Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement on the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin.
“Our Constitutional Republic is predicated on the belief that you are innocent until proven guilty, and one’s fate is to be determined by an impartial judicial system that is ultimately in the hands of a jury of your peers—we saw that today. The fight for equal justice in America did not come easy. We must all acknowledge the tremendous advancements we as a nation have achieved in which has provided equal justice under the law for decades, but the work is far from over.
“The murder of George Floyd demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life by a public servant who swore an oath to protect and serve the people of Minneapolis and by no means represents the majority of police in America today. Today and every day, Americans should celebrate the fact that we live in a nation that awards every person their day in court and the opportunity for justice to prevail under the blindfold of Lady Justice.”
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-22 16:31:192021-04-22 16:31:19Congressman Donalds’ Statement on the Verdict in the Trial of Derek Chauvin
Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the Democrat’s radical power grab move to grant Washington, D.C. Statehood.
“Democrats are not working for the American people; they are working for themselves and their callous desire for power. D.C. Statehood is just another tool in their toolbox to transform our Constitutional Republic to push their radical leftist agenda.
“D.C. Statehood is not about giving Washingtonians representation; it is about giving the Left two Democrats in the United States Senate so they can pass anti-gun legislation, pack the United States Supreme Court, and pass H.R. 1. The left can play with politics, but they can’t play with our Constitution.”
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-22 16:23:402021-04-22 16:23:40Congressman Donalds’ Statement Regarding the Democrat’s Radical Power Grab: D.C. Statehood
Public Safety Legislative leaders and law enforcement officials from across the state applaud the passage of House Bill 1 to prevent mob violence, support peaceful protest and stand with our law enforcement.
Winter Haven, Fla. – Today, during a press conference at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by legislative leadership and law enforcement officials from across the state to sign the “Combating Public Disorder Act” into law. The bill, HB 1, takes a robust approach to uphold the rule of law, stand with those serving in law enforcement and enforce Florida’s zero tolerance policy for violent and disorderly assemblies. The bill comes in the wake of ongoing violence, rioting and other forms of civil unrest throughout the United States over the last two years.
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “In Florida, we are taking an unapologetic stand for the rule of law and public safety. We are holding those who incite violence in our communities accountable, supporting our law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep us safe and protecting Floridians from the chaos of mob violence. We’re also putting an end to the bullying and intimidation tactics of the radical left by criminalizing doxing and requiring restitution for damaging memorials and monuments by rioters. I am proud to sign this bill into law and appreciate the diligence of our elected leaders in the state legislature, especially Senator Stargel, Senator Burgess, Representative Fernandez-Barquin, Representative Perez and Representative Byrd, for getting this proposal to my desk so swiftly.”
First announced by Governor DeSantis in September 2020, the proposed legislation included new criminal offenses and increased penalties for individuals who are participants in violent or disorderly assemblies, while simultaneously guarding the Constitutionally protected First Amendment right to peaceably assemble.
House Bill 1, the “Combating Public Disorder Act”, increases penalties for existing crimes committed during a violent assembly, and protects the communities’ law enforcement officers, and victims of these types of acts. The bill also creates specific crimes for mob intimidation and cyber intimidation to ensure that Florida will not be a welcoming place for those wishing to impose their will on innocent civilians and law enforcement by way of mob mentality. Crimes of mob intimidation and cyber intimidation both will become 1st-degree misdemeanors.
Florida will not tolerate the destruction and demolition of memorials and historic properties by angry mobs. The Combating Public Disorder Act also creates new penalties for destroying monuments and historic property, the consequences of which include of a 2nd-degree felony and paying restitution for the repairing or replacing of the memorial. The bill is also increasing penalties and rankings for many of these offenses like assault, battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal mischief, burglary, and theft when these crimes are committed during or in furtherance of a riot.
Legislative leaders and Cabinet officials from across the state joined Governor DeSantis to applaud the passage of HB1. Here is what they are saying …
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez said, “Our administration believes there is a fine line between peaceful protest and violence. We have seen our nation’s communities ravaged by rage, anger, rioting and chaos. Our democracy cannot afford to blur the lines between peaceful assembly and violence. We applaud the Florida legislature for passing a historic bill that will protect the people’s Constitutional rights and liberties, safeguard our communities and will not turn a blind eye to criminal acts.”
Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson said, “Our constitutional right to protest has played a critical role in the great history of our democracy. We will defend the right of every Floridian to peacefully protest. However, you can’t assault a police officer. You can’t destroy property. No matter who you are, or what the cause. This good bill strengthens our state laws to increase penalties for bad actors who turn otherwise peaceful and constitutional protests into violent riots where law enforcement officers are attacked and property destroyed. I am proud to stand with our Governor to make it clear that peaceful protests are welcome, but violent, destructive mobs will not be tolerated in Florida.”
Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls said, “There is nothing more important to me than protecting people and their property and defending our law enforcement officers. And there has been no Governor in America bolder than Governor Ron DeSantis, and for that, I commend him. Thank you to Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin and his colleagues who championed this bill through the House, Senate President Simpson and our Senate partners, and Governor DeSantis, whose vision and signature today made this the law of the land. Today we are standing up to mob violence and standing behind our law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect and serve.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We ask law enforcement officers to take an oath to protect and serve. We, as leaders, in turn have a responsibility to protect them as they ensure order and safety in the communities they serve. We respect the right of people to peaceably assemble and make their views known on issues of public policy, but rioting, violence and destruction of property cannot and will not be tolerated in Florida. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and our great legislative leaders for taking steps to prevent the chaos and destruction happening in other parts of the country from gaining a foothold in Florida.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Governor Ron DeSantis has done it once again. As citizens and businesses flee states like California and New York for sunny Florida, the Governor has fired off another message to the rest of the world that Florida will put the safety of its citizens first and foremost. We’ve watched cities like Portland, New York, Seattle, and Chicago burn because politicians turned their backs on law enforcement. Luckily, Governor DeSantis’ Florida is different from the Portlands of the world because we love and appreciate our law enforcement community. Unfortunately, as anti-law and anti-law enforcement sentiments are spilling out to certain portions of the nation, Florida has had to make sure our laws are keeping up with the times to keep our communities safe. This law makes it clear that civil protests are not the same as violent-destruction, and we’re thankful to the Governor and Legislature for putting this commonsense idea into action.”
Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin, R-Miami, Sponsor of House Bill 1 said, “My bill protects peaceful protestors, innocent residents, private property and law enforcement. It stiffens penalties for looters and rioters and preserves our First Amendment rights by clearly differentiating between a rioter and peaceful protestor.”
Senator Danny Burgess said, “As a Father, Soldier, and Florida Senator, I took an oath to protect our First Amendment rights and will always continue to do so. This bill protects the 1st Amendment Rights we all cherish – rights generations of Americans have fought and died to protect. This bill makes it clear that the Florida Legislature and our Governor stand side by side with protestors who are peaceful and trying to enact meaningful change. We stand side by side with law enforcement who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. Most importantly, we stand side by side with Floridians across our state who like me were rendered speechless watching U.S. soldiers inside our nation’s Capital protect us from ourselves. I am grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this legislation today, because here in Florida criminals who seek to thwart peaceful protests by willfully inciting violence, attacking law enforcement and destroying public or private property will be held accountable.”
Senator Kelli Stargel said, “As a mother of children who have served this country in our Armed Forces and defended the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and as a citizen who has participated in many peaceful protests over the years, I am grateful to the Legislature and our Governor for their work to protect the rights of protestors whose worthwhile efforts to make their voices heard are drowned out when peaceful protests turn into violent attacks on law enforcement and property. We are honored to have our Governor here in Polk Country today to sign critical legislation that safeguards our First Amendment right to protest, while enhancing public safety by giving law enforcement the tools they need to protect our communities.”
Representative Cord Byrd said, “HB 1 strikes the right balance between protecting the constitutional right to peaceably assemble while punishing those who sow discord and anarchy. HB 1 sends a strong message that Florida will not wait for its cities to burn before taking action to protect her citizens.”
Representative Danny Perez said, “With the signing of HB 1, we are making it abundantly clear that rioting and looting will never be tolerated in Florida. I am proud to join Governor DeSantis and my colleagues in the Legislature in standing for law and order.”
In addition to legislative leaders, law enforcement officials and representatives from across the state applauded the Governor’s leadership to pass House Bill 1 and sign it into law. Here is what law enforcement officials are saying …
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, “I applaud House Speaker Sprowls, Senate President Simpson, and Governor DeSantis for their leadership to keep Floridians and visitors to Florida safe by passing this important legislation. Nothing else matters if you and your children aren’t safe. This law represents Florida’s commitment to public order and creating a safe place for people to express their constitutional right to free speech.”
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said, “Government’s one and only responsibility is to protect its citizens and in a state that stands for law and order, House Bill 1 does exactly that!! From day one, Governor DeSantis has stood shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement to protect our citizens and this bill is another perfect example of his commitment to make certain that Florida is the safest state in the country!! The bill combats public disorder and holds those accountable who put others lives and property at risk through violent acts and destruction. Structured to protect free speech and peaceful protest, House Bill 1 gives strong teeth to law enforcement and prosecutors to bring criminal charges against those who commit acts of violence, looting, destruction, and intimidation during a public disturbance. Championed by Governor DeSantis, House Bill 1 makes certain that our citizens, our cops, and our Constitution are protected!!”
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said, “HB1 is important to the rule of law and effective public safety across Florida. Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, law enforcement will now have effective tools to hold people accountable who are not peacefully protesting, but rather are engaging in lawless behavior that threatens the safety of others.”
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said, “I fully support Governor DeSantis and his commitment to law and order in the State of Florida; I have taken a zero-tolerance stance against rioting or any type of violence within my county. While I completely support the citizens right to peacefully assemble, any type of public endangerment or rioting will be shut down immediately, and those responsible will be incarcerated. I could not be more proud of our great Governor.”
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said, “I commend Governor DeSantis and his strong leadership because he truly knows how to protect this great State of ours. This bill becoming a law is a perfect example of his passion of ensuring that the hard working, law abiding citizens and their property is and will be protected. This law will separate the law-abiding citizen exercising their Constitutional Rights from the individual who is committing crimes. Anyone who opposes or fears this law is an individual who cares more about a criminal and criminal acts rather than law and order.”
Duval County Sheriff Mike Williams said, “I am very pleased that our Governor has demonstrated yet again his support for law enforcement in signing House Bill 1 – the Anti-Riot Bill. Jacksonville, along with the rest of the state is ready to work together to build stronger bridges of trust and cooperation while maintaining public safety. Public Safety is paramount for everyone in Florida – our families, our neighbors and our businesses.”
Gilchrist County Sheriff and President of the Florida Sheriffs Association Bobby Schultz said, “Destroying property, harassing, and threatening Floridians, or attacking law enforcement officers is unacceptable in a civil society; Sheriffs will defend every citizen’s right to peacefully protest. HB 1 further supports this by removing the criminal element that attempts to take these peaceful events and turn them violent.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “I am grateful for Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership on HB1. Under Governor DeSantis, Florida has shown what it means to be a national model by bolstering our law enforcement community with the tools it needs to protect our citizens. The anti-riot bill makes Florida safer and I’m proud to stand with Governor DeSantis on this important legislation.”
Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gene Spaulding said, “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, HB 1 will help our communities exercise their constitutional rights peacefully while upholding the rule of law and furthers Florida’s commitment to supporting and protecting our dedicated law enforcement officers.”
Colonel Curtis Brown, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said, “We want to thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership in keeping Floridians safe, we stand behind the Governor and the Legislature on this important issue.”
Satellite Beach Police Chief and President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association Jeff Pearson said, “On behalf of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and over 900 law enforcement executives, we applaud Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their unwavering support for Florida’s law enforcement and the rule of law. Peaceful protest is a defining hallmark of our society, but violent protests endanger lives and threaten the rights of every other citizen we are sworn to protect. With Governor DeSantis’ leadership, House Bill 1 will help law enforcement better protect the lives and property of every Floridian, and ensure that peaceful protestors can safely exercise their constitutional rights without the threat of having their voices hijacked by the violent actions of others.”
Florida Police Benevolent Association President John Kazanjian said, “On behalf of the thousands of brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, the Florida PBA applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law, the ‘Anti- Riot Bill.’ This important legislation will increase penalties for assault, battery, burglary and theft, and battery against a law enforcement officer during a riot, and prohibits the damaging or defacing of memorials or historic property. This is a win for public safety in the State of Florida and for our law enforcement officers, who maintain public safety every day.”
Florida State Fraternal Order of Police President Robert Jenkins said, “The Fraternal Order of Police wants to thank Governor DeSantis for HB 1. The FOP believes this bill allows Law Enforcement the ability to act appropriately and swiftly to protect the citizenry, and property of this State, but more importantly those persons wishing to exercise their constitutional right of free speech peacefully. The FOP wants to thank Governor DeSantis not only for his continued support of Law Enforcement but his continued leadership during the pandemic this past year.”
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-21 14:12:102021-04-21 14:12:10Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Hallmark Anti-Rioting Legislation Taking Unapologetic Stand
Florida is a tourism state, with thousands of jobs relying on the success of our ports, cruise lines and maritime industries. Throughout his time as Governor of Florida, Senator Rick Scott proudly welcomed more than 100 million visitors every year, shattering annual tourism records. Tourism – including our all-important cruise industry – has huge impacts for states across our nation and the thousands of jobs that rely on its success.
As we continue to work to recover from the coronavirus and get our economy back on track, Senator Scott remains committed to doing everything he can to support our tourism industry in Florida and across the United States. Unfortunately, while many sectors of the economy have been safely operating for months under CDC guidelines, Floridians, and those across the nation that rely on the cruise industry for work, continue to wait for updated guidance from the CDC.
This week, Senators Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan and Marco Rubio introduced the CRUISE Act, which would revoke the CDC’s current No Sail Order on cruises and require the CDC to provide COVID-19 mitigation guidance for cruise lines to resume safe domestic operations. Cruises can resume safely, and Senator Scott will keep working to get our tourism industry open.
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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
Following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Senator Rick Scott released the below statement calling out President Biden and Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell for their total inaction on growing inflation. As inflation rises, price increases disproportionately hurt small businesses and low and fixed-income families. Today’s BLS data, in conjunction with last week’s Producer Price Index data, proves that prices are rising for families in Florida and across the nation. Year over year, consumer prices increased 2.6% in March – a significant increase from the 1.7% increase reported for the 12-month period ending in February 2021. Food prices have seen a 3.5% increase over the last 12-months while gasoline prices are up 23%.
Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden and Chair Powell need to wake up. When you grow up poor, as I did, you know how much it means to a family when prices go up. Today’s CPI data is clear – inflation is on the rise. Yet Biden and Powell remain in la-la land, ignoring the fact that prices of every day goods, like groceries and essential business supplies, are rising and making it harder for folks to make ends meet.
“Americans can’t afford for this to be ignored any longer. It’s time for Biden and Powell to return to reality and lay out a clear plan to address rising inflation and protect American families.” Read more HERE.
Senators Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan and Marco Rubio introduced the Careful Resumption Under Improved Safety Enhancements (CRUISE) Act, which would revoke the CDC’s current No Sail Order on cruises and require the CDC to provide COVID-19 mitigation guidance for cruise lines to resume safe domestic operations. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar is leading this legislation in the House of Representatives.
In March, Senator Scott sent a letterto Jeffrey Zients, the White House COVID Response Coordinator, urging the Biden Administration to immediately issue clear guidance for the resumption of operations for the cruise industry. The CDC still has not responded to his letter or provided the cruise line industry with a timeline of when they can begin sailing, which is urgently needed. Senator Scott also introduced the Set Sail Safely Act last year, which would establish a Maritime Task Force, in coordination with a Private Sector Advisory Committee, to address the health, safety, security, and logistical changes needed to allow for cruise lines and ports to resume operations.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida is a tourism state with thousands of jobs relying on the success of our ports, cruise lines and maritime industries. While many sectors of the economy have been safely operating for months under CDC guidelines, Floridians, and those across the nation that rely on the cruise industry for work, continue to wait for updated guidance from the CDC. The CDC’s refusal to properly address this shutdown is wrong and it’s time to get the cruise lines open safely. Our bill, the CRUISE Act, says we’re not waiting on the CDC any longer. Cruises can and should resume, and we’re going to do everything we can to bring back our cruise industry safely.” Read more HERE.
As the United States Senate prepares to consider potential comprehensive legislation to address the threat posed by Communist China, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prepares to hear testimony related to the Endless Frontier Act, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement outlining his expectations for U.S. – China policy. Since being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has been a leader in efforts to hold Communist China accountable for its horrific human rights abuses and anti-American policies and actions. Over the past two years, Senator Scott has sponsored or co-sponsored more than 40 pieces of legislation related to Communist China, and authored hundreds of op-eds, letters to the editor and statements on the importance of protecting American interests through this new Cold War between Communist China and the U.S.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Since being elected to the Senate just two years ago, I have been clear that the threat posed by Communist China is the most significant national security issue facing the United States. Communist China’s actions over this short time have made abundantly clear that the United States is in a new Cold War with Communist China. I have no faith that President Biden will do what is needed in this critical moment. His words and actions have only emboldened Communist China and his administration’s weakness toward General Secretary Xi is gravely concerning. Congress must now confront this threat and defeat the spread of tyranny using every diplomatic and military option at our disposal.
“During my time in the Senate, I have sponsored and supported more than 40 pieces of legislation focused on addressing the security of our supply chains, holding Communist China fully responsible for its disgusting human rights abuses and genocide against Uyghur Muslims, enhancing our ability to innovate and develop new technology, and countering Beijing’s unfair trade practices. This is where our legislative efforts must begin. We need to strategically decouple and cut Communist China off from the American economy that it relies so heavily upon to feed its communist oppression machine. We must not be naïve in thinking that Communist China wants to operate in the modern world order and cooperate with other world powers. Now is the time to display the true resolve of the United States in addressing Communist China’s destabilizing actions and finally put policy in place that truly places American interests first.” Read more HERE.
Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Marco Rubio, Jacky Rosen, Ben Sasse, Joni Ernst and Kevin Cramer introduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act. The legislation would allow beneficiaries of Holocaust-era insurance policies to bring civil action in U.S. district courts against the insurer for the covered policy to recover proceeds due or otherwise enforce any rights under the policy.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to join my colleagues to re-introduce the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act to continue our support for survivors and their families. The Holocaust is more than a history lesson, it is a stark reminder that evil and hate exist in this world. Our memory and support of all of those who suffered must never weaken. Every generation must heed the call to action in the face of evil, and as U.S. Senator, I will continue to support Israel and take action against those who wish to do them harm.” Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the New York Times revealed that the Biden Administration is privately wary of the threat of inflation due to President Biden’s massive spending plans, while publicly brushing off the issue.
Senator Rick Scott said, “While officials in President Biden’s own Administration have reportedly expressed private concern about the impacts their massive spending plans will have on inflation, Biden, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and the Democrats continue to play down this threat publicly. They are lying in public, while privately worrying about the same issue I’ve been sounding the alarm on for months. It’s a disgusting betrayal of the trust of the American people. When inflation rises, the prices of everyday goods go up. I grew up poor and I know how much it means to a family when prices go up. It seems Biden and the elitist left couldn’t care less. It’s time for Biden to acknowledge this threat is real, understand that his reckless spending has consequences and address the risk of runaway inflation now.” Read more HERE.
Senator Rick Scott was joined by Senators Ted Cruz, Ron Johnson, James Lankford and Josh Hawley in introducing a resolutioncommending the bravery and hard work of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents as they attempt to manage the crisis at the Southern border.
Last month, Senator Scott traveled Arizona to visit the border and receive a briefing from state and federal law enforcement agents in Arizona on the humanitarian crisis along the Southern border which is being fueled by President Biden’s disastrous policies of amnesty and open borders.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Last month, I visited the border to meet with our brave CBP agents to hear firsthand from them about the crisis on the border. My trip to Arizona made one thing abundantly clear: the crisis on our Southern border is 100% caused by President Biden’s policies of open borders and amnesty. Just last month, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol apprehended more than 170,000 illegal aliens trying to cross our border – that’s the highest monthly total in nearly 15 years. That is unacceptable. It’s time for the Biden Administration to stop this insanity, secure the border and send a clear message of law and order.
“Amid Biden’s border crisis, our CBP agents are selflessly and heroically risking their lives to secure our border and keep people safe. Every day, these agents are put in dangerous situations and lack the federal resources they need to do their jobs. They are worthy of our respect and admiration, and I am proud to lead my colleagues today to honor their service and sacrifice.” Read more HERE.
Senator Rick Scott introduced and sought to pass his Promoting Election Integrity by Proving Voter Identity Act on the Senate floor. This legislation would require Voter ID, and is one component of his Save Democracy Act to restore faith in our federal elections and guarantee that voters decide the outcomes of elections, not the courts. Senator Scott’s bill was co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso and Kevin Cramer. Senate Democrats blocked the bill’s passage.
Senator Rick Scott said, “My goal is 100% participation in our elections and 0% fraud. My Republican colleagues and I want it to be easy to vote and hard to cheat. Voter ID helps us meet that goal. It’s shouldn’t be controversial. You need an ID to get on a plane, open a bank account, and drive a car. You even need an ID to tour the White House. But we shouldn’t have an ID to vote for the President? It makes no sense. Yet, today, the Democrats blocked this simple measure because they reject any efforts at real reform. If Democrats were serious about working together to move our country forward, restore public trust in our elections and protect democracy, they would stop playing games and pass Voter ID now.” See more HEREor below.
Senators Rick Scott, Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton reintroduced legislationto ban all federal employees from using TikTok on government devices. Congressman Ken Buck is leading the legislation in the House of Representatives. Several government agencies, including the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, have already banned TikTok on federal government devices due to cybersecurity concerns and possible spying by the Communist Chinese government.
This legislation follows the Biden administration’s actionto roll back plans by the Trump administration to force a sale of TikTok’s American operations, despite reports that TikTok is a unique threat to data security.
Senator Rick Scott said, “We cannot allow federal employees to jeopardize U.S. government networks and national security by using apps like TikTok, which are connected to the Chinese Communist Party. Communist China has shown again and again that it will stop at nothing to infiltrate our government networks and steal American technology and intellectual property. I’m proud to join Senator Hawley on this important legislation and hope our colleagues will join us in quickly passing the No TikTok on Government Devices Act.” Read more HERE.
Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Tom Cotton, Bill Hagerty, Marsha Blackburn, John Kennedy, Marco Rubio and John Barrasso in a statement on so-called “green” products purchased as a part of President Biden’s infrastructure plan.
Senators Scott, Cotton, Hagerty, Blackburn, Kennedy, Rubio and Barrasso said, “Products stained with the blood of slave labor will never be clean or green. Any infrastructure proposal from President Biden must bar U.S. taxpayer support of products like solar panels that are made in camps by Uyghurs and other groups held hostage by the Chinese Communist Party. The United States government should play no role in subsidizing or partaking in this barbaric treatment of ethnic groups in Xinjiang.” Read more from Senator Cotton’s office HERE.
Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh outlining his priorities for the department to foster a collaborative and efficient regulatory environment, which protects and creates American jobs. Senator Scott also discusses the need for the department to reduce and eliminate burdensome regulations on American businesses so they can thrive, especially as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more HERE.
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement after a Hong Kong court sentencedseveral pro-democracy leaders, including Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee, under Communist China’s “national security law” enacted in Hong Kong last year.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Jimmy Lai, Martin Lee and these valiant leaders have spent their lives advocating for freedom for Hong Kongers. I met with many of the Hong Kongers fighting for freedom when I visited Hong Kong in 2019 and I will always support their cause. This sentencing is completely unwarranted. General Secretary Xi is trying to silence those who believe in liberty. This is an appalling assault on democracy and every freedom-loving nation across the world should be disgusted with the actions Communist China has taken to strip Hong Kong of its democratic liberties.
“American companies must ask themselves if this is the type of government they are willing to support, and the American people should do everything possible to only buy from companies that stand for human rights and reject partnerships and business with Communist China.” Read more HERE.
Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Marco Rubio, Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal in reintroducing the bipartisan and bicameral Ensuring Linguistic Excellence and Vocational Aptitude by Teaching English (ELEVATE) Act. The ELEVATE Act would ensure states receive the federal funding necessary to provide high-quality instruction to students learning English. This legislation would correct a flawed funding formula used by the U.S. Department of Education to allocate funds to states by fully capturing the number of K-12 students who relocate to the mainland from Puerto Rico.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I will always do everything I can to support Puerto Rican families and make sure all students have the resources they need. I’m proud to support the ELEVATE Act which ensures our schools have the federal resources needed to help English-learning students succeed and live their dreams.” Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.
Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio reintroduced the Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act, which would create fairness in federal excise taxes by equalizing the tax rates for portable, electronically-aerated bait containers and the parts used to assemble them. The tax code currently penalizes small businesses that manufacture these bait containers by applying a three percent rate if the parts are sold separately, but a 10 percent tax rate if the product is sold assembled. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the saltwater recreational fishing has an $8 billion economic impact and supports more than 114,000 jobs in Florida.
Senator Rick Scott said, “As Governor of Florida, I worked every day to make sure our state was the best place in the nation to do business. We cut taxes 100 times and cut 5,400 burdensome regulations so every Floridian could live their dreams in the Sunshine State. I’m proud to join Senator Rubio to support the Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act and continue this important work in our great state, the fishing capital of the world.” Read more HERE.
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-18 14:55:462021-04-18 14:55:46Senator Rick Scott April 16 Update
These bills, by Representative Yarborough and myself, work to streamline workforce programs and services, collect more data on our workforce, and open more pathways for our students so they can have brighter futures. The House released a video on its YouTube page where Representative Yarborough and I explain our legislation. Click here to watch it!
On April 14th, HB 1505 and HB 1507 passed the House with 116 and 117 Representatives in favor of them respectively — there were no votes in opposition to either bill.
The Speaker of the House, Chris Sprowls, commented on the bills favorably after both had passed. Speaker Sprowls: “[This] is the most significant redesign of our workforce system of any other State in America. It has a purpose that makes it very clear that what this chamber has just said is that we care about our people. That our people are significant and they are not forgotten. And they deserve — that when their government engages with them — that we help them find a job, we help them find purpose and meaning in work, and that we help them find a pathway for prosperity for their family.”
HB 579 – Evidentiary Standards for Actions Arising During an Emergency
This bill works to protect businesses responding to declared emergencies from having specific civil causes of action put against them. It passed the House on Wednesday, April 14th, with 115 Representatives in favor of it.
– Domestic Violence
This piece of legislation passed the House 118-0, on April 15th. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting me with this bill as it ensures our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and re-establishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program in our State. Click here to see it in action on the Floor.
HB 1637 – Immokalee Water and Sewage District, Collier County
We all read the spoiler at the start, so there’s no surprise for this one! Indeed, HB 1637 also passed the House 118-0. This bill provides clarity on how Immokalee’s District Board of Commissioners is constituted. This will help the Immokalee Water and Sewage District secure federal funds to address local water and sewer issues.
Need Some Weekend Plans?
· The US Open Pickleball Championships are being held at East Naples Park from 4/17 through to 4/24. Head to East Naples Park this Saturday to watch this great sporting event kick off! For more information click here.
· Speaking of “Opens,” Naples has an Open Air Farmers Market every Saturday from 7:30AM – 11:30AM. It is located at 3rd St. S. & Broad Ave. S. to 3rd St. S. & 13th Ave. S. For more information about the event you can call (239) 261-8936.
· Kicking for Wishes is having their first annual kickball tournament benefitting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. It is being held at North Collier Regional Park. Feel free to join them for some fun and send them your support this Saturday at 11AM. For any questions regarding participation or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Taylor Norman at tnorman@sfla.wish.org or (239) 992-9474.
What We’re Reading
Chris Sprowls Celebrates House Passage of Workforce Bills
Haley Brown
Collier County’s mask mandate has ended as of April 13th. There are no plans from the County to renew the mandate. It should be noted that private businesses maintain the right to ask you to wear a mask. If you feel that you still want to wear a mask for your own healthy and safety, you are free to do so.
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This weekend, we began the budget conference. The Florida Senate and House come together to resolve differences between the two chambers’ versions of the state budget.
Each chamber passed a version of the state budget last week, but a lot has changed since then. While we planned for a major budget shortfall, the most recent revenue estimate for FY 2021-2022 projects Florida will receive $2 billion more in revenue than the most recent estimate. The increase is a result of federal relief funding and higher tax revenues expected as we continue to recover and rebuild our economy from COVID-19. While the latest revenue projection is a strong improvement, we have important decisions to make about how we fund the many priorities and challenges our state faces. We must ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and provides a strong return on investment for Floridians.
While the budget process moves forward, we continue to hear important legislation on the Senate floor. Below is an update on activities this week. To search and follow any of the proposed legislation for the 2021 session, you may view them here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2021.
Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of Thursday, April 15, 11,956,854 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida. There are now 6,942,405 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.
As of April 15, there have been 2,148,448 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 32,713 in Collier County, 4,554 in Hendry County and 63,558 in Lee County.
As of April 14, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 6.66%.
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 theCDC COVID-19 website.
Senate Passes Legislation to Repeal Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law
This week, the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 54: Motor Vehicle Insurance by Senator Danny Burgess.
Florida is one of only two states that does not currently require drivers to carry liability coverage that immediately kicks in if they cause bodily injury or death.
SB 54 transforms ineffective and outdated insurance practices to result in a more stable insurance market and better outcomes for all insured Floridians.
This legislation repeals Florida’s No-Fault Law and instead enacts a bodily injury liability system, providing fairness to insured drivers and placing liability on the at-fault party in an accident.
Enacting Senate Bill 54 will ensure more significant bodily injury liability coverage for Floridians and require insurance companies to offer first-party medical coverage (MedPay) of $5,000 or $10,000 to all drivers.
Senate Bill 54 also reforms bad faith actions in order to reduce litigation by providing a set of standards that will govern the conduct of both parties during the claims handling process.
Measure to Preserve First Amendment Rights, Combat Violent Riots Passes Florida Senate
Our constitutional right to protest has played a critical role in the great history of American democracy. Every American has the right to peacefully protest, however, there is absolutely no excuse for destroying property or attacking law enforcement in the course of exercising your constitutional right.
While violence and destruction from dangerous riots have plagued our state, Washington D.C., and cities around the country over the last year or more, the Florida Legislature is taking action now to ensure public safety and safeguard the First Amendment right of all Americans to peacefully protest.
House Bill 1: Combating Public Disorder, presented by Senator Danny Burgess, passed the Florida Senate and will now be sent to the Governor’s desk.
House Bill 1 upholds the rule of law and protects law enforcement officers from violent attacks. The legislation increases criminal penalties for violence, burglary, and destruction during a riot, allows law enforcement to prohibit individuals from blocking traffic and obstructing roadways if a permit has not been obtained, provides for a six-month mandatory sentence for battery against a law enforcement officer during a riot, creates a process to reject efforts to defund the police, and makes doxing a first-degree misdemeanor.
Rioting, violence and destruction silences those protesting peacefully, and will not be tolerated here in Florida.
Senate Committee Reaffirms Commitment to Support Our Veterans and Their Families
The Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Kelli Stargel, unanimously approved Senate Bill 260: Services for Veterans and Their Families, by Senator Gayle Harrell.
The legislation 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.
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. The Florida Senate is committed to ensuring Florida remains the number one state in the nation for our military and veteran communities and their families.
Senate Approves Bill to Help Save Lives of Police Canines
The Florida Senate is enhancing care and protections for our hardworking police canines.
Senate Bill 388: Injured Police Canines, by Senator Tom Wright, gained unanimous support in the Senate. The bill allows for a police canine injured in the line of duty to be transported in an emergency vehicle to a veterinary clinic or similar facility if no person requires medical attention or transport when the canine needs it.
Senate Bill 388 also authorizes Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics to provide emergency medical care to the injured police canine at the scene of the emergency or while being transported.
Life-Saving Legislation Passes Committee
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, chaired by Senator Doug Broxson, unanimously approved Senate Bill 280: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training in Public Schools, by Senator Dennis Baxley, a potentially life-saving measure to require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in schools.
The legislation requires school districts to provide basic training in first aid, including one hour of hands-only CPR instruction, for all students in grades 9 and 11. The legislation also encourages school districts to provide this critical training for students in grades 6 and 8.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes.
Bystander CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival if started immediately, but one major barrier to bystanders providing this lifesaving care is a lack of training. Senate Bill 280 seeks to lower that barrier and ultimately save lives.
Legislation to Ensure Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth Advances
Gaining unanimous support in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senate Bill 1526: Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth, by Senator Ileana Garcia, will assist former foster young adults in maintaining their Medicaid coverage.
The legislation helps ensure young adults who have aged out of foster care continue to be provided Medicaid coverage until age 26 by directing the Department of Children and Families and community-based care lead agencies to develop a program and conduct outreach for eligible young adults to facilitate their continued coverage.
Currently, Florida requires young adults who have aged out of foster care to apply for Medicaid continuing coverage and to re-apply or re-certify each year through the maximum age of 26.
Young people are often not aware of their eligibility or have difficulty navigating through the administrative process to obtain and maintain their coverage. Senate Bill 1526 ensures Florida’s former foster youth receive the care and coverage afforded to them.
Online Sales Tax Bill Sent to Governor DeSantis’s Office This Week
On Monday, the Florida Legislature sent Senate Bill 50: Online Sales Tax by Senator Joe Gruters to the Governor’s office. When a bill is submitted to the Governor’s office, there is a seven-day period in which the Governor may choose to sign the legislation into law or veto the bill.
Under the law, 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 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.
Alcohol-To-Go Legislation Passes Both Florida Chambers
This week, the Florida House passed SB 148: Beverage Law by Senator Jennifer Bradley in a 115-1 vote.
The legislation would allow restaurants to package alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of to-go meals.
The bill aims to support restaurants by allowing alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of take-home meals.
The bill limits the “to-go” option to licensed restaurants, caps individual container sizes at 32 ounces and requires motorists to place the drinks in locked compartments, vehicle trunks or an area behind the last upright seats in vehicles.
In order to purchase drinks to-go, SB 148 also requires at least 25% of an individual’s takeout order to include non-alcoholic beverages or food items.
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-18 14:11:572021-04-18 14:11:57Passidomo Legislative update April 17
Ironically making the case for why there must be guardrails put on Big Tech censorship of political speech, last week YouTube took down a video of a Governor Ron DeSantis’ roundtable in March with premier national doctors and epidemiologists from Harvard and Stanford. These actual experts, not the self-anointed Silicon Valley types, substantiated the unnecessary damage caused by lockdowns and the need for in-person schooling. And YouTube refused to allow such dissenting opinions to stand and deleted the video.
So Governor DeSantis came right back at them Monday and held another roundtable with the same experts discussing the same topics.
“YouTube’s decision to remove the video of our previous roundtable is just another example of unabashed overreach and bias by Big Tech,” the Governor said. “Silicon Valley and the corporate media have drawn a line in the sand: they don’t care about the facts. They only care about pushing their agenda and will do so by whatever means necessary, the truth be damned. That’s why we are taking action here in Florida to hold Big Tech accountable and call out their hypocrisy.”
The three health care experts hit hard on the issue of authoritarian-style censorship and the damage it is causing to honest scientific inquiry.
“There’s nothing more dangerous than being able to censor what is said in a country, because then you are simply not ever going to even hear the truth,” said Dr. Scott Atlas, Robert Wesson Senior Fellow in health care policy at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. “And you are entering into a phase of countries that we used to criticize severely like the USSR, like communist China.”
“For science to work, you have to have an open exchange of ideas,” said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor of medicine at Stanford University and research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. “If you’re going to make an argument that something is misinformation, you should provide an actual argument. You can’t just take it down and say, ‘Oh, it’s misinformation’ without actually giving a reason…Science works best when we have an open debate.”
“When we do censoring and slandering, even if we are willing to continue to speak out, there are many other scientists that I know, including junior scientists, who do not want to speak out because they see what’s happening to us,” said Dr. Martin Kulldorff, biostatistician, epidemiologist, and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “They don’t want to have to go through the same thing. So, we really need a debate.”
The Wall Street Journal published a guest column from Dr. Jay Bhattacharya titled, Masks for Children, Muzzles for Covid-19 News. Dr. Bhattacharya wrote that in the guise of combating “misinformation,” YouTube censored scientific debate. He discusses multiple studies showing masks do more harm than good in school children.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune published a guest column from Julio Fuentes, CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce under the title, Florida Lawmakers Right to Reign in Big Tech, in which Fuentes agrees with the Governor and Florida Republicans legislative actions:
“Freedom of speech is one of our most important rights as Americans. Unfortunately, it is also a right that’s increasingly under attack, especially online where Big Tech companies control everything we see and do. It may not be government censorship, but it amounts to the same thing when just a handful of companies hold so much power and influence…
“Florida lawmakers should be commended for working to enhance transparency and accountability by Big Tech companies. Their efforts will help to shift the balance of power back to consumers – and help to provide much-needed clarity regarding the specific standards, regulations and practices that impact our lives both online and offline.”
The Florida Department of Education has issued emergency orders continuing the orders from last year that resulted in the successful opening of Florida public schools, and expanding the statewide testing windows to ensure that every student can safely complete their state assessments.
“Over the past year and beyond, Florida has led on prioritizing the education and wellbeing of our state’s students,” Governor DeSantis said. “This emergency order will empower students, families and teachers with data on students’ progress and growth and provide them with the necessary tools to create the best educational experience for each individual.”
“Similar to last year, this Emergency Order protects our high school seniors and empowers local school districts and schools to make the important decisions on graduation, promotion and whether to opt-in to school grades and improvement ratings,” Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran said. “This is the ultimate flexibility and reinforces the compassion and grace we have used throughout this pandemic in making these decisions.”
Governor DeSantis has directed the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a long-term plan to close the Piney Point site.
Governor DeSantis was joined at the Piney Point facility in Manatee County by Senate President Wilton Simpson, Senator Jim Boyd, Representative Tommy Gregory, Representative Will Robinson, DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein and the entire Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.
“The longstanding problems at Piney Point must end,” the Governor said. “I am directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan to close Piney Point to ensure this never happens again. I am redirecting $15.4 million for innovative technologies to pre-treat water at the site.”
DEP’s team of engineers and scientists, who are critical to response efforts, will develop a plan for site closure, which moves the state forward with a science-focused and thoughtful approach. This plan will ensure this closure is the last chapter in the long history of Piney Point.
House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, made revamping Florida’s education and career training programs to help people get meaningful jobs is a top priority. Speaker Sprowls challenged the House to create an Opportunity Agenda that zeroes in on working-class families.
Aakash Patel, the founder and President of Elevate, Inc., praised the Speaker for his leadership in a recent Tampa Bay Times column title, This is the Ideal Moment to Redesign Florida’s Workforce
“If there is a right time to improve how Floridians can learn about the best opportunities for new jobs or about job training to learn new skills, a pandemic that has upended the state’s economy is it…The bottom line: This is the ideal moment to redesign our workforce and education systems to efficiently serve Floridians and prepare them to succeed in a redesigned economy. We are fortunate that Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, are making this overhaul a priority during this legislative session.
“This is an ambitious effort, and it’s critical for Florida’s economic future. As the state recovers from the pandemic, we have to ensure Floridians have a solid grasp of new job opportunities and access to the training needed to learn the skills to succeed in those jobs.”
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez was on the Bob Rose Show on News Talk 97.3 The Sky in Gainesville to discuss the Florida response to Covid-19 and the strategy of focusing on seniors first. She also was able to point out the strong economic growth that Floridians have been able to enjoy because of the decisions to keep the state free and open.
REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-15 20:36:152021-04-15 20:36:15Big Tech censors are at it again
Be aware over 400,000 people have moved out of the Urban Democrat controlled cities this year. Guess where they are moving. They are moving to places that respect law enforcement, keep their schools open, show respect for the American flag and respect the Constitution. Florida is taking in a large portion of the people fleeing tax burdens and overbearing governance.
Fear – Our Lifestyle Is At Risk
We fear the new people moving to Florida do not realize that they need to vote Republican. Collier County Republicans elected from local offices to the State House do work together to create our quality of life. We want to remind our new residents to vote against burdensome taxes and government overreach.
We are attempting to take action to educate our new friends and neighbors to help them understand the way they vote impacts our collective ability to preserve our great quality of life and freedoms we all enjoy in Florida. To accomplish these objectives, a committee was created to reach out to the newcomers and encourage them to join one of the Republican clubs and volunteer to Keep Florida Red and Normal!
The committee is named the Collier County Citizens Values PAC. We will be distributing flyers (download here) that encourage our new friends and neighbors to vote Republican and get involved locally. We are working on Candidate Ratings guided by Republican Values (see here) to assess the behavior of elected officials and candidates! Where needed, new candidates will be recruited that match those values.
Help – We Need You
We cannot count on the media. This new organization will distribute news and share which elected officials are displaying our values.
To carry out this mission, The committee needs $200,000 to impact local elections. It is not too early to donate. The mid-term elections are coming up fast; beginning February 1, 2022 with the Naples City Council.
If you believe in keeping this community great, then please help. Your dollars and talents focused on Collier County are of tremendous value. Please do not leave these issues to someone else to address.
This week, the Florida Senate passed the proposed $95 billion state budget for the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year. The budget aims to support Floridians as we continue to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the budget includes funding for key initiatives that will benefit our state beyond the pandemic.
Priorities include support for new workforce opportunities, projects to help address the rising sea level and Everglades restoration, and major investments in Florida’s infrastructure.
The Florida House passed its proposed budget this week, too. Budget negotiations will begin as early as next week to resolve differences and produce a consensus budget before April 30 for the Governor’s consideration.
As the budget process progresses, legislation continues to move through the process. It is important to note that bills as originally filed oftentimes change dramatically in committee hearings due to input from the public and committee members. SB 86 on Bright Futures is such an example (see my comments below). If you are interested in following the course of any piece of legislation go to the Florida Senate website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2021.
Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of Thursday, April 8, 10,732,071 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida. There are now 6,942,405 individuals who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in Florida.
As of this Monday, 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.
Reminder: Pre-Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine & Use the DOH Vaccine Locator
Visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) statewide vaccine locator site and preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Both websites help eligible Floridians preregister for the vaccine and locate nearby vaccination sites.
COVID-19 Update: Florida Case Data
As of April 9, there have been 2,111,807 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 32,138 in Collier County, 4,507 in Hendry County and 62,224 in Lee County.
As of April 8, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 6.66%.
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.
Senate Unanimously Approves Balanced Budget with Major Investments in Infrastructure, Environment
The Florida Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 2500: Appropriations, the Senate’s proposed budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The $95 billion budget includes key investment infrastructure, water quality improvements and environmental restoration, child welfare, and an increase in the minimum wage for state workers.
The balanced budget includes $5 billion in reserves to responsibly plan for Florida’s future as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The budget proposal fully funds the Medicaid program, which increased by 730,000 enrollees as a result of the pandemic and maintains last year’s unprecedented level of per-student funding for K-12 education, including a $500 million allocation to raise teacher salaries. The budget also provides for a $50 million increase in our investment in the child welfare system and increases the minimum wage for state workers to $13 per hour, three years ahead of the timeline outlined by the constitutional amendment that passed last fall.
Additionally, the Senate approved conforming bills associated with the balanced budget that make comprehensive investments in Florida’s infrastructure and environment. Senate Bill 2512, Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions, forms a three-part infrastructure plan to prioritize funding in state and local affordable housing programs, mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise, and enhance wastewater programs, including septic-to-sewer conversions. The new framework provides that affordable housing programs would receive approximately $200 million. Programs established to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise and enhance wastewater programs would each receive approximately $111 million.
Senate Prioritizes Legislation Expediting Water Storage North of Lake Okeechobee
Senate Bill 2516: Water Storage North of Lake Okeechobee, works to improve the water quality in Lake Okeechobee and reduce damaging discharges.
The legislation expedites the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project, providing for water storage north of Lake Okeechobee, and secures $50 million annually to ensure the success of this transformative policy.
Senate Bill 2516 will serve to mitigate toxic algal blooms, protect against droughts, improve water quality and quantity, and preserve Florida’s unique environment for generations to come.
Measure to Replenish Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, Cut Business Rent Tax Sent to Governor’s Desk
The Florida Senate recognizes the hardships Florida’s businesses have endured during the ongoing pandemic. Senate Bill 50: Taxation, by Senator Joe Gruters, passed off the Senate Floor and prevents an unexpected tax hike on Florida businesses, creates a fair playing field with out-of-state businesses, ensures necessary compensation is available for Florida workers seeking re-employment and cuts Florida’s business rent tax by $1 billion.
Unlike brick and mortar businesses here in Florida, out-of-state retailers or marketplaces that sell products online do not always remit the sales tax for each purchase. This legislation simply ensures marketplaces and out-of-state retailers collect the owed sales tax at the point of sale for remote purchases, and remit these taxes to the state, just like in-state retailers. This measure helps create a fair climate for our state’s businesses, where everyone plays by the same rules.
Senate Bill 50 directs these funds, approximately $1 billion of uncollected sales tax from out-of-state retailers, to be collected and deposited into Florida’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund for the next four years, or until the Trust Fund is replenished to pre-pandemic levels. Replenishing the trust fund will prevent an impending 700% increase in unemployment taxes facing businesses while ensuring that the fund remains solvent for employees when they need to claim their benefits. Once the Trust fund is replenished, additional funds collected from out-of-state retailers will go toward reducing Florida’s business rent tax rate from the current 5.5% to 2%.
Cutting the business rent tax by 3.5% will lower taxes on businesses by over $1 billion. Florida is the only state to charge sales tax on commercial rentals of real property. This meaningful tax cut will lower operating costs for Florida businesses while helping decrease new businesses’ startup costs.
Legislation Safeguarding First Amendment Rights, Combating Violence Passes Committee
In the last year, violence and destruction from dangerous riots have plagued our state, Washington D.C., and cities around the country.
Now, the Florida Legislature is taking action to ensure public safety and preserve the First Amendment right of all Americans to peacefully protest. House Bill 1: Combating Public Disorder, presented by Senator Danny Burgess, passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
House Bill 1 upholds the rule of law and protects law enforcement officers from violent attacks.
The legislation increases criminal penalties for violence, burglary, and destruction during a riot, allows law enforcement to prohibit individuals from blocking traffic and obstructing roadways if a permit has not been obtained, provides for a six-month mandatory sentence for battery against a law enforcement officer during a riot, creates a process to reject efforts to defund the police, and makes doxing a first-degree misdemeanor. The Florida Senate is committed to ensuring individuals’ First Amendment right to peacefully protest. Rioting, violence and destruction only silence those protesting peacefully, and will not be tolerated here in Florida.
Measure to Combat Human Trafficking in Florida Advances to Senate Floor
The Senate Committee on Rules approved Senate Bill 1826: Human Trafficking, by Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., in an ongoing effort to end human trafficking in Florida.
The legislation expands the definition and scope of “human trafficking,” to better ensure
traffickers are brought to justice for this form of modern-day slavery.
The legislation also provides that certain communications between a human trafficking victim advocate or trained volunteer with the victim are confidential. This will help individuals feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and receiving these critical services in a private setting.
Measure to Stabilize Florida’s Property Insurance Market Passes Senate
With the cost of property insurance in Florida increasing rapidly, the Florida Senate passed legislation to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market. Senate Bill 76: Property Insurance, by Senator Jim Boyd, addresses several issues surrounding the rising cost of property insurance in Florida. Specifically, the bill clarifies options for insurance coverage related to roof damage and replacement, creates a uniform period for filing a property insurance claim, requires that the insured party provide notice to the insurance company before filing a lawsuit, and changes how attorney fees are awarded in property insurance litigation.
“We want to make certain that Floridians have access to property insurance that is both reliable and affordable. Right now we have a situation in our state where homeowners are paying more for their property insurance, and yet insurance companies are suffering massive losses,” said Senator Boyd. “One of the biggest drivers of rate increases is the extraordinary number of roofing claims in Florida. This bill provides a needed update to roofing policies to both protect homeowners and prevent the abuse of claims by predatory attorneys and contractors.”
Senate Passes Statewide Flooding and Sea-level Rise Resilience Plan
The Florida Senate this week passed Senate Bill 1954, Statewide Flooding and Sea-level Rise Resilience, by Senator Ray Rodrigues.
SB 1954 establishes statewide resiliency programs that assess and address inland and coastal flooding and sea-level rise.
The bill creates the “Resilient Florida Grant Program” within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which will provide funding, subject to appropriation, to local governments for the costs of resilience planning and projects to adapt critical assets.
The bill further creates the “Comprehensive Statewide Flood Vulnerability and Sea Level Rise Data Set and Assessment,” to be updated every five years. The DEP must develop a statewide data set necessary to determine the risks to inland and coastal communities, including statewide sea level rise projections; and develop a statewide assessment, based on the statewide data set, which identifies vulnerable areas, infrastructure, and critical assets.
Comprehensive Legislation to Improve Emergency Response Efforts Passes Committee
The ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted several areas where the Florida Legislature can make improvements to benefit our state moving forward.
Senate Bill 2006: Emergency Management, by Senator Danny Burgess, updates the State Emergency Management Act to better address the threat posed by a pandemic or other public health emergency. This legislation passed the Senate Committee on Rules, chaired by Senator Kathleen Passidomo, its final committee stop before consideration by the full Senate.
Last year, Senate President Wilton Simpson announced the creation of a new committee, the Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response, chaired by Senator Burgess. The committee reviewed a wide range of issues regarding the state response to the pandemic, and this legislation is one step in addressing the gaps that were identified.
The bill provides for additional oversight and transparency regarding exercises of the executive branch’s and local government’s emergency powers to protect the individual rights of all Floridians while keeping our communities safe. It ensures the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) maintains a stockpile of personal protective equipment.
Senate Bill 2006 also requires the DOH to create a state public health emergency management plan and for DEM to incorporate it into a comprehensive emergency management plan.
Senate Passes Comprehensive Plan to Invest in Florida’s Infrastructure
The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 2512, Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions, and Senate Bill 2514, Resilient Florida Trust Fund. These conforming bills associated with the state budget establish the statewide plan to fund key infrastructure programs.
Senate Bill 2512 funds key infrastructure priorities; including critical wastewater programs, affordable housing, and mitigating sea-level rise, without raising taxes on Floridians.
This comprehensive proposal modernizes our documentary stamp tax distribution by dedicating a steady stream of funding to address these three critical areas of public policy.
SB 2514 creates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund within the Department of Environmental Protection and provides that the trust fund is established as a depository for documentary stamp revenues dedicated to resiliency projects as provided for in SB 2512.
Legislation to Provide Students With Improved Career Planning Tools Passes Senate Florida
On Thursday, Senate Bill 86, Student Financial Aid, by Senator Dennis Baxley passed the floor.
Since the Bright Futures Program was established, it has been modified many times, to include increases in investments. In 1997, the state funded $69 million in scholarships. This year’s budget invests $651 million of state resources into Bright Futures. When Bright Futures was first established, the funding was based on the cost of tuition, but today the program includes more support, such as the cost of books.
Over the last several weeks, I have received a number of emails on this bill, many from people who expressed concerns about the original version and were not aware of revisions made in recent weeks. The originally filed version did not contemplate reducing funding for Bright Futures. Instead, it tied the funding for each student to whether or not they were enrolled in a degree program that would lead to them getting a job once they graduated. That provision caused a great deal of concern to me and to students and parents all over the state.
I and many of my colleagues spoke with the bill sponsor to share these and other concerns about the bill. As a result the bill was amended dramatically.
The current version of the bill does not limit any student in their choice of degree selection or the courses they may take. The bill provides that the scholarships will be funded through an amount annually specified in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The budget recently passed by the Senate fully funds Bright Futures Scholarships at current levels.
The updated Senate Bill 86 that passed the Senate floor this week provides a framework for Florida students and families to make more informed decisions about educational options and expands avenues of eligibility for merit-based financial aid scholarships.
Senate Bill 86 requires the Board of Governors (BOG), State Board of Education (SBE) and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) to create and publish a list, by December 31, 2021, of programs and certificates that will not directly lead to jobs.
University students will also have access to the real-world outcomes of state university graduates by academic area, and students will be able to explore post-graduation median salary, debt, loan, and continuing education information before declaring a major.
The bill provides additional eligibility options for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program beginning for graduates of the 2021-2022 academic year.
Senate Committee to Meet Next Week on Three Proposed Gaming Bills
Next Monday, the Committee on Regulated Industries will meet to discuss three new proposed bills related to gaming in Florida.
As a member of the committee, I will participate in discussions regarding the following proposals: the creation of a Gaming Control Commission, the decoupling of jai alai, harness and quarter horse racing, and conform Florida statutes to the constitutional prohibition on greyhound racing.
Senate President Simpson recognizes that Florida is a diverse state and that Senators and constituents have many different opinions, beliefs and convictions regarding gaming. The fact remains, gaming is a voter-approved industry that has contributed billions of dollars to our economy for education, health care and infrastructure while providing hundreds of thousands of jobs to Floridians for nearly 100 years.
I will continue to keep you updated as discussions progress.
In the News
Collier CARES app launching to connect people with essential services
Minor league baseball: Fort Myers Mighty Mussels to open season with limited attendance
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
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-13 09:00:472021-04-13 09:00:47Legislative Update – April 11, 2021
Last week, President Biden, so-called social and community leaders and corporations alike caved to lies about Georgia’s new election law. President Biden supports moving the MLB game out of Georgia, yet refuses to call on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to move the Olympics out of Communist China – which is committing a genocide against the Uyghurs.
This week, Senator Rick Scott called on President Biden to demand the relocation of the 2022 Olympic Games out of Communist China and offer to host the games in the United States. For over a year, Senator Scott has called on the IOC to move the 2022 Games to a nation that respects freedom, democracy and human rights. The U.S. is more than equipped to host the Games, and Senator Scott looks forward to President Biden doing everything possible to move the Games out of Beijing.
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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
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Sen. Rick Scott to CDC: Our Cruise Industry Still Waiting on a Timeline for Safe Resumption
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance for cruise lines under the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order. In March, Senator Scott sent a letter to Jeffrey Zients, the White House COVID Response Coordinator, urging the Biden Administration to immediately issue clear guidance for the resumption of operations for the cruise industry. The CDC still has not responded to his letter or provided the cruise line industry with a timeline of when they can begin sailing, which is urgently needed.
Senator Scott also introduced the Set Sail Safely Act last year, which would establish a Maritime Task Force, in coordination with a Private Sector Advisory Committee, to address the health, safety, security, and logistical changes needed to allow for cruise lines and ports to resume operations.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Our cruise lines have waited months for updated guidance from the CDC, while so many other industries were able to reopen safely. While the CDC finally released some updated guidance for this important industry, they still haven’t answered my call to provide the cruise line industry with a timeline of when they can begin sailing, which is urgently needed. The cruise industry is critical to the success of Florida’s economy, as well as other states, and should be able to safely resume operations. This is about more than one industry, it’s about our ports, our restaurants, and an entire economic chain throughout the United States with thousands of jobs on the line. The cruise industry, and the communities that rely on it, deserve a clear timeline from the CDC on when they can resume operations. I’ll continue working with my colleagues on real solutions to bring back our cruise industry safely.” Read more HERE.
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Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio Urge Secretary Blinken to Work With Bahamian Government to Ensure Joint Preparedness in Case of Future Oil Exploration
Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to work with the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to ensure preparedness for any possible exploratory drilling in the Bahamian waters. Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Colleagues to Introduce Legislation Targeting Beijing’s Influence at American Colleges
Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ted Cruz, Kevin Cramer, Tommy Tuberville, Mike Braun and Josh Hawley to introduce the Transparency for Confucius Institutes Act. Confucius Institutes, which are run and paid for by the Chinese Communist Party, currently operate at 55 American colleges and universities. The Transparency for Confucius Institutes Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require program participation agreements between the Chinese Communist Party agency which administers educational programs, known as the Hanban, and American institutions to address the ways in which Beijing exerts undue influence through Confucius Institutes.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China, led by General Secretary Xi, continues to steal U.S. technology and intellectual property in their quest for world domination. We have to acknowledge the threat Confucius Institutes pose to our students, and I’m proud to join the Transparency for Confucius Institutes Act to protect our universities and our national security.” Read more from Senator Blackburn’s office HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden Must Demand Relocation of 2022 Olympic Games to United States
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement calling on President Joe Biden to demand the relocation of the 2022 Olympic Games out of Communist China and offer to host the games in the United States. Senator Scott’s call to action follows his February letter to President Biden detailing the horrific human rights abuses being perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party under the direction of General Secretary Xi and the need to move the 2022 Olympic Games to a nation that respects freedom, democracy and human rights.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Last week, we saw President Biden, so-called social and community leaders and corporations alike cave to lies about Georgia’s new election law. Lies being spread by radical Democrats and the woke left mob. Biden supports moving the MLB game out of Georgia, yet refuses to call on the International Olympic Committee to move the Olympics out of Communist China – which is committing a genocide against the Uyghurs.
“Biden and the Democrats need to be called out for their hypocrisy and face some pretty basic facts: Election security is not racist. Genocide is wrong. General Secretary Xi’s atrocious acts can’t be ignored and Communist China can’t be allowed to whitewash its crimes on an international stage. President Biden has immense power to help facilitate the relocation of the games, which I have urged him to do. If Biden truly stands for human rights, he will immediately begin this process by offering to host the games in the United States and providing the necessary federal resources to get this done. The American spirit is undefeated and there is no limit to what this great nation can accomplish when united under a common cause. It is now time for President Biden to lead America and the world and make clear that the United States will never tolerate the oppression and genocide occurring in Communist China.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: We Can’t Allow the IOC to Turn a Blind Eye to Communist China’s Genocide
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following reports that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave a uniform contract for the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics to Hengyuanxiang (HYX) Group, a Chinese textiles company. Reports indicate that HYX Group has an affiliated factory in Xinjiang, which is known for its use of forced labor, and openly advertises its use of Xinjiang cotton. These disturbing reports came just hours after Senator Scott called for President Biden to lead international efforts to relocate the 2022 Olympic Games to the United States.
Senator Rick Scott said, “For over a year, I’ve been calling on the IOC to stand up against Communist China’s genocide of the Uyghurs, and find a new host for the 2022 Olympic Games. Not only have they turned a blind eye to human rights, they are supporting General Secretary Xi’s genocidal campaign by contracting with a Chinese company that may use Uyghur forced labor. This is a new reprehensible low for the IOC. Every freedom-loving nation must stand up and condemn the IOC’s support of Communist China’s abuses, and demand the 2022 Games be moved to a nation that respects human rights.
“I called on President Biden to lead the world and offer to host the games in the United States. Communist China cannot be allowed an international platform to whitewash their crimes. The U.S. is more than equipped to host the Games, and I look forward to President Biden doing everything possible to move the games out of Beijing.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott to President Biden: Prioritize National Security; Refuse Reckless Iran Deal
Senator Rick Scott released the statement below as negotiations take place on how the United States can re-join the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran nuclear deal, including reports that the United States may lift sanctions on the Iranian regime in exchange for a return to the Iran Deal. Senator Scott, along with Senators Joni Ernst and Kevin Cramer, introduced a resolution in February expressing opposition to the Iran nuclear deal.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The disastrous Iran nuclear deal was President Obama’s mistake and President Trump was right to abandon this reckless agreement. Iran has shown time and time again that it cannot be trusted. President Biden must prioritize U.S. national security and the interests of America and our great ally Israel and oppose re-joining this deal. The sanctions the Trump administration levied on Iran are working, and must remain in place until Iran fully cooperates and their ability to develop nuclear weapons and produce ballistic missiles is permanently removed.” Red more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden-Yellen Tax Plan Hurts American Jobs, Gives Away America’s Economic Sovereignty
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following remarks by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen this week advocating for a global minimum corporate tax rate. In addition to his proposal to raise America’s corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, President Biden is also proposing to double the taxes paid by corporations on foreign income from 10.5% to 21%.
Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden has made his vision for America clear: the days of exceptionalism are gone – welcome to the age of America Averageness. As a former governor, I know how important tax policy is to growing the economy and creating jobs. In Florida, we cut taxes 100 times and in the eight years I was Governor, businesses created 1.7 million new private sector jobs – each helping a Floridian and their family live their dreams in our state. The United States should serve as the world’s leader in business, innovation and growth, but under the Biden-Yellen economic regime, we are in a race to mediocrity while surrendering America’s economic sovereignty. These taxes will directly hurt American families. As our nation recovers from this devastating global pandemic, the last thing we need is Joe Biden raising taxes at home and encouraging others to do so abroad. I will not support these radical anti-American policies and will do everything in my power to lead the efforts to defeat these bad ideas in the Unites States Senate.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Urges French President Macron to Join Call to Move 2022 Olympics Out of Communist China
Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron 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 Scott has made similar requests of President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Read more HERE.
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Sens. Rick Scott, Jacky Rosen Announce Inaugural Hearing for the Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion
Senator Rick Scott, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s newly formed Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion, joined Senator Jacky Rosen, Chair of the Subcommittee, in announcing the Subcommittee’s first hearing on the state of travel and tourism during COVID-19.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m honored to join Chair Rosen to lead the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion and discuss how to safely and fully bring back the tourism industry after the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. During my time as Governor of Florida, the Sunshine State welcomed hundreds of millions of visitors, shattering tourism records. Tourism supports our communities and small businesses, fuels job growth, and is critical to the economic success of our states and nation. I will never stop fighting to support our tourism industry in Florida and across the United States, and look forward to hearing from industry leaders on how we can support their success.” Read more from Senator Rosen’s office HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Letter Demanding Information from DOJ, DHS and FBI on Portland Violence
Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, and Tom Cotton sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray to ask what their agencies are doing to protect the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse in Portland, Oregon. The Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse has been the target of repeated attacks by left-wing extremists over the past year. The Senators are also requesting information on efforts the agencies have made to investigate, arrest and prosecute the individuals who have terrorized the city of Portland for the past year. Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Honors Life of Jereima “Jeri” Bustamante on 3rd Anniversary of Her Passing
Senator Rick Scott announced a resolution honoring the memory of Jereima ‘’Jeri’’ Bustamante, Senator Scott’s long-time press secretary, who was lost in a tragic accident three years ago.
Senator Rick Scott said, “This past year has been a challenge for our nation, and a constant reminder to enjoy every minute we have with friends, family and loved ones – something Jeri always did. Jeri was kind, with a warm smile, and she always tried to make your day better. She cherished life and put her whole heart in every opportunity she had to help others. Jeri lived the American Dream, growing up in Panama and moving to the United States as a child with her family, speaking only Spanish. She grew up in Miami where she attended Miami Beach High, Miami-Dade Community College and Florida International University. After starting work at a Miami TV station, she moved up the ranks and became my Press Secretary in the Governor’s office, my Spanish tutor and my friend. As we traveled the state together, I was amazed at how everyone who met Jeri loved and respected her. While the world will never be the same without Jeri Bustamante, she lives forever in my heart, the hearts of my family, my staff and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. It’s with a very heavy heart that I honor Jeri Bustamante today, and recognize her far too short, but so meaningful and impactful life.” Read more HERE.
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El Senador Rick Scott honra la vida de Jereima “Jeri” Bustamante en el tercer aniversario de su fallecimiento
El Senador Rick Scott anunció una resolución en honor a la memoria de Jereima “Jeri” Bustamante, Secretaria de Prensa del Senador Scott, quien hace tres años falleció en un trágico accidente.
El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “El año pasado ha sido un desafío para nuestra nación y un recordatorio constante de disfrutar cada minuto que tenemos con amigos, familiares y seres queridos, algo que Jeri siempre hizo. Jeri fue amable y con su cálida sonrisa siempre trató de hacer que tu día fuera mejor. Apreciaba la vida y ponía todo su corazón en cada oportunidad que tenía para ayudar a los demás. Jeri vivió el sueño americano, se mudó desde Panamá a los Estados Unidos junto a su familia cuando era niña y solo hablando español. Creció en Miami, donde asistió a Miami Beach High, Miami-Dade Community College y Florida International University. Después de comenzar a trabajar en una estación de televisión de Miami, ascendió de rango y se convirtió en mi Secretaria de Prensa en la oficina de la Gobernación, mi tutora de español y mi amiga. Mientras viajábamos juntos por el estado, me sorprendió cómo todos los que conocieron a Jeri la amaban y la respetaban. Si bien el mundo nunca volverá a ser el mismo sin Jeri Bustamante, ella vivirá para siempre en mi corazón, en el corazón de mi familia, de mi personal y de todos los que tuvieron el placer de conocerla. Hoy con un gran pesar honro a Jeri Bustamante y reconozco su corta pero tan significativa e impactante vida”. Leer más AQUÍ
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Sen. Rick Scott: Gov. Cuomo’s Decision to Send $15,000 Checks to Illegal Aliens is a Shameful Misuse of American Taxpayer Dollars
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the State of New York revealed its plans to spend $2.1 billion to provide up to $15,600 to illegal aliens who lost work during the pandemic. New York is using funding it received from President Biden’s wasteful, untargeted $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending bill, which dedicated less than 10% of its overall price tag to fighting COVID-19, and included $360 billion for state and local bailouts that predominantly benefits liberal states. Senator Scott has led the fight against wasteful blue state bailouts and repeatedly voiced his strong opposition to this reckless spending.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The federal government should reimburse states and local governments for expenses related to COVID-19 response, but it is irresponsible and reckless of Biden and the Democrats to take billions from American taxpayers and use it for handouts so liberal politicians like Andrew Cuomo in New York can fund their radical priorities. New York’s decision to take taxpayer money from citizens of fiscally responsible states like Florida and send $15,600 checks to illegal aliens is unfathomable. It is a disgusting and shameful misuse of taxpayer dollars. Every American should be outraged that Joe Biden and New York liberals are using their taxpayer money to flout our laws.
“Andrew Cuomo and Democrats in New York must answer to American taxpayers on how this is even legal. As our nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, this insane plan cannot be allowed to move forward.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Inflation Ignorance is Unacceptable, Hurts Families
Following the latest Producer Price Index release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Senator Rick Scott released the below statement demanding that President Biden and Congressional Democrats take immediate action to combat the impacts of rising inflation which disproportionately hurts small businesses and low and fixed-income families. The BLS data shows clearly that American producers are charging more for their goods, thereby increasing the prices American families and small businesses will pay for everything from basic business supplies to groceries. According to the BLS, the final demand index moved up 4.2% for the 12 months ended in March, the largest advance since rising 4.5% for the 12 months ended September 2011.
Senator Rick Scott said, “For months I have been calling on President Biden, members of his administration and the Federal Reserve to face the facts and lay out a plan to fight inflation and its negative impacts on American families and small businesses. When inflation rises, the prices of every day goods, like groceries and essential business supplies, go up making it harder for folks to make ends meet. I grew up poor and watched my parents struggle to put food on the table. I know just how much a slight rise in prices can hurt a family because I saw it every day growing up.
“Biden’s ignorance on inflation is not only wrong, it’s dangerous. The president’s refusal to address this critical issue has a direct negative effect on Floridians and families across our nation, and hurts low and fixed-income Americans the most. It’s time for Biden to wake up from his liberal dream and realize that reckless spending has consequences, inflation is real and America’s debt crisis is growing. Inflation is rising and Americans deserve answers from Biden now.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Urges Chancellor Angela Merkel to Join Call to Move 2022 Olympics Out of Communist China
Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to German Chancellor Angela Merkel urging her to join efforts to move the 2022 Olympic Games out of Communist China and to a nation that respects human rights. Senator Scott has made similar requests of President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and French President Emmanuel Macron. Earlier this week, Senator Scott also called for President Biden to lead international efforts to relocate the 2022 Olympic Games to the United States. Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott to CDC: We Must Understand Social Media’s Impact on Children and Young Adults
Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky requesting information on CDC studies and actions to address the extended use of social media by American children and young adults, and its potential impact on their health and well-being. Read more HERE.
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Fox News: Sen. Rick Scott slams Biden for backing MLB Georgia boycott, being silent on moving Olympics out of China
Fox News: GOP lawmakers urge clampdown on Confucius Institutes at American colleges and universities
The Epoch Times: US Sen. Rick Scott Calls on Australian PM to Support Relocating Winter Olympics
Newsmax: Rick Scott: NY Plan to Aid Illegal Immigrants Is ‘Insane’
Taipei News: US must work with allies to protect Taiwan: Senator
WSVN: Sen. Rick Scott announces resolution honoring life of Jereima “Jeri” Bustamante
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Continues to Push the Federal Government on Letting Cruise Ships Sail Again
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Leads Republicans on New Senate Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion Subcommittee
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Leads the Fight on Capitol Hill Against Bringing Back Nuclear Deal With Iran
The Floridian: Scott Slams Cuomo’s “Shameful Misuse” of COVID Funds
00adminhttps://mensclubcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-THE-RIGHT-MENS-CLUB-eagle-logo600px-300x271.jpgadmin2021-04-11 16:17:182021-04-11 16:17:18Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review 4/10/21
Big Tech censors are at it again
