read more here:

Governor Ron DeSantis Celebrates the Signing of Senate Bill 976 Creating the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act

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Governor DeSantis said this week he will continue the fight to free the cruise lines from onerous CDC restrictions by asking a federal appeals court to reimpose an injunction that would block restrictions on the cruise-ship industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor made the comments after a panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld CDC restrictions and issued a stay of the injunction. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit in April arguing that the CDC had overstepped, and did not have the legal authority to impose these regulations. In June, a Tampa-based district judge agreed and issued the injunction.

“We are absolutely going to pursue getting the stay removed, either at the full 11th Circuit or at the U.S. Supreme Court,” DeSantis said during an appearance in Central Florida. “I think most courts at this point have had their limit of the CDC issuing these dictates without a firm statutory basis. I am confident we’d win on the merits at the full 11th Circuit, and obviously I am confident we would win at the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Read more here: https://www.wlrn.org/news/2021-07-19/gov-desantis-says-florida-will-fight-ruling-in-cruise-ship-case

Governor DeSantis visited the Southern Border over the weekend to meet with Florida law enforcement officers who have been deployed to Texas to help with the border crisis.

The Governor also met with Texas Governor Abbott for a tour and to receive a briefing on the rise in crime and drug trafficking that Texas is experiencing because of the Biden Administration’s failed border policies. At the briefing, Governor DeSantis announced that the Florida National Guard will remain in Texas to provide additional border support until October 2022.

Florida law enforcement have assisted with the apprehension of more than 2,800 illegal immigrants in 23 days and aided in more than 100 criminal arrests for felonies, including human trafficking, drug smuggling and stolen vehicles.

“We appreciate Texas stepping up where the federal government won’t,” Governor DeSantis said. “When Governor Abbott put out the call for help at the border, we immediately answered because we know that the success in Texas is America’s success.”

He added: “Of the individuals our law enforcement have apprehended at the border, more than 70% said they ultimately wanted to go to Florida.”

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/17/governor-desantis-visits-southern-border-to-meet-with-deployed-florida-law-enforcement/

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It’s been a rough week for Val Demings. She has refused to criticize groups like Black Lives Matter and radical leftists such as AOC, who defend the Cuban communist regime and blame the United States for the plight of the people of Cuba.

And then she failed a basic test on an issue that’s hugely important to Florida: whether she supports the Cuba embargo at the very moment the people of Cuba are rising up against the communist regime. After dodging questions and refusing to take a position on the Cuba embargo, she had to send a spokesperson out to clean up her mess.

You would think Val Demings, who wants to move up to the Senate, would be more versed on a topic this important to Floridians. It’s clear that Demings is not ready for primetime.

Even the media sees it: “…it still would seem like someone taking on a Cuban American incumbent should expect questions about the embargo and what she wants the Biden administration to do about the ongoing situation.” – Florida Playbook

That’s the opposite of Senator Marco Rubio, who has shown himself time and again to be a leader in the fight for freedom for the Cuban people. He knows what he believes and is bold in proclaiming it. Just the sort of Senate leader Florida needs.

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

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RPOF Newsletter – Chairman’s Message

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Chairman’s Message

The Cuban people are peacefully protesting in historic numbers against the brutal Communist dictatorship that has made life deadly miserable for three generations. The people yearn to be free, to be heard, and Republicans will not equivocate: We stand for the Cuban people against the tyrants. We stand for freedom and against oppression. We stand for a new day for the island of Cuba, and against the old, bloody day. Let another Communist socialist tyranny be thrown into the dustbin of history.

We know the pivotal importance of this moment and are doing everything we can to support the people of Cuba.

Governor DeSantis sent a letter to President Biden Wednesday requesting federal assistance to provide Internet access to the people of Cuba who are standing up against Communist oppression and demanding a voice after decades of suffering under the yoke of a cruel dictatorship.

Read the full letter here: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/71421-Letter-to-POTUS.pdf

Senator Marco Rubio, a long-time tenacious opponent of the oppressive Communist regime, said on the floor of the U.S. Senate: “In 62 years of Communist tyranny on the island of Cuba, we have never seen, there’s never been, what now is up to 40 cities in which people took to the streets organically, unorganized, grassroots, to ask for the end of that tyranny.”

Do not be fooled. This is not about a failed response to Covid, as some in the Biden administration sadly want to claim. That may have been the spark, but the tinder of long suffering under a cruel despotism was waiting for any flare. This is about freedom for the 11 million people of Cuba, and the end of a long, dark era.

We Republicans stand with the Cuban people, and against the Cuban tyrants.

On Tuesday, Governor DeSantis was joined by Cuban-American leaders and elected officials in Miami for a roundtable supporting the Cuban people protesting the regime. The Governor called on the Biden Administration to take a strong stance against the oppressive, Communist regime.

Governor DeSantis said, “We stand with the people of Cuba. For far too long, a tyrannical Communist regime has oppressed its people and used its power to silence any dissidents. Now, the Cuban people are making their voices heard to demand freedom and an end to this dictatorship.”

So far, the Biden administration response has been predictably feeble.

“While the Cuban people are showing tremendous courage, the Biden Administration is showing cowardice. The Biden Administration has been weak in its statements, blaming COVID-19, and not mentioning socialism or communism. While the president and his spokespeople issue empty rhetoric, the federal government is inexplicably lifting sanctions in Venezuela. Right now, the Cuban regime is taking the measure of Washington.”

Read more of the Governor’s roundtable comments here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/13/governor-ron-desantis-holds-roundtable-to-support-the-cuban-people/

Florida Update

Team DeSantis launches @TeamRonDeSantis social media pages and merchandise store to connect with supporters and grassroots dedicated to Keeping Florida Free. The Team DeSantis store launch was a big big success–receiving national attention.

Team DeSantis “Dont Fauci My Florida” merchandise receives national attention.

Governor DeSantis has ensured Florida is an oasis of freedom, and we’ll be darned if we let federal bureaucrats and absurd government overreach mess with that! Team DeSantis is a great opportunity to have some lighthearted fun and give his supporters a chance to feel even more connected with his message of keeping Florida free.

The store includes Don’t Fauci My Florida merchandise that highlights Fauci’s flawed and devastating policies. Universal lockdowns, the closing of schools, including places of worship in some states, masking mandates for children as young as three, are not only unnecessary, but also have a negative impact on mental health. In Florida, we are fortunate to have the bold leadership of Governor DeSantis to support Floridians in the best way possible and you can bet he isn’t going to allow anyone to Fauci our Florida.

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Corporate media continues to get covid wrong in Florida. They have suggested COVID-19 cases are spiking in Florida, which is absurd, especially when you consider how far we have come from a year ago. Because of Governor DeSantis’ focus to put seniors first and protect the most vulnerable, deaths and cases in long term care facilities have decreased precipitously:

Since vaccinations were initially available late last year in Florida:

Deaths overall have reduced by 95%.
Cases overall have reduced by 83%.
Deaths in long-term care facilities have reduced by 97%.
Cases in long-term care facilities have reduced by 91%.
Cases in individuals over 65 have decreased by 90%.
Deaths in individuals over 65 have decreased by 95%.
The total number of daily reported deaths with COVID-19 continues to hover under 35, as it has now for the past two weeks. In that timeframe, it has been the lowest 7-day average of deaths recorded since early April 2020 when the pandemic began.

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Great leadership is about more than the next election, it’s about building and maintaining foundations for a better future for coming generations. To that end, Governor DeSantis has made Florida a national leader in top quality civics education in our public schools.

With that in mind, Governor DeSantis announced $106 million to establish the Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative. The money will be used to award qualified teachers with the Florida Civics Seal of Excellence, which includes a $3,000 bonus for educators who complete training to earn the endorsement. The funding will also be used to expedite the implementation of Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards civics curriculum in public schools.

“We have a responsibility to ensure our students are prepared to be great citizens,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “That is why we created a new civics curriculum in Florida and are making this important investment of more than $106 million. By July 4, 2026, our country’s 250th anniversary, we will make sure every K-12 student in Florida is educated with our new civics curriculum.”

The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative has been a huge success. More than 161 schools from 48 districts with more than 5,500 students expected to participate in the coming school year.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/13/governor-ron-desantis-launches-national-model-civic-literacy-initiative/

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In June, Governor DeSantis signed legislation that is setting the pace for civics education in America. You can read more about that here:

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Set the Pace for Civics Education in America

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The state of Florida has awarded grants totaling more than $30 million to improve infrastructure, community redevelopment and job creation in small and rural Florida communities.

Department of Economic Opportunity and Enterprise Florida Inc. awarded $29 million through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, $1.2 million through the Community Planning Technical Assistance grant program, $280,000 through the Competitive Florida Partnership grant program and $198,500 through the Rural Expansion Toolkit initiative.

“Florida’s rural communities are vital to the wellbeing and prosperity of our state, and my administration is committed to helping them thrive,” Governor DeSantis said in announcing the grants.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/12/governor-desantis-announces-more-than-30-million-to-improve-infrastructure-community-redevelopment-and-job-creation-in-small-and-rural-florida-communities/

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Governor DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Education awarded $44 million in federal Unified School Improvement Grant (UniSIG) funds to support 149 struggling schools in 29 districts.

“It can be hard for struggling schools to recruit and retain top talent, and today I’m proud to announce $44 million to address this problem,” Governor DeSantis said. “I have consistently said that the number one way to create great opportunities for our students is by ensuring they have great teachers. In Florida, we will continue to take a strategic, data-driven approach to make our schools the best in the country.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/14/governor-ron-desantis-announces-44-million-to-support-floridas-most-vulnerable-students-and-schools/

Governor DeSantis made three judicial appointments this week, to the First Circuit Court, Eighteenth Circuit Court, and the Lee County Court:

David Oberliesen, of Niceville, was appointed to serve as Judge on the First Circuit Court;
Christopher Sprysenski, of Sanford, to serve as Judge on the Eighteenth Circuit Court;
Nicole Mirra, of Fort Myers, to serve as Judge on the Lee County Court.
Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/07/12/governor-ron-desantis-makes-three-judicial-appointments-2/

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.

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RPOF Newsletter

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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/

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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.

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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.

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The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo

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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

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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/

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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.

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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