Byron Donalds Press release

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Donalds and Velázquez Introduce Bill to Protect Small Construction Firms

WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) Member of the House Small Business Committee and House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced legislation to preserve payment protections for small construction firms working as subcontractors on federal projects. The legislation would exclude the threshold for construction contracts that must be bonded under the Miller Act from periodic inflation adjustments, ensuring that more projects are covered under federal bonding requirements.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and as a member of the House Committee on Small Business, it is imperative members come together to ensure small businesses have the protection they deserve,” said Rep. Byron Donalds. “I am proud to work with Chairwoman Velázquez on this common-sense, bipartisan solution to a problem impacting many small subcontractors who do business with the federal government.”

“The U.S. government is the largest purchaser of goods and services on the planet, and it’s vital to the economy that small firms are included in these contracting opportunities,” said Chairwoman Velázquez. “Under current law, the Miller Act threshold increases every five years, reducing protections for small subcontractors and potentially leaving them in a precarious position if the prime contractor fails to pay them. This bill will allow small subcontractors to participate in federal projects without taking on unsustainable risk.”

Due to their size, many small firms often find that the most practicable avenue for them to participate in the federal procurement arena is by leveraging subcontracting opportunities. These subcontractors are guaranteed payment through the issuance of surety bonds by their prime contractors. If a prime contractor defaults, the surety bond ensures the subcontractor is compensated for their work on the project.

Surety bonds under the Miller Act take two forms: payment and performance bonds. Thus, in addition to subcontractors, surety bonds protect taxpayers. When the dollar threshold for issuing surety bonds is raised to account for inflation, taxpayers also lose protections against nonperformance. Velázquez’s bill would exempt surety bond requirements from inflation adjustments, allowing more small businesses and taxpayers to have protection through bonds.

Click here, for a full version of the bill.

Representative Lauren Melo – The Melo Minute

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The Melo Minute

April 23rd, 2021 — Sine Die and Sayonara!

Thank You!

I want to open this edition of The Melo Minute with a thank you to everyone who has made this session such a boon for our community and our State.

To our readers, The Melo Minute is made for you. You are what allows for not only the success of this letter, but for the success of my first year as a Representative. I thank you for being active citizens diligently working to keep yourselves informed. I thank you for expressing your opinions on Legislative matters to me so that I can best represent you. I thank you for working with me to keep our District great!

To the businesses, government offices, legislative peers, and organizations that have guided my team throughout this process, I thank you. As we worked to present Legislation that was best for business and the functioning of our State, you all contributed valuable resources and knowledge to cultivate the best Legislative outcomes for the residents of District 80 and beyond.

It was an honor to serve as your freshman Representative. My team and I will continue to listen to you, work with you, and legislate for you as we move forward.

Now, to highlight all the bills that we worked together to have passed now that the 2021 Legislative Session has officially ended! Besides the upcoming Special Session on the week of May 17th, but that’s besides the point!

Seeking Signature

We were able to accomplish an incredible amount this year despite all of the struggles and fallout from the pandemic. Here are all of the fantastic bills that have been passed by the House and Senate that are seeking the Governor’s signature!

HB 1505 & HB 1507- Workforce Bills

· These bills streamline workforce programs and services and open more pathways for our students so they can have successful futures. To see Rep. Yarborough and I describe how the bills work click here!

HB 1231 – Domestic Violence

· This bill ensures that our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and it re-establishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program.

HB 1637 – Immokalee Water and Sewage District, Collier County

· This bill provides clarity on how Immokalee’s District Board of Commissioners is constituted which will help Immokalee get more federal funding for water projects.

HB 491 – The Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board

· This bill adjusts the composition of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board to accurately represent the public.
Appropriations Bills

HB 3761 – Collier County Golden Gate Senior Center Expansion

· $250,000 from the Department of Elder Affairs to fully fund the expansion of the Collier County Golden Gate Senior Center.

HB 3777 – Hendry County Port LaBelle Utility System Gravity Sewer Repairs

· $200,000 in non-recurring funds to repair LaBelle’s sewers and utilities.

HB 3779 – Hendry County Port LaBelle Utility System Water Treatment Plant Expansion

· $600,000 to assist in the expansion of LaBelle’s Water Treatment Plant.

HB 3781 – C-21 Bridge Canal Crossing – City of Clewiston

· $3.6M for the creation of a bridge in Clewiston that will be bolster the local economy.

HB 3775 – Hendry County Connecting Airglades Airport & Clewiston Utilities

· $1M to construct a force main between the Airglades Airport and the City of Clewiston’s existing wastewater treatment plant.

SB 2500 – Appropriations

· Within the Senate’s appropriations budget $25M is being allocated to the National Guard for the creation of a 2/54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade Readiness Center in Immokalee. This readiness center will be of great benefit to our district and Southwest Florida.

What We’re Reading

House Backs Social-Media Crackdown

News Service of Florida

The Florida House, and Chris Sprowls, Are Having a Very Good Week

Peter Schorsch

Introducing a New Segment of The Melo Minute: The Song of the Week!

This week’s song, and our first song of the week, is Europe’s “The Final Countdown” — because it’s the end of Session, get it?

Fun fact: This song was once listed #1 on VH1’s “40 Most Awesomely Bad Metal Songs”.

If you’ve got a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!

Check Out My Social Media!

Above is a photo of me with Michael Wickersheim and the team at DCF who helped me pass HB 1231 through the Florida House and the Senate!

Follow me on my social media to keep up to date with all of the latest happenings during session!

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

Bob Rommel – End of 2021 Legislative Session – April 30, 2021

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End of 2021 Legislative Session – April 30, 2021
Personal Message from Bob

This legislative session has flown by! A lot of work was accomplished, but there is always more to do. Below is information about the 2021-2022 Budget, Appropriations allocated specifically to Collier Collier, the Top 6 Bills this session and my Top 3 Bills that passed this Session.

It takes a team to have a successful Legislative Session, especially under the COVID-19 restrictions imposed upon all of us. I want to thank my Legislative Aide, Kim Timm, for her hard work to get bills and amendments filed timely and for keeping me on schedule while I’m in Tallahassee. Thanks also to Priscilla Grannis, District 106 Sr. Secretary, for keeping the home fires burning during this Legislative Session.

Finally, I want to thank all of my constituents for entrusting me with the privilege of serving you. I look forward working for and with you again for the next Legislative Session.

Representative Bob Rommel
District 106

Chairman’s message

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Chairman’s Message

Florida continues to lead on school choice for parents and students

The Legislature has passed bills maximizing parental choice by expanding eligibility and streamlining school choice scholarship programs for students with unique abilities and students from lower income families. The Senate passed House Bill 7045, School Choice, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Manny Diaz, Jr.

“I’m pleased to see the Senate stand with Florida parents who overwhelmingly support expanding eligibility for these popular school choice programs. We know that parents are their children’s first and best educators, a fact that has certainly been highlighted over the last year,” Senate President Wilton Simpson said. “We want school choice to be an option for every family. This important legislation further streamlines our existing school choice scholarships, and expands eligibility for lower income families, families of students with unique abilities, adopted children, and children whose parents serve in our military.”

The legislation expands school choice to allow a family of four earning less than $100,000 to receive full funding for K-12 education costs at a school of their choice under an expansion of the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program. Eligibility is expanded to students who are not enrolled in a public school, students of parents serving in the military, and students who are in foster care or adopted.

Read much more here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressReleases/Show/3963

The Wall Street Journal ran a terrific editorial on Florida’s school choice bill, the final line of which is: Florida is a haven for overtaxed northerners, but it’s also an education refuge for low- and middle-income families.

Read more here:
https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?DocumentType=Press%20Release&FileName=764

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Holding Big Tech accountable. Both chambers of the Florida Legislature have now approved legislation barring social media companies from deplatforming political candidates. It’s a classic free speech, anti-censorship, equal access and protection bill for all Floridians.

Republicans and free-speech advocates — and just a lot of Americans — were outraged after the sitting President of the United States, President Donald Trump, was suspended and then banned from Facebook and Twitter in January on the spurious accusation that his content had the potential to incite violence. It did not, but plenty of content that the social media platforms do allow does have the potential, and expectation, to incite violence — such as Antifa organizing on their platforms.

After the appalling, partisan ban of the President,the New York Post, Parler, and Republican candidates such as Laura Loomer, Governor Ron DeSantis called for laws stopping the social media giants from doing this again. After all, for better or worse, they are the public square now and access to them is required for free speech to flourish. Under the measure, social media giants would be forbidden to suspend the accounts of candidates for more than 60 days before an election has been resolved.

Read more here: https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2021/04/28/florida-house-oks-bills-banning-social-media-deplatforming–voting-drop-boxes-

Legislation

The Florida House and Senate have agreed to a budget that is balanced, while making record investments in flood mitigation, education and leaving $6 billion in budget reserves. The 2021 General Appropriations Act prepares Florida today for a better tomorrow. In reconciling the House and Senate budgets, both sides praised the other for their spirit of cooperation throughout the process.

“Working together with our partners in the Senate, we were able to craft a budget that funds immediate needs and also long-term priorities for the future,” House Speaker Chris Sprowls said. “In the greenest budget in Florida’s history, we respond to the needs of our state in areas like flooding mitigation, state park maintenance and water quality. We provide unprecedented levels of budget reserves, make record investments in higher-education funding, fund an overhaul of our workforce system and extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from two months to a full year.”

House Appropriations Committee Chair Trumbull said: “We make smart, good-government investments into programs that provide lasting benefits for generations. From unprecedented infrastructure funding to record investments into beach renourishment to bonuses for teachers and front-line workers, we make the right decisions for Florida’s future.”

The $101.5 billion budget includes $6.9 billion in federal funding from Medicaid increases and federal education stimulus funds. If those funds were not included, the budget would be $94.6 billion, slightly above the $92.3 billion budget approved last year.

Read more here: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?DocumentType=Press%20Release&FileName=763

Florida Update

Governor DeSantis announced a historic gaming compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The agreement will generate a minimum of $2.5 billion in new state revenue over the next five years, and an estimated $6 billion through 2030.

“This historic compact expands economic opportunity, tourism, and recreation, and bolsters the fiscal success of our state in one fell swoop for the benefit of all Floridians and Seminoles alike,” Governor DeSantis said. “Our agreement establishes the framework to generate billions in new revenue and untold waves of positive economic impact.”

Larger and more expansive than any other gaming compact in U.S. history, the agreement increases the revenue to the State of Florida from the Seminole Tribe from no revenue to over $6 billion over the next decade, with a guaranteed minimum of $2.5 billion during the first five years. Most notably, the compact modernizes the gaming industry through the authorization of sports betting in Florida through the Tribe. The agreement also provides protections for pari-mutuel operations and the opportunity to participate in sports betting offered by the Tribe.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/04/23/governor-ron-desantis-strikes-historic-gaming-compact-with-seminole-tribe-of-florida/

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Governor DeSantis announced significant progress in the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir Project in a press conference where he was joined by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein and the South Florida Water Management District to announce significant progress on the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir Project.

The SFWMD Governing Board unanimously approved an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that keeps the Corps on track to begin federal construction on the reservoir component this year. In April 2020, Governor DeSantis announced that the South Florida Water Management District began construction on the State of Florida’s component of the project, the stormwater treatment area, 12 months ahead of schedule.

“Today marks a critical milestone for Everglades restoration and achieving our state’s long-term environmental goals,” Governor DeSantis said.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/04/22/governor-ron-desantis-announces-major-milestone-to-advance-eaa-reservoir-project/

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis needled Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer with a letter this week in response to ongoing revelations that she and a top staffer visited Florida recently after telling Michigan residents they should not travel — particularly to Florida. CFO Patronis provided the governor and her staff with tourism materials from the state’s “Visit Florida” marketing board to “help plan” their next trip down.

“Now that you and your COO have personally experienced what the Sunshine State has to offer, I encourage you to share your experiences publicly. More importantly, however, don’t be a stranger!”

Read more here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/desantis-cabinet-member-trolls-michigans-whitmer-over-travel-mess-by-sending-tourism-pamphlets

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

Weekly Wrap-up – Bryon Donalds

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Weekly Wrap-Up with
Congressman Byron Donalds
April 26, 2021

Last week, Congress was in Session again. Unfortunately, House Democrats continued down the path of flooding the House Floor with bills that skip committee hearings and forcing hyper-partisan bills to a party-line vote.

Democrats this past week in the House of Representatives focused on passing unconstitutional legislation making Washington, D.C., the 51st state. Don’t be fooled- this is a desperate attempt for power. D.C. statehood isn’t anything more than a progressive scam to push forth policies like packing the U.S. Supreme Court, the Green New Deal, anti-gun legislation, and the federal takeover of our elections through H.R. 1. We also witnessed the verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. Despite inappropriate and divisive rhetoric by Rep. Maxine Waters and even the President, a jury of Mr. Chauvin’s peers convicted him on all three counts. His callous disregard for human life by no means represents the actions of the majority of police officers in America, and its important bad actors face the appropriate ramifications when they fall short of their commitment.

This past week, I also attended committee hearings to discuss COVID-19 impacts on small businesses and how we, as representatives, can provide aid and relief. Florida’s handling of COVID-19 has proven to benefit small business owners by cutting bureaucratic red tape, making access to vaccines easier, not enforcing lockdowns, and getting the government out of the way. I’m proud of the work we’ve done thus far, but we still have a lot of work left to do!

Please continue reading below for #FL19 updates, legislative events on Capitol Hill, and what’s happening in my Congressional office!

Statement on the Verdict on the Trial of
Derek Chauvin

The death of George Floyd was a tragedy that caused his family, friends, and our entire nation to grieve and look at ways to reform policing. Now that his family has seen justice, I pray that they find peace during this difficult time. I pray that our nation begins to heal our divides and move forward as one people.

Read my full statement below regarding the verdict on the trial of Derek Chauvin:

Derek Chauvin Statement

Op-Ed: “We Are Getting Played at Our Southern Border”

As a member of ⁦the House Committee on Oversight & Reform, I had the opportunity of traveling to El Paso, & Santa Theresa to tour the humanitarian & political crisis the administration created at our border.

Since day one, the Biden Admin has laid out the welcome mat for illegal immigration. While Americans get played, children’s lives are in danger, and the drug cartels get richer.

Click the link below to read my Op-Ed about the #BidenBorderCrisis, exclusively on Breitbart:

Rep. Byron Donalds: We Are Getting Played at Our Southern Border

Collier County Business of the Month

My Legal Edge has been named the Collier County Business of the Month. Congratulations on all of your hard work, success, and this esteemed recognition! Thriving businesses and booming economies are just another reason to love Southwest Florida. #FL19

In the Media

Last week, I was happy to talk with Sean Hannity on his program on the Fox News Channel to discuss how Democrats in DC are taking a page out of Saul Alinksy’s “Rules for Radicals”: pick a target and polarize it. This push isn’t about reforming policing in America- this is about using the anger & outrage of the American people to pass their liberal agenda. Watch my full interview below:

I joined John Roberts and Sandra Smith on Fox News’ “America Reports” last week to discuss how President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the DNC are playing off of the anger, emotion, and outrage of the American people regarding the tragedy of George Floyd to pass their radically progressive agenda. Click the link below to watch my full interview:

Rep. Donalds Slams Democrats For Using Race to Pass Agenda

ICYMI: I was featured in a panel alongside former congressional candidate Kim Klacik on Fox News’ “Justice with Judge Jeanine” over the weekend to discuss policing in America, Democrats push to Defund the Police, and more. Watch the full interview below:

Florida Congressman Byron Donalds Reacts to ‘Defund the Police’

Congressional Art Competition

Calling all #FL19 high school artists: the deadline to submit your artwork for this year’s Congressional Art Competition is May 5th.

For entry and submission details, please visit: donalds.house.gov/forms/submitartwork/

art competition

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

District 3 Newsletter

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Welcome to District 3
On April 27, at our regularly scheduled commission meeting, the County Commission unanimously voted to initiate negotiations with Club Corp for the development of a 12-hole golf course and family entertainment and dining facility at the old Golden Gate golf course. It is the stated goal of the County Commission to have appropriate agreements ready for the Commission to consider at our meeting on May 25.

Greens Fees for County residents will be set by the Collier County Commission and will be substantially less than fees charged at other public golf courses in the county.

The County Commission purchased the existing Golden Gate Golf course and has endeavored to re-establish public golf on a course to be redesigned for the benefit of all Collier County golfing enthusiasts looking for a great course at an affordable price. If successful in developing this course, this will be the culmination of decades of efforts to bring affordable golf to Collier County as part of the County’s park and recreation program.

Collier County will own and control the course. Club Corp will develop a family entertainment and dining venue as part of the golf course development and will pay substantial concession fees to the County.

Your input is important in all decisions made by the County Commission. Don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions or concerns about this project.

Thank you for helping to make Collier County a great place to live, work and play.

Did a friend send you this newsletter? Click here to subscribe now!

Collier County FY 21/22 Budget

Collier County is preparing to review budgetary needs for FY 2022 during the next few months. The annual budget document is considered a single use tactical financial plan which appropriates dollars toward one-year initiatives, activities, and projects in furtherance of longer-term policy objectives. Reserves designated for future asset maintenance and replacement, vehicle and equipment replacement, natural disasters and unforeseen risks are considered critical strategic positions and emphasize the need for careful resource allocation among competing short term and long-term funding priorities.

The economic landscape for the January to December 2020 period ranged from a pre-pandemic thriving economy, to complete economic shutdown, to economic recovery. Prior to the pandemic, Collier County’s economy was thriving with employment at record highs; bell weather industries performing well; median income remaining one of the highest in the State; strong real estate market; robust new construction permitting and; increasing taxable values for the ninth consecutive year.

From March 2020 until May 2020 when the pandemic induced economic shutdown occurred, unemployment skyrocketed when businesses were ordered to close and non-essential personnel remained at home. Local hospitality and restaurant sectors were devastated when tourist visitation to the destination dropped 92% year over year and direct visitor spending dropped 94% from April 2019. There were similar impacts to local government revenues with declines in sales tax revenues, state shared revenues, gas taxes, tourist taxes and local option infrastructure sales taxes.

As we ushered in 2021, all economic indicators point to a continued gradual recovery with employment increasing, aspects of the restaurant and hospitality industry re-opening and local government sales tax, gas tax and state shared revenues stabilizing.

The County’s current General Fund millage rate of $3.5645 has been levied for the past twelve (12) years or since FY 2010. There are no plans to increase that millage rate. Property taxes comprise 67% of total General Fund recurring revenue.

June 24, 2021 Budget Workshop, 9:00 am, BCC Chambers (Televised)
July 13, 2021 Adoption of Tentative Maximum FY 2022 Millage Rates (Televised)
September 9, 2021 Public Hearing Date, 5:05 pm, BCC Chambers (Televised)
September 23, 2021 Public Hearing Date, 5:05 pm, BCC Chambers (Televised)

Board of County Commission Meetings

Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month – The meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and are broadcast live with closed captioning on Collier Television channel 97/98 and via live streaming at www.colliercountyfl.gov/ctv.

Individuals who would wish to participate in person must complete and submit a speaker form prior to the beginning of the discussion about the item. Individuals who would like to participate remotely must complete and submit the online speaker registration form prior to the beginning of the discussion about the item. The agenda will be available on the Collier County Government website at http://colliercountyfl.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx.

Call for Artists

Collier County continues to display a rotating exhibit of local artists’ and photographers’ work in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers, third floor, Collier County Government Center, 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, Florida.

Artists must be residents of Collier County, at least on a part-time basis. The artwork must be appropriate imagery for a public space and should have a broad appeal to people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.

Those interested in being considered must submit a brief letter of interest describing their level of expertise, training and experience along with digital images of seven art pieces proposed to display. For more information, please call Aimee Trochessett, Communication and Customer Relations Division at (239) 252-8075.

Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland at Collier Museum at Government Center

For more than 150 years, Coney Island, a strip of sand at the mouth of New York Harbor, has occupied a singular place in the American imagination. From a beginning as a watering hole for the wealthy, through its transformation into an amusement and entertainment mecca for the masses, to its struggle for renewal in recent decades, an extraordinary array of artists have viewed Coney Island as a microcosm of the American experience. The exhibition brings to life the excitement of Coney Island, showing visitors how its magnetic world of attractions has become a touchstone for American mass culture and popular recreation.

Throughout the exhibition, artifacts display how the modern American mass-culture industry was born at Coney Island. The exhibition investigates the rise of American leisure and traces Coney Island’s influence on amusement parks and popular culture throughout the country. Photographs, ephemera, film clips, and hands-on interactives immerse visitors in the experience of Coney Island. The exhibit is open now through May 25, 2021. Hours of the display are Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

When Emergencies Happen in Collier County, We Can’t Alert You if We Can’t Reach You

Collier County encourages all residents to sign up for Alert Collier, the County’s new mass notification system. When you sign up with Alert Collier you can enter up to five addresses within the County boundaries that you would like to receive emergency alerts about. Enter your home, work, relative, school or any other address that’s important to you.

Should an alert be issued for that location, you will receive a notification.
You can sign up with your cell phone to receive calls and/or text messages, your email address(es), home phone, business phone and hearing impaired device. Collier County encourages you to also download the Everbridge Public Safety app (free in the iOS, Android and Windows app stores), this app will allow you to see all public notifications issued across the State and Country by other Everbridge users. Live in Lee county but work in another County? No problem you can receive their emergency alerts just by having the app installed.

So, create a contact on your phone for Alert Collier: the caller ID our alerts will come from is 239-252-8000, and the short code our texts will come from is 89361 and 87844. Save Alert Collier as a contact today!

SIGN UP HERE

H O T L I N E
866-779-6121

The best sources for clear information on the pandemic are our state health department or the CDC. The Florida hotline above is staffed 24/7.

Vaccine Report
(updated daily)

Florida Department of Health

Florida COVID-19 Dashboard
(updated daily at mid-day; contains county-specific data)

Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 site

World Health Organization

Copyright © 2021 Collier County Commission District 3, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Collier County Commission District 3
3299 Tamiami Trl E Ste 303
Naples, FL 34112-5746

Kathleen C. Passidomo – Legislative Update – April 24, 2021

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Kathleen C. Passidomo – Legislative Update – April 24, 2021

Today marks the 54th day of this year’s legislative session.
Both chambers continue to work on budget negotiations after a week of conferencing. Our goal is to establish a balanced budget that will help support Floridians rebuilding from COVID-19 and beyond the pandemic.
Once the budget is finalized, it must be printed and provided to each member of the House and Senate for review for a minimum of 72 hours before we can vote on the budget on the floor. Once the finalized budget is passed, we can declare Sine Die and officially end the 2021 Legislative Session.
The Senate Rules Committee, of which I am chair, held a final meeting Tuesday to review and discuss legislation before moving to the Senate floor for a final vote. As we finalize outstanding legislation and budgetary items, we are optimistic that we have advanced a series of measures that will ensure a better, brighter future for all Floridians.

Budget Negotiations Underway Between the Senate and House of Representatives
The Florida Senate and House of Representatives began budget negotiations for the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget.
The Appropriations Conference Committee is led by Senate Appropriations Chair Kelli Stargel and House Appropriations Chair Jay Trumbull, who are working together along with their subcommittee chairs to negotiate through the differences in each chamber’s proposed budgets.
The Senate and House are committed to passing a balanced budget that prioritizes key investments in infrastructure, water quality improvements, environmental restoration and education, while responsibly planning for Florida’s future as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Prioritizes Our Servicemembers, Veterans and Their Families
Several pro-veteran initiatives won approval from the Florida Senate this week.
House Bill 231: Services for Veterans and Their Families, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Gayle Harrell, authorizes the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to create the Florida Veterans’ Care Coordination Program to provide both veterans and their families with dedicated behavioral health care referral services, primarily for mental health and substance abuse. The legislation unanimously passed off the Senate Floor. Through the program, a veteran may call a separate veteran-dedicated support line to receive assistance and support from a fellow veteran who is trained to respond to the calls for assistance.
Two measures by Senator Tom Wright, Senate Bill 586: Veterans Employment and Training and Senate Bill 938: Purple Star Campuses, unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Senate Bill 586 creates a coalition to help veterans as they transition into the civilian workforce, designating Veterans Florida as the state’s principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program for employers and transitioning service-members. The program will help exiting military members in their last six months of service to bridge the skills they learned in the military with a civilian job in Florida and empower Veterans Florida to educate businesses, business associations and transitioning service-members on the SkillBridge program and its benefits.
Senate Bill 938 recognizes and supports the exemplary schools that aid students of military families as they transition into new schools by requiring the Department of Education to establish the Purple Star Campus Program. The measure provides Purple Star Schools with a designated military liaison, maintains a student-led transition program to assist military students in transitioning into new schools and offers professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students.
The Florida Senate is committed to ensuring the Sunshine State remains the number one state in the nation for our military and veteran communities and their families.

Measure to Increase Unemployment Benefits Passes Florida Senate
The COVID-19 Pandemic has shed light on issues within Florida’s unemployment system and the Florida Senate is taking the necessary steps to address these challenges.
Senate Bill 1906: Reemployment Assistance, by Senator Jason Brodeur, passed the Florida Senate and is headed to the Florida House of Representatives for consideration.
The maximum unemployment benefit amount has not been raised in over two decades, and the cost of living for Floridians has grown substantially since then. The legislation proposes to increase the maximum weekly unemployment benefit from $275 to $375, and to increase the minimum weekly benefit from $32 to $100, bringing Florida on par with the national average for state unemployment benefits.
It also aims to increase the maximum duration of benefits from 12 weeks to 14 weeks when the unemployment rate is at or below 5%, and from 23 weeks to 25 weeks when the unemployment rate is at or above 10.5%. Additionally, denial of reemployment assistance solely on the basis of pregnancy is prohibited under the legislation.

Legislation Modernizing Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Program Passes Senate
Gaining unanimous support in the Florida Senate, House Bill 1463: Department of Economic Opportunity, presented in the Senate by President Pro Tempore Aaron Bean, will update Florida’s antiquated reemployment assistance program.
While the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) continues to work tirelessly to ensure benefits are provided to claimants, the state’s reemployment assistance program, known as CONNECT, was not built to process the volume of claims received during the pandemic.
House Bill 1463 establishes an Office of Economic Accountability and Transparency within DEO to provide oversight on key agency initiatives. The measure also works to modernize Florida’s reemployment assistance program by implementing a cloud-based system that is necessary for an efficient and effective operation and directs other program and claims-processing changes to promote efficiency and timeliness.

Senate Approves Legislation Providing Moments of Silence in Public Schools
The Florida Senate approved a measure to afford students the opportunity for a daily moment of reflection while at school. House Bill 529: Moments of Silence in Public Schools, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Dennis Baxley, requires teachers to hold a moment of silence at the beginning of school each day.
The legislation prohibits teachers from suggesting how to utilize the moment of silence but instead encourages teachers to discuss with families how students can make the most during this time of reflection.

Bill to Strengthen Florida’s Right to Farm Act Passes House Floor
Gaining bipartisan support on the House Floor Thursday, Senate Bill 88: Farming Operations passed in a 110 to 7 vote.
Florida’s legacy farming communities contribute to our nation’s food supply and billions of dollars to our state’s economy. Senate Bill 88: Farming Operations, by Senator Jason Brodeur and Representative Jayer Williamson, increases protections for our farmers by modernizing Florida’s Right to Farm Act.
Our state has experienced tremendous growth since Florida’s Right to Farm Act was originally passed in 1979. Both chambers have now approved this legislation, which seeks to update this important law so existing farm work and complementary agritourism activities are protected.
On Thursday, the legislation was sent to the Governor’s office for his consideration.

Online Sales Tax Bill Signed into Law By Governor DeSantis
On Monday, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 50: Online Sales Tax by Senator Joe Gruters.
Online purchases are not tax-free. Every time government turns a blind eye on collecting taxes, we put a greater burden on the businesses and Floridians who are following the law. Making sure out-of-state businesses are collecting and remitting taxes that are owed is the right thing to do.
SB 50, effective July 1, 2021, will help to prevent an unexpected tax hike on Florida businesses, creates a fair playing field for in-state businesses, and creates a revenue stream to replenish the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund to support Florida workers seeking re-employment.
In addition, this bill includes a plan to decrease the commercial rent tax over time, once the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund is replenished.

Special Session Announced To Discuss 2021 Compact With Seminole Tribe of Florida
On Friday, Governor DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida executed a historic new 30-year gaming Compact.
After months of negotiations, the 2020 Compact restores the State’s relationship with the Tribe, preserves and offers new opportunities for Florida’s legacy pari-mutuel industry, and provides substantial new revenues for the State of Florida.
Some of the highlights of the new Compact with the Seminole Tribe include:
· A new 30-year term;
· Craps and Roulette;
· Additional facilities on the Tribe’s Hollywood reservation;
· Enhanced revenue sharing brackets and;
· Statewide online sports betting in partnership with the pari-mutuels.
The new Compact will need to be ratified by the Legislature. Senate President Wilton Simpon and House Speaker Chris Sprowls have agreed for the Legislature to reconvene in a Special Session the week of May 17 to provide a more thorough vetting of these important issues.
The previously discussed legislation to establish a Gaming Control Commission and to decouple greyhound, jai alai, harness, and quarter horse racing will be reintroduced during the Special Session. This will provide ample time to thoroughly discuss and address the future of gaming in our state in a more comprehensive manner.
I understand that Florida’s diverse population has differing opinions and beliefs in regard to gaming. As President Simpson mentioned, Florida has a significant gaming footprint. Therefore, it is necessary that we regulate these activities in a manner that is fair and equitable to all parties.

Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of Thursday, April 22, 13,209,897 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida. There are now 8,307,032 individuals who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in Florida.
Remember, all individuals aged 18 and older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. You may watch the Governor’s previous announcement here.
Check the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website for the latest information.

COVID-19 Update: Florida Case Data
As of April 23, there have been 2,196,502 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 33,400 in Collier County, 4,607 in Hendry County and 65,427 in Lee County.
As of April 22, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 5.95%.
To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 webpage.
For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

In the News
New autism center in Cape Coral is first for Southwest Florida
Thanks A Million Harry Chapin Food Bank
New eye institute opening at Golisano Children’s Hospital this fall

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Passidomo
Senate Rules Chair
State Senator, District 28

Senator Scott’s Week in Review April 23rd

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This week, one month after Senator Rick Scott visited the Southern border with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to meet with our brave border patrol agents and see firsthand the crisis President Biden has created with his policies of open borders and amnesty, he renewed his call for Biden to do the same and demanded the President take action now to secure the border.

While Biden ignores the horrific humanitarian and national security crisis that he has created, Americans are taking notice of the consequences of his failed policies. Senator Scott is urging the President to keep his word, stop with the games and visit the border NOW to protect American families.

Also this week, Senator Rick Scott sponsored:

  • The Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone (RIDE) Act which will promote the research and development of advanced alcohol and impaired driving detection technology and will require the implementation of such technology in new motor vehicles.
  • The Iran Nuclear Deal Advice and Consent Act to curb President Biden’s ability to renegotiate the failed Iran Nuclear Deal without congressional approval.
  • A resolution honoring the efforts of Cuban democracy and human rights activist José Daniel Ferrer and the vital contribution and humanitarian efforts of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU).

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

Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Border Crisis Demands Real Leadership and Action

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement demanding President Biden take action to address the crisis at the U.S. Southern border. One month ago today, Senator Scott visited the Southern border with Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and received a briefing from state and federal law enforcement officers on the humanitarian crisis along the border created by Biden’s inaction and policies of amnesty and open borders. Last week, Senator Scott led his colleagues in a resolution commending the bravery and hard work of Customs and Border Protection agents as they attempt to manage this crisis.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s been exactly one month since I visited the Arizona to see Biden’s border crisis firsthand and meet with our brave border patrol agents. In the last 30 days, while the national security and humanitarian crisis on the border has continued to worsen, President Biden has done absolutely nothing. U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended more than 170,000 illegal aliens trying to cross our border in March – the highest monthly total in nearly 15 years. Last week, Biden finally acknowledged what we’ve been saying for months – the situation at the border is a crisis. While it’s great that he’s finally rejoined reality, Biden still refuses to act or admit it’s a crisis he created with his failed policies of open borders and amnesty. Biden’s inaction puts American families and our brave law enforcement officers in danger every day. It’s time for the President to show some real leadership and put the safety of American families above appeasing his radical left puppeteers. Biden must take action to secure the border now.” Read more HERE

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Sen. Rick Scott Outlines Priorities in Letter to Education Secretary Cardona

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona outlining his priorities for the department. In his letter, Senator Scott discusses the importance of reopening our schools, addressing the student debt crisis, keeping higher education affordable, and ensuring students and families have the opportunity to choose the education that best fits their needs. Read more HERE

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Sen. Rick Scott: The U.S. Stands Against Tyranny in Hong Kong

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement regarding the ongoing human rights violations by General Secretary Xi and the Chinese Communist Party.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The U.S. has made it clear – we will not sit idly by while Communist China oppresses the people of Hong Kong. America is a beacon of freedom and democracy, and we will always stand against communist tyrants, like General Secretary Xi, who try and deny civil liberties to free people. In 2019, I went to Hong Kong to meet with the leaders who have spent years fighting for freedom and democracy, and have been proud to be their voice in the U.S. Senate. Last week’s decision by the Hong Kong government to sentence pro-democracy leaders like Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee is completely unwarranted, and is nothing but an effort by the Chinese Communist Party to silence those who believe in liberty. I’m glad to see the U.S. House stand up for human rights this week and pass a resolution to condemn the Chinese Communist Party for violating the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers. I urge all my colleagues to continue to express united support for the people of Hong Kong.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Democrats Show True Values with Job-Killing Green New Deal

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement after Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate announced the reintroduction of a resolution supporting a Green New Deal.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The Green New Deal is as unserious and useless as the rest of the Democrats’ radical agenda. While Washington liberals remain detached from reality and insistent on killing jobs to appease their woke base, I’m staying focused on serving Florida’s families and addressing the real issues facing our nation like Biden’s border crisis, rising inflation and liberal attacks on our voting systems and courts.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Colleagues in Legislation Preventing Unilateral Deal with Murderous Iranian Regime

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marsha Blackburn and colleagues to introduce legislation to curb President Biden’s ability to renegotiate the failed Iran Nuclear Deal without congressional approval.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Trump was right to abandon the reckless Iran nuclear deal that President Obama got us into. Iran has shown time and time again that it cannot be trusted. We must do everything we can to oppose re-joining this bad deal.” Read more from Senator Blackburn’s office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Australia’s Rejection of Communist China’s Belt and Road Offer

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement applauding the decision by the Australian government to cancel four state agreements made with Communist China under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

In December, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison thanking him for Australia’s efforts to fight against Communist China’s quest for world domination, and affirming the United States’ support as the two nations continue to stand strong against Communist China. Senator Scott also wrote to Prime Minister Morrison earlier this month urging him to join global efforts to move the 2022 Olympic Games out of Communist China and to a nation that respects human rights.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China’s Belt and Road Initiative has one mission, to extend its control over other nations and advance its quest for world domination. I applaud the decision of the Australian government to stand up to Communist China and refuse to take part in General Secretary Xi’s master plan. I hope every nation around the world that has agreed to projects with Beijing will recognize the Communist Party’s sinister geopolitical strategy and follow Australia’s example.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Weakness Toward Iran is Unacceptable

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following reports that the Biden Administration is considering easing sanctions on Iran, the world’s leading state-sponsor of terror, as it considers reentering the disastrous Iranian Nuclear Deal.  In February, Senator Scott introduced a resolution expressing opposition to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and urging President Biden to work with Congress and refuse to rejoin the deal without significant reform.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Iran has shown time and time again that it cannot be trusted, yet President Biden is insistent on getting the United States back into the disastrous Obama-Biden Iran nuclear deal that does nothing but reward the Ayatollah and his regime. This is just a repeat of his failed decisions as Vice President. President Trump was right to cancel this horrible deal and the sanctions his administration levied on Iran are working. Easing sanctions on a government that wants to destroy Israel and chants ‘Death to America’ is unthinkable. Biden needs to stop with this weak and misguided strategy and keep maximum pressure on the Ayatollah until Iran is no longer a threat to U.S. national security.” Read more HERE.

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Democrats Block Common-Sense Measure to Resume Cruise Operations

Senators Rick Scott and Dan Sullivan sought to pass their Careful Resumption Under Improved Safety Enhancements (CRUISE) Act on the Senate floor, which would revoke the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current No Sail Order on cruises and require the CDC to provide COVID-19 mitigation guidance for cruise lines to resume safe domestic operations. For months, the CDC has left the cruise industry in the dark, refusing to issue new guidance that would allow employers to plan for the resumption of cruises. Democrats blocked this common-sense measure, despite the thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact relying on the success of this industry. See more in the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott and Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Support Vaccine Efforts for Puerto Rico

Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Jenniffer González-Colón and Representative Mario Diaz-Balart sent a letter to Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton urging him to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts for Puerto Rico by working with the government of Puerto Rico to establish a federally supported mass vaccination site, or propose and implement alternative measures to support vaccine uptake, on the island. Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Ben Ray Luján Introduce Legislation to Prevent Drunk Driving

Senators Rick Scott and Ben Ray Luján reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent drunk driving and save thousands of lives. The Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone (RIDE) Act will promote the research and development of advanced alcohol and impaired driving detection technology and will require the implementation of such technology in new motor vehicles. U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell, David McKinley and Kathleen Rice introduced companion legislation, the HALT Act, in the U.S. House.

Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities represent approximately one-third of all highway fatalities in the U.S. every year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 9,400 drunk driving deaths could be prevented each year if drunk driving prevention technology is made standard on every new vehicle. The RIDE Act is endorsed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the National Safety Council, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), and Responsibility.org.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It is heartbreaking that we have lost so many to the irresponsible actions of drunk drivers, and it’s time to take real, significant action to prevent any further loss. I’m proud to continue leading this effort and promote the development of critical alcohol and impaired driving detection technology, which will be a huge step to protect our families and communities.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Selection of Sen. Tim Scott to Provide Republican Response to Biden’s Address to Congress

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement in support of Senator Tim Scott, who will deliver the Republican response following President Biden’s Address to Congress on Wednesday, April 28.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Unlike today’s radical Democrats in Washington, the Republican Party is focused on what matters most to American families: the opportunity to get a great job, send their children to a top-notch school of their choice and live in a safe community. That’s why we’re fighting every day to put an end to Washington’s out of control spending and stop government from invading every part of American life. I applaud the selection of Senator Tim Scott to provide the Republican response following President Biden’s Address to Congress and look forward to hearing him clearly lay out how Republicans are working every day to move our nation forward and preserve the American Dream.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Resolution Honoring Cuban Democracy and Human Rights Leader José Daniel Ferrer

Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz introduced a resolution honoring the efforts of Cuban democracy and human rights activist José Daniel Ferrer and the vital contribution and humanitarian efforts of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). The resolution condemns Cuba’s brutal authoritarian Communist regime and calls for the international community to stand with the Cuban people in their fight for freedom.

Senator Rick Scott said, “For decades, the Cuban people have suffered atrocities, oppression and misery at the hands of the communist Castro regime. I’m disgusted to hear about the constant harassment, torture and inhumane conditions the Cuban regime is inflicting on the courageous leader, José Daniel Ferrer, and the brave members of UNPACU. The world cannot ignore the people of Cuba in their struggle for freedom. I’m proud to lead my colleagues today in standing with José Daniel Ferrer and the courageous activists who bravely fight to defend human rights, freedom and the democratic movement in Cuba. Cuba’s brutal authoritarian communist regime must stop persecuting dissidents, artists and journalists who stand up against their oppression. José Daniel Ferrer and his movement is the future of Cuba, not the ruthless communist regime.” Read more HERE.

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El Senador Rick Scott encabeza una resolución en honor al líder de la democracia y los derechos humanos en Cuba José Daniel Ferrer

Los Senadores Rick Scott, Marco Rubio y Ted Cruz presentaron una resolución en honor a los esfuerzos del activista cubano José Daniel Ferrer y la Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU), en la defensa de la democracia y los derechos humanos. La resolución condena al despiadado régimen comunista en Cuba e insta a la comunidad internacional a apoyar al pueblo cubano en su lucha por la libertad.

El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Durante décadas, el pueblo cubano ha sufrido atrocidades, opresión y miseria a manos del régimen comunista de Castro. Es espantoso escuchar el constante hostigamiento, tortura y condiciones inhumanas del régimen cubano en contra del líder José Daniel Ferrer, y los valientes miembros de UNPACU. El mundo no puede ignorar al pueblo cubano en su lucha por la libertad. Me enorgullece liderar hoy a mis colegas para apoyar a José Daniel Ferrer y los valientes activistas que luchan incansablemente por defender los derechos humanos, la libertad y el movimiento democrático en Cuba. El régimen genocida de Cuba debe dejar de perseguir a los disidentes, artistas y periodistas que se oponen a su opresión. José Daniel Ferrer y su movimiento es el futuro de Cuba, no el despiadado régimen comunista”. Lea más AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Americans are Worried About Rising Inflation – Biden Must Take Action 

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following reports that 87% of Americans are worried about inflation – a 10 point increase since last month.

Senator Rick Scott said, “For months, I’ve been warning about the threat of inflation and urging President Biden and his administration to take action. While Biden remains silent, Americans are worried because inflation is real and it’s happening right now. They see the price of every day goods growing up. For poor and struggling families across the nation, like mine growing up, even a slight increase in the price of household items can be devastating and curb their ability to save and succeed. It’s time for Biden to wake up, abandon his radical tax and spend agenda and focus instead on reining in our out of control spending and debt, and protecting American families.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: As Border Crisis Builds, Where is Joe Biden?

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement asking when President Biden will keep his promise to visit the border as the crisis caused by his policies of open borders and amnesty intensifies. Last month, in response to calls by Senator Scott during his visit to the border in Arizona with Governor Doug Ducey, President Biden committed to visit the Southern border.

Senator Rick Scott said, “A month ago, after I called on President Biden to visit the Southern border and see the crisis he’s created, he committed to make the trip. Well, where is he? Biden said Vice President Harris would lead the White House response to the border crisis but she hasn’t shown up either.

“While Biden ignores this horrific humanitarian and national security crisis that he has created, Americans are taking notice of the consequences of his failed policies of open borders and amnesty. How can Biden deliver an Address to Congress next week and talk about this when he hasn’t even seen the border yet? We won’t let Biden’s promise go. Keep your word, Mr. President. Stop with the games and visit the border NOW.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Maduro’s Loyalty-Based Vaccine Distribution is Disgusting – America Must Help

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Biden Administration to consider the many Venezuelans suffering under the oppressive dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro as it contemplates how to distribute the United States’ excess doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Senator Scott’s letter follows reports that Maduro is restricting vaccine distribution to those who have pledged political loyalty to him and his socialist dictatorship. Maduro’s disgusting loyalty pledge requirement leaves Venezuelans who support democracy, and the democratically-elected President Juan Guaidó, with no options for vaccination. Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott in the Washington Times: No Need to Raise Taxes to Fund Infrastructure and Protect the Environment

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Washington Times on how President Biden should ditch his wasteful $2 trillion “infrastructure” package, which would ultimately be paid for by taxes increases on Americans, and only devotes eight percent of funding to traditional infrastructure. Senator Scott urges Biden to reject tax increases and instead follow Florida’s playbook of growing the economy to fund critical projects.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “Democrats in Washington have a big problem when it comes to explaining their policies. Over the years, they have come to rely on a false equivalence between massive spending, higher taxes, and progress. The latest example of this came just a few weeks ago as President Biden rolled out his massive $2.5 trillion so-called “infrastructure” plan funded by, you guessed it, $2 trillion in tax increases. That’s Democrat politics in a nutshell. Their answer to every problem is higher taxes, bigger government bureaucracies, and endless deficit spending. It doesn’t work and it’s going to kill the American dream.

…Of the more than $2 trillion he’s asking for, just $157 billion, less than 8%, would go toward traditional infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, highways, air and seaports, and waterways. The other 92% simply funds liberal wish list priorities sloppily banded together as “infrastructure” initiatives. It’s a joke.

…As Governor of Florida, I oversaw the investment of $85 billion in critical and innovative infrastructure projects. The difference in what we did in Florida and what Biden wants? We funded roads, bridges, and ports and never raised taxes once to do it. That’s because we focused on cutting taxes and eliminating burdensome regulations and fought every day to create an environment where the private sector could succeed. We invested in real infrastructure to create real jobs. By doing this, we allowed the private sector to do what it does best innovate and grow. As a result, our economy boomed and it resulted in the state having the funds to invest in what matters to taxpayers, like improving education, protecting the environment, and funding infrastructure improvements. This playbook worked in the Sunshine State and it will work for America.

…My advice to Biden and Democrats in Washington is simple. Ditch this insane tax and spend agenda and follow Florida’s proven playbook for economic success.” Read the full op-ed in the Washington Times HERE.

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NBC News: Remember the debt limit? Top Republican revives demand for spending cuts

Reuters: Exclusive: Fed Chair Powell says won’t allow ‘substantial’ overshoot of inflation target – April 8 letter to U.S. senator

The Epoch Times: US Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Cancellation of Belt and Road Initiative in Australia

Newsmax: Rick Scott Rips Biden Over Iran Plans

Spectrum News 13: Political Connections: Sen. Rick Scott interview

Space Coast Daily: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Florida’s Fishing Industry

Florida Daily: Florida Delegation Wants Sunshine State to Get Its Share of Funds to Teach English in K-12

Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Byron Donalds Sound the Alarm on PPP Funds Going to Planned Parenthood

Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators Continue the Fight to Ban TikTok on Government Devices

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Backs Marsha Blackburn’s Proposal to Stop Nuclear Deal With Iran

Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Mario Diaz-Balart Call on FEMA to Work With Puerto Rico on COVID-19 Vaccines

Five Days Left of Session – Voting for our Veterans

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As the mother of a combat veteran — and as a citizen with the deepest appreciation for the sacrifices needed to keep our nation free — it is of great importance to me that we care for Florida’s veterans. I am proud to have co-sponsored these four great bills to ensure our heroes have the services and resources they need to better their lives here at home!

 

 

HB 231 – Services for Veterans and Their Families

 

This bill was put forward by Representative Ardian Zika. It authorizes the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to establish the Florida Veterans’ Care Coordination Program. This program would provide behavioral health care referral and coordination services for veterans and their families. This legislation also allows the DVA to work with non-profit organizations when serving veterans in this fashion. Data on the success of this program, as well as the success of the non-profits that would be associated with it, would be collected.

 

HB 231 passed both the House and the Senate. The House voted 117-0 in favor of its passage and the Senate voted 40-0. It is now off to the Governor!

 

 

HB 435 – Veterans Employment and Training

 

This bill, put forth by Representative Tyler Sirois, directs Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., to serve as state’s principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program. SkillBridge will have businesses and associations collaborate in facilitating training, educational opportunities, apprenticeships, internships, fellowships, and employment for members transitioning out of the armed services.

 

When this bill came before the House it passed 118-0. It is now up to the Senate to hear this bill.

 

HB 7023 – Veterans Treatment Court Programs

 

Representative Cord Byrd is the Primary Sponsor of this bill. This legislation authorizes courts to create and administer veterans treatment court programs. The purpose of these programs is to address the underlying causes of a veteran’s involvement with the judicial system by using an evidence-based approach, multidisciplinary teams, and specialized dockets. Using non-adversarial means in our justice system for our veterans helps in discerning the root cause of their issues and the focus on treatment works to prevent any future problems.

 

This bill passed the House 117-0 and is now in the Senate.

 

HM 71 – Recognizing Veteran Suicide

 

This is a House Memorial recognizing the problem of veteran suicides across the Nation. It urges the United States Congress to take note of the issue and fully fund efforts by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs to prevent veteran suicides.

 

This Memorial was put forward by Representatives Matt Willhite and David Smith. It passed the House 118-0 and is now off to the Senate.

 

 
Working for Water Quality

 
Water is the lifeblood of Florida! Improving and maintaining south Florida’s infrastructure is vital to keeping our water safe to play in and clean to drink. We are working hard to advocate for the many needed projects in District 80 that will improve water quality in our communities and promote future economic development.

 

HB 3771 – LaBelle Water Transmission Line

 

·     This bill is seeking nearly $1.3 million to upgrade the water transmission line in LaBelle that will prevent leakage and encourage economic growth.

 

HB 3777 – Hendry County Port LaBelle Utility System Gravity Sewer Repairs

 

·     This appropriations bill is asking for $200,000 in non-recurring funds to repair LaBelle’s sewers and utilities.

 

HB 3779 – Hendry County Port LaBelle Utility System Water Treatment Plant Expansion

 

·     This bill is seeking $600,000 to assist in the expansion of LaBelle’s Water Treatment Plant.

HB 3781 – C-21 Bridge Canal Crossing – City of Clewiston

 

·     This $3.6M project maintains the only access to Lake Okeechobee in Hendry County for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and law enforcement.

 

HB 3775 – Hendry County Connecting Airglades Airport & Clewiston Utilities

 

·     This legislation seeks $1 million of non-recurring funds to construct a force main between the Airglades Airport and the City of Clewiston’s existing wastewater treatment plant. This project is the last piece of a multi-year, multi-agency, multi-million dollar investment that will bring much needed job opportunities to Hendry County.

 

 

 

 

Bill Update

 

 

HB 491 – The Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board

 

This bill addresses the composition of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB). Currently, the FREAB’s composition does not adequately represent the public. This bill would adjust the makeup of the board in an effort to provide a more equitable distribution of industry representation. It does so by decreasing the number of board members who represent the appraisal management industry from two to one and increases the number of board members who represent the general public from two to three.

 

When this bill came before the House Floor it was replaced by the identical Senate Bill 346 and the House voted 119-0 in favor of its passage. It is now off to the Senate.

 

 

 

Local Happenings

 

·     North Collier Regional Park is having Earth Day in the Garden this Saturday, April 24th, from 9:00AM to noon. Stop by to learn about pollinators, view the butterfly habitat, and have a fun time outdoors! It is a free event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Out My Social Media!

 

Farmers and ranchers are America’s backbone. I was pleased to vote yes on SB 88 to protect Florida agriculture. #ThankAFarmer

 

Follow me on my social media to keep up to date with all of the latest happenings during session!

 

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

 

Personal Message from Representative Bob Rommel

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Personal Message from Bob

 

The 2021 Legislative Session is heading down the home stretch.  It has been a very busy session – in spite of the limitations impressed upon members and staff due to COVID-19.

Legislators have tackled some very contentious bills including CS/HB1 – Combating Public Disorder; CS/HB305 – Insurance; SB2012/HB1475 Transgender Youth Athletes; HB383/SB590 – Parents’ Bill of Rights and more.

In addition, the Legislature MUST pass a balanced budget as set forth in the Florida Constitution before the Legislative Session can adjourn.  Both the House and the Senate have passed budgets. There is a $2 Billion difference between the two budgets. which must now be negotiated so that both the House and the Senate are in agreement.

Further details about the budget and assorted bills below.

 

Speaking with WINK News about the various bills pending in Committees.

 

Representative Bob Rommel
District 106

 

 

Florida’s 2021-2022 Budget

 

With just two weeks left in the 2021 Legislative Session, House and Senate leaders have formally started budget conferences. The conferencing process allows the two chambers to resolve differences between their initial budget drafts, which were submitted at the beginning of April, ultimately concluding with a single FY21-22 budget they’ll approve at the end of the month and send to the governor for consideration. It’s typical for the House and Senate to offer unique approaches to the state’s spending plan, and this year is no different with the two budgets currently several billion dollars apart.

Very much in play is the question of whether and how to allocate the $10.2 billion the State will receive under the recently adopted $1.9 trillion federal American Rescue Plan. That plan also allocates $6.4 billion directly to local governments, bringing Florida’s total to roughly $17 billion.

The Governor has proposed spending $4.1 billion of the $10.2 billion to boost state ports, augment “resilience” spending and send every Florida first responder a $1,000 payment for their extraordinary service during the pandemic. Of the remaining $6 billion, legislative leaders will have expansive discretion in distributing this one-time federal relief. The House has chosen to include $4.4 billion in federal assistance in its $97.1 billion proposal (APC 21-01), while the Senate’s initial $95 billion spending plan (SB 2500) proposes cuts of $2.5 billion over the next two years.

Remember the Legislative Session cannot adjourn until such time as both chambers agree on a budget and submit it to Governor DeSantis for his review and approval.

 

 

 

CS/HB1 – Combating Public Disorder
Anti-Rioting Act

 

Why is HB1 important

HB 1 protects our communities, our neighborhoods, and the police officers who risk their lives for us. Free speech and the right to peaceably assemble are the foundation of America – HB 1 protects these rights for all people, regardless of reason or viewpoint.

What does HB1 do?

Provides law enforcement officers and prosecutors more tools to prevent violence and property destruction caused by riots.
Who benefits?

• Property Owners
• Peaceful Protesters
• Law Enforcement
• All Floridians because HB 1 will make Florida safer.
Sponsor Amendments
Amendment Bar Code # 175541: • Creates a duty for a municipality to allow law enforcement to respond appropriately during a riot. If it doesn’t, the municipality is civilly liable for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damages caused by the breach.

Amendment Bar Code # 580221:
• Defines “historic property” as any building, structure, site, or object officially designated historic through a designation program.
• Prohibits destroying, demolishing, damaging, or pulling down historic property and requires a person convicted to pay restitution.

Amendment Bar Code # 491535:
• Revises rioting crime to clarify that a person has to willfully participate in a riot to be covered.
• Revises the crime of aggravated rioting to require a person to participate with 25 or more other persons, rather than nine or more other persons to be covered.

Amendment Bar Code # 423835:
• Technical: conforms the offense severity ranking chart to amendments.
FICTION / FACT

FICTION: It will disproportionately impact communities of color.
FACT: HB 1 protects free speech and the right to peaceably assemble for all people, regardless of who they are and their viewpoint. HB 1 will impact mob violence – not peaceful protest. It does not target communities of color and will protect peaceful protesters from bad actors who want to commit violence.

FICTION: It is not fair that local governments have to bear the costs associated with the budget appeal process for reductions to municipal police budgets.
FACT: The budget appeal process is vital to protecting law enforcement. It helps hold local governments accountable. If municipalities want to defund the police, they should have to defend that decision. HB 1 limits who can appeal the municipal police budget reduction to include only the State Attorney of the judicial circuit or a member of the governing body who objected to the funding reduction.

FICTION: HB 1 would criminalize the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
FACT: Nothing in HB 1 prohibits a local government from issuing a special event permit for a peaceful protest. For people who block a road without a permit, HB 1 clarifies that law enforcement officers are allowed to enforce civil violations. Under HB 1, blocking a street is a civil violation, not a crime, so HB 1 would not have criminalized the 1960s Civil Rights Movement for protesting in the street.

FICTION: HB 1 values monuments over people.
FACT: HB 1 is about protecting Floridians’ lives. Along with protecting people, the bill also includes protections for property. The bill protects all memorials dedicated to preserving U.S. and Florida history and makes no distinction based on the type or viewpoint of the memorial. For property, the focus is on destroying a monument without permission of the owner. If the owner chooses to remove or destroy the memorial, it may do so.

FICTION: HB 1 is dangerous.
FACT: No one has a right to riot. The bill is solely focused on preventing violence and rioting. All Americans have the right to protest, but no American has the right to destroy others’ property; no American has the right to physically endanger others. HB 1 does not target communities of color. This bill actually protects peaceful protesters from bad actors that want to perpetrate violence.

FICTION: HB 1 is unnecessary.
FACT: Thankfully, there wasn’t the kind of violence we saw around the country over the summer and in January in Florida. Government’s first priority is protecting the public. We need to send a message that we intend to keep Florida safe – HB 1 gives the justice system additional tools to keep peaceful protests safe from those trying to abuse a movement.

UPDATE:  Governor DeSantis has signed HB1 into law making it effective as of Monday, April 19, 2021!

 

 

SB 72 – Civil Liability Protections for
COVID-19 Related Claims

 

How is SB 72 different from the House COVID-19 Liability Protection Bills?

SB 72 COVID-19 liability protections for businesses are identical to those in HB 7, which the House passed on March 5th. SB 72 includes many of the same provisions in HB 7005, the House Health Care COVID-19 liability protection bill, and the differences are described below.

What does SB 72 do?

Creates COVID-19 liability protections for businesses (HB 7) and achieves the difficult balance of providing liability protections to health care provides while retaining necessary safeguards for patients and long-term care facility residents (HB 7005).

Who benefits?

• Businesses, nonprofits, schools, religious institutions, health care providers, and long-term care facilities
• All Floridians because SB 72 will help our economy recover
Provisions in SB 72

SB 72 provides liability protections for business claims and non-patient (business) claims against health care providers and long-term care facilities (HB 7 + HB 7005) by:
• Requiring COVID-19 claims to contain a physician’s affidavit
• Providing civil immunity for defendants that make a good-faith effort to comply with applicable government guidance
• Raising the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence and raising the liability standard to at least grossly negligent for cases that make it to trial

SB 72 provides heightened liability protections to health care entities for civil claims brought by patients or facility residents related to:
• Diagnosis or treatment of, or failure to diagnose or treat COVID-19 (HB 7005)
• Provision of a novel or experimental COVID-19 treatment (HB 7005)
• Treatment of a COVID-19 patient whose injuries were directly related to exacerbation of their pre-existing conditions (SB 72)
• Transmission of COVID-19 (HB 7005)
• Delay or cancellation of a surgery, procedure, test, or appointment (HB 7005)
• Acts or omissions related to an emergency medical condition which were the result of a lack of resources directly caused by the pandemic (HB 7005)

SB 72 provides the same protections for these claims as HB 7005:
• Raising the liability standard from negligence to gross negligence
• Creating affirmative defenses for health care providers that substantially complied with applicable government standards or if it was impossible to comply with those standards because of resource shortages or insufficient time to implement them

SB 72 protections apply retroactively, just like HB 7005.

SB 72 includes three different statutes of limitations:
• For actions relating to transmission, diagnosis, or treatment of COVID: later of one year after the date of death, hospitalization, or diagnosis (SB 72)
• For all other actions accruing after the effective date of the act: one year from the date the cause of action accrues (SB 72)
• For actions accruing before the effective date of the act: one year from the effective date of the act (HB 7005).

 

 

HB1475/SB2012 -Transgender Youth Athletes

 

Why is HB 1475 important?

HB 1475 – the ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’ (Act) – supports women and girls by ensuring they have the same opportunities as men and boys to showcase their skill, strength, and other athletic abilities.
What does HB 1475 do?

• Requires athletic teams at the K-12 and collegiate levels to be designated based on biological sex and reserves female teams for biological women and girls
• Ensures that biological women and girls have the opportunity to play on a level playing field and enjoy the benefits that come with competing in sports
• Protects women and girls from being displaced and deprived of athletic scholarships and other benefits that would enhance their futures
Who benefits?

• Biological women and girls
• Female athletics, because the bill supports fairness in competition and maintains opportunities for women and girls to excel and receive recognition for their athletic accomplishments

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HB 1475 discriminate against transgender athletes?
No. HB 1475 is not anti-trans – it is pro-women and girls. The state’s interest in providing women and girls with an equal opportunity to participate in athletics is legitimate and not intended to discriminate against transgender athletes. In fact, ensuring equal opportunities for women is the essence of Title IX.

Does HB 1475 threaten Florida’s economy?
No. Florida is a destination market for tourism, new business ventures, popular sporting events, and other economic and recreational activities. Our state has so much to offer from our beaches and amusement parks to our championship winning sports teams. In regards to the NCAA statement issued on April 12, HB 1475 does not discriminate – it treats all biological males the same and all biological females the same, and every student athlete has the opportunity to participate on a team or in a sport corresponding to their biological sex.

Is HB 1475 unconstitutional?
No. The Supreme Court of the United States has recognized that there are inherent differences between men and women and these differences remain cause for celebration, but not for denigration of the members of either sex or for artificial constraints on an individual’s opportunity. Additionally, Title IX specifically allows separate sex-specific athletics teams or sports.

 

 

 

At the request of Governor DeSantis, HB 7047 revised the  state of emergency bill to include a ban on vaccine passports. The bill also limits local emergency orders to 42 days.

All adults in US now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. All adults in the United States are now eligible to register for a coronavirus vaccination, an accomplishment public health experts say represents a major step toward defeating the ongoing pandemic.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided its first public data about breakthrough Covid-19 cases to CNN last week and it shows that vaccines have been highly effective at reducing infections, hospitalizations and death.

As of last week, around 78.5 million Americans had been fully vaccinated and the CDC’s data states that 5,800 cases of Covid-19 occurred among fully vaccinated people, 396 of whom required hospitalization with 74 deaths recorded.

 
12,210,832 Total Vaccine Doses Administered
4,386,973 People Fully Vaccinated

2,155,744
FL Case Count
35,000 DEATHS

 

 
202,282,923 Total Vaccine Doses Administered
80,609,818 People Fully Vaccinated

31,556,889
US Case Count
565,986 DEATHS

 

 
860,450,000 Total Vaccine Doses Administered

139,488,232
Global Case Count
2,991,956 DEATHS

 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Super Bowl LV Champions!

 

 

I may not be a fan (I’m a long-time Giants supporter), but I was certainly very proud of Florida’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers on winning Super Bowl LV in February 2021.  This is the first time the home team played in their home stadium (Raymond James Stadium) and won! It’s great to have the Lombardi Trophy in Florida, where it belongs!!

 

Florida has no income tax and a balanced budget.
Let’s keep it that way!