Legislative Update – April 11, 2021

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Legislative Update – April 11, 2021

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

The Melo Minute

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April 9th, 2021 — Sprint to the Finish Edition

My Bills Heading to the Floor

Welcome back to the Melo Minute! I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter weekend with your families.

My team and I have been hard at work pushing forward legislation in the House. We’re now halfway through Session with some terrific bills that are ready to go to the House Floor!

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 is similar to SB 72 which was recently signed into law by the Governor.

HB 1231 – Domestic Violence
This bill, should it be enacted, ensures that our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and fiscal management. It also reestablishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program in our State.

HB 1505 – Workforce Programs and Services
This bill mandates that CareerSource Florida and state agencies collaborate in creating a single Workforce Information System for consumers. It requires that the DOE reports data on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program participants’ earnings. Lastly, it makes it so that paid out-of-classroom work-based learning opportunities for students are prioritized within education.

HB 1507 – Workforce Related Programs and Services
This is a bill where Representative Clay Yarborough and I share primary sponsorship. It works in tandem with HB 1505 in streamlining workforce programs/services to bolster our economy, collect more data, and open more pathways for our students.

HB 1637 – Immokalee Water and Sewage District, Collier County
This bill provides clarity on how Immokalee’s District Board of Commissioners is constituted. As a result of eliminating any confusion about the Board’s make-up and its rules, the Immokalee Water and Sewage District can secure necessary federal funds to address local water and sewer issues.

Local Happenings

This Saturday, April 10th, the LaBelle Rotary is planning a Clean Up Day at the LaBelle Nature Park on Fraser Ave from 9AM to 12 noon. This nature park is one of LaBelle’s hidden gems and the Rotary proudly cares for it. They would appreciate anyone who can lend a hand. My District Secretary, Kathleen Elrod, will be out there helping out, too!

Events with Cars is holding an event at Hello Coffee this Sunday, April 11th, from 8AM to 11AM. You can grab a coffee and see cool cars on the second Sunday of every month at the same time. The event is located at 15495 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34110. For more information click here.


What We’re Reading…

FGCU Students Explore Medical Device Industry Through Arthrex Partnership

Annie Hubbell

Travel Industry Reviving in Southwest Florida

Joey Pellegrino

FL House Passes Bill… Guns at Churches that Share Locations with Schools

News Service of Florida

Vaccine Information

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-81 forbidding local governments and businesses from requiring individuals to have been vaccinated or have “vaccine passports.” Governor DeSantis: “It’s completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of vaccine to just simply participate in normal society.”

The City of Naples is scheduling and reserving Moderna vaccination appointments for those 18 years of age and older. Their reservation line is (239) 260-3087 and it’s only open at specific times. For more information on when they are scheduling appointments over the phone click here.
The only information a caller should provide is their full name and their call back number.


Check Out My Social Media!

The Vince Lombardi trophy made an appearance in the Florida House this week. Proud of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for bringing home the prize. Follow me on my social media to keep up to date with all of the latest happenings during session!

Q&A’s

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out.
If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

RPOF Newsletter 4/9/21

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60 Minutes hit job collapses under the weight of lies

“The reporting was not just based on bad information — it was intentionally false.”
Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner

Over the past year, we’ve been treated to a steady stream of negative media coverage of Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans. Pretty much the entire fabricated narrative has disintegrated as the evidence of principled, conservative, freedom-based policies has piled up: Florida has handled Covid and individual liberties better than any state. Our per-million Covid data and low employment numbers are the proof.

So the smear job attempted by 60 Minutes to further yet another bogus narrative of “pay for play” in vaccines was just another day of media coverage for Governor DeSantis, except for two critical points. There was video evidence undermining the claim and some Florida Democrats stepped up to call bull. They were on the inside and they knew the truth. And it came out that 60 Minutes knew from the beginning the story was not true.

A Newsweek columnist wrote:

“On Sunday, the CBS show 60 Minutes aired a dishonest, convoluted, story about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The segment leveled a completely unfounded accusation against Gov. DeSantis, accusing him of choosing the Publix supermarket chain to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine because Publix had contributed $100,000 to his Friends of DeSantis campaign PAC.”

This whole column is worth a read. But a no less surprising source than CNN called the 60 Minutes hoax “a massive gift” to Governor DeSantis.

“The problem is that, in the wake of the “60 Minutes” report, multiple Democratic elected officials have come out to debunk the tie between the donation and Publix distributing the vaccine. Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner, a Democrat, said that the news program had run “intentionally false” information because, he insisted, the producers knew that the county, not the governor, had been the one to request the Publix partnership.

The report — and the backlash — amount to a massive gift to DeSantis as he looks to his reelection race next year…”

When the mainstream media, including CNN, and Florida Democrats call out a “news” story as an embarrassment, malarkey and intentionally false, you know the screw-up is on a Titanic level. And it was a screw-up because the entire narrative of “pay for play” is fiction; 60 Minutes got caught in the big lie.

Read more:
https://www.newsweek.com/media-tried-smear-ron-desantis-it-backfired-opinion-1581410

And here:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/06/politics/ron-desantis-florida-vaccination-publix-60-minutes/index.html

COVID-19 Update

Floridians have been writing thank-you notes to Governor DeSantis for his successful vaccine rollout. The Governor made Florida the first state in the nation to put Seniors First and prioritize residents 65 and older to receive a vaccine. This decision was part of Governor DeSantis’ data-driven approach to protect our state’s most vulnerable residents, as individuals over the age of 65 represent more than 80% of all COVID-related deaths.

The strategy to put Seniors First has proven highly effective and has protected millions of lives: Nearly 3.5 million seniors over the age of 65 have been vaccinated in Florida, which is roughly 75% percent of Florida’s 65 and older population.

As a result, cases and hospitalizations in those 65 older have drastically reduced. In the 65 and older population, the number of new cases were down by 84% the week of March 21 – March 27, as compared to the week of December 27 – January 2, and hospitalizations were down by 83%.

Since the beginning of the state’s partnership with Publix, grateful Floridians have written to Governor DeSantis, thanking him for the opportunity to receive the vaccine at Publix.

Read more:

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:Florida Seniors Thank Governor DeSantis for Publix Partnership

Florida Update

Governor DeSantis demanded that the Biden Administration rescind its recent executive action allowing criminal aliens to go free. These dangerous and reckless policies jeopardize the health, security and wellbeing of Florida communities.

The Governor called on the federal government to return to the rule of law and ensure the transfer of criminal aliens to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities upon completion of their state prison terms. The Governor insisted that ICE continue to detain these criminals, and if found to be in this country illegally, remove them.

“Florida will not sit by and watch idly as the federal government sets criminal aliens free and abdicates its legal obligation to enforce immigration law,” Governor DeSantis said. “That’s why I’m calling on President Biden and ICE to take immediate action to detain and remove these dangerous criminal aliens. Too many lives have been lost because immigration officials failed to do their jobs and too many parents have lost children at the hands of criminal aliens who were irresponsibly set free.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/04/01/governor-ron-desantis-demands-enforcement-of-federal-immigration-law/

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Governor DeSantis announced Hurricane Michael recovery assistance of nearly $27 million to help in Northwest Florida’s recovery from the devastating hurricane. The Governor is directing the Florida Division of Emergency Management to approve disaster recovery cost-share waivers for eligible local governments, which is expected to provide an estimated $22 million in financial relief to these communities.

The Governor also announced $4.7 million for two educational institutions through the Rebuild Florida Workforce Recovery Training Program for Hurricane Michael Recovery. The program is designed to train Floridians in construction trades necessary to support disaster recovery efforts.

“I remain dedicated to the recovery of Northwest Florida and will continue to work tirelessly to deliver assistance to impacted communities,” Governor DeSantis said. “We look forward to bringing this additional relief to the region, as well as enhancing career and job opportunities for local residents through this training program.”

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Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez was on Newsmax TV with Greg Kelly and did a great job explaining why Florida has been so successful in dealing with Covid, ensuring that the state’s economy is one of the strongest in the nation and defending Governor DeSantis from the spurious 60 Minutes smear.

“We’re really happy that Floridians appreciate living here in the great state of Florida, where you have freedom and our economy is open, and that is a testament to our administration and the great work that Governor DeSantis has been doing.”

Watch her interview here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=154358999911385

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Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis was on Fox Business Tuesday to be asked if Florida Republicans are concerned about a backlash to new voting rules working through the Legislature now that Georgia has faced a boycott from their new laws. (Hint: We are not.)

“This last election cycle we were fast, we were effective and everyone who wanted to vote got the chance to vote,” CFO Patronis said. “I don’t need Coca-Cola or Delta airlines getting involved in my politics.”

He pointed out that 900 people move to Florida every day from other states for a reason.

Watch his interview here: https://video.foxbusiness.com/v/6246911057001#sp=show-clips

Palm Beach County Mayor Calls 60 Minutes Reporting “Intentionally False”

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Palm Beach County Mayor Calls 60 Minutes Reporting “Intentionally False”

Dear Friends,

Last night 60 Minutes aired a story that was baseless, deceptive and a journalistic embarrassment.

In fact, we have learned that 60 Minutes also refused to interview people who disputed its false narrative, selectively editing video, hiding facts, and omitting data that would have debunked its thesis by accurately describing Florida’s real vaccination efforts.

Governor Ron DeSantis thoroughly and succinctly responded to questions by a 60 Minutes reporter, but they chose not to use his full responses lest they allowed the facts to get into the way of their misleading story.

Below we are sharing an In Case You Missed It that was distributed to media by the Governor’s Press Office – which includes a quote and letter from Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner who states, “The reporting was not based on bad information – it was intentionally false.”

See more below:

ICYMI: Palm Beach County Mayor Calls 60 Minutes Reporting “Intentionally False”

Despite Palm Beach County being central to last night’s 60 Minutes story, they refused to interview the Democratic Mayor of Palm Beach County, Dave Kerner, because he would have debunked their false narrative.

“The reporting was not just based on bad information – it was intentionally false. I know this because I offered to provide my insight into Palm Beach County’s vaccination efforts and 60 Minutes declined.” – Mayor Dave Kerner

View Letter: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Statement-from-Mayor-Kerner.pdf

The Melo Minute – March 19th, 2021

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I Wrote an Op-Ed!

Guest Opinion: Legislative Accountability Leads to Better Environmental Outcomes

I had the pleasure of writing an opinion piece on my Green House Gas Emissions bill with my colleague Chris Hudson, Vice President of Government Affairs at Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The article highlights the need for the State Legislature to have a seat at the table when projects regulating green house gas emissions are put forward by the Executive Branch. Instead of unproductive, one-size-fits-all dictates from Washington that fail to produce better environmental outcomes, we believe a better policy would embrace bottom-up innovation, and empower people in their own communities to be conscientious stewards of the environment.

The Legislature is the people’s voice. Your voice, the citizens of Florida and those of you in my District, should be heard in matters that influence our economy and our environment.


How My Bills Are Progressing

HB 1505 – Workforce Programs and Services

This bill’s progress through the House is looking great. So far this bill has reported favorably in two committees with unanimous votes approving its passage. The bill is now on schedule to appear before the Appropriations Committee this coming Monday, 3/22, at 12:30pm.

HB 1231 – Domestic Violence

Thank you to the members of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee for reporting on this bill favorably earlier today. As a result, my Domestic Violence bill has successfully passed through two committees with unanimous support. The bill will next appear before the Health and Human Services Committee for its third — and final — committee stop.

Co-sponsoring Home-based Businesses Bill

HB 403 – Home-based Businesses

This bill, by Representative Mike Giallombardo, works to ensure the prosperity of home-based businesses by providing an appropriate definition for home-based businesses and removing unnecessary regulations & fees.

I chose to co-sponsor this bill because we need to nourish, uplift, and incentivize these businesses. With all of the economic fallout from the pandemic, this kind of legislation is of utmost importance for helping entrepreneurs in our community and fostering economic opportunity for our State.

Other Bills I’m Co-sponsoring: HB 217, HB 219, HB 337, HB 1475

What We’re Reading

U.S. Sugar Helps Dedicate New Benches at Clewiston’s Harlem Community Tree Park

Ryan Nicol

DeSantis: Florida’s COVID Experience Confirms ‘Lockdown Approach is a Failed Approach’

Charles Creitz

Events & Happenings in the District

· The 45th Collier County Fair has just kicked off. If you’re looking to have some fun with your friends and family, you can attend the fair until it ends March 28th. For more information feel free to visit the fair’s website.

· The LaBelle Rotary club is having their annual Ham Shoot this Saturday. The event is from 10am-4pm and is located at SR 80 East of LaBelle on Forrey Drive — South on Forrey to the Sports Park. Bring your shotgun, but there’s no need to bring ammo as it will be provided for you at the event. My District Secretary Kathleen Elrod will be there representing Team Melo!

· The City of Clewiston is currently looking for a citizen to serve as a board member for their Board of Building Commissioners and their Library Advisory Board. If you are interested in serving your community in this capacity click here for more information.

· Need a job? Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee is currently hiring! More information about available positions and how to apply can be found by clicking here.


Check Out My Social Media!

I hope you all had a great St. Patrick’s Day! Be sure to keep up with my social media as my dog Moose will certainly be making plenty of appearances.

Q&A’s

Got a question you want The Melo Minute to answer? Feel free to ask it and send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

Legislative Update – March 19, 2021 – Kathleen C. Passidomo

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This week, the Florida Senate passed COVID-19 liability protections for businesses and health care providers in a 24-15 vote. The Florida Senate also passed legislation seeking to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits and unlawful claims. Both of these measures are critically important to our state as we recover from COVID-19 and plan for our future.
There are 42 days remaining in the 2021 Legislative Session, and we have a great deal of work to do. Chief among them is the state budget. Due to the economic downturn, our state is facing a decrease in revenue, and we must do more with less.
I will keep you updated as budget allocations are released, and the state budget takes form.

Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of Thursday, March 18, 6,993,528 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida. There are now 4,570,538 individuals who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in Florida.
On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced he will lower eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to age 50 starting next week.
Beginning Monday, the following populations will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines:
· Long-term care facility residents and staff;
· Persons 50 years of age and older;
· Health care personnel with direct patients;
· K-12 school employees of all ages;
· Sworn law enforcement officers 50 years of ages and older;
· Firefighters 50 years of age and older; and
· People who are “extremely vulnerable” to the virus with a completed state form signed by a physician.
As more vaccines become available, eligibility continues to expand. Check the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website for the latest information.

Pre-Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine & Use the DOH Vaccine Locator
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) launched a 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 March 19, there have been 1,999,257 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 30,468 in Collier County, 4,392 in Hendry County and 58,577 in Lee County.
As of March 18, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 5.02%.
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.

Florida Senate Delivers COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses, Health Care Providers
Since day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida’s health care providers put their health at risk to serve their fellow Floridians. In addition, Florida’s business owners worked tirelessly to stay open while adhering to changing safety guidelines and regulations.
The Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 72: Civil Liability for Damages Relating to COVID-19, by Senator Jeff Brandes, to shield businesses from fraudulent or opportunistic lawsuits related to the COVID-19 pandemic and offer protection from civil liability for health care providers who have served Floridians during the pandemic.
When a business makes a good faith effort to adhere to changing safety guidelines to reopen during a period of extreme uncertainty, our laws should protect them from frivolous and costly litigation. We must also work to ensure that health care providers are not threatened with unmerited lawsuits that hinder their ability to serve their patients.
As our state continues to fully reopen and recover, Senate Bill 72 works to separate the serious and merited claims from the fraudulent and unfair claims brought against a Florida business or health care provider.

Florida Senate Takes Action to Improve Child Welfare System
Ensuring the safety and stability of children in Florida’s foster care system is imperative. The Florida Senate unanimously voted to approve Senate Bill 80: Child Welfare, by Senator Jason Brodeur. The measure increases protections and consistency for children in out-of-home care by expanding existing laws related to sibling and transition placements.
The Florida Senate recognizes the relationships young children develop with out-of-home caregivers and siblings of the child’s biological family members. The bill works to reduce trauma from abrupt or frequent placement changes that remove children from safe, successful placements.
Senate Bill 80 also requires that a quick reference “FACE sheet” be created to summarize the status of each child’s case and goals moving forward.
“Our goal is to reduce the trauma children face when they are moved, sometimes abruptly, from one out-of-home placement to another,” said Senator Brodeur. “These are vulnerable young children who have been neglected or abused and we want to make sure they have the stability of a safe, permanent living situation as soon as possible.”

Heightened Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence Approved by Florida Senate
The Florida Senate approved two bills, by Senator Ileana Garcia, to heighten protections for victims of domestic violence as well as the advocates working at domestic violence shelters.
Senate Bill 70 provides a new criminal offense to further protect the locations of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) certified domestic violence centers. Senate Bill 68 exempts from public record the personal information and addresses of DCF domestic violence shelters’ current or former staff, domestic violence advocates and their families.
When victims of domestic violence seek refuge, it is imperative that, for their safety, their location remains confidential. With the passage of Senate Bill 68 and Senate Bill 70, survivors will be safer from their abusers.
Florida has 41 DCF certified domestic violence centers that provide crisis intervention and support services to adult victims of domestic violence and their children free of charge.

Legislation Promoting Civic Education Passes Florida Senate
The Florida Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 146: Civic Education, by Senator Jeff Brandes.
This legislation aims to help students gain civic experience both inside and outside of the classroom by requiring the Florida Commissioner of Education to develop criteria for a nonpartisan civic literacy practicum that may be incorporated into Florida high school United States Government courses.
Senate Bill 146 aims to promote civic literacy in Florida, enable students to engage in civil discourse, and provide more opportunities to equip high school graduates with sufficient knowledge of America’s civics.

Vietnam Veterans Honored by Florida Senate
To memorialize the sacrifices and experiences of those captured or missing in combat during the Vietnam War, the Florida Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 416: POW-MIA Veterans Bracelet Memorial, by Senator Danny Burgess.
The legislation establishes the memorial, which will be funded and administered by the Big Bend Chapter 96, Vietnam Veterans of America, and will be placed on or near the Florida Capitol Complex.
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.

Legislation to Modernize Right to Farm Protections Passes Florida Senate
Florida’s legacy farming communities contribute to our nation’s food supply and billions of dollars to our state’s economy. Senate Bill 88: Farming Operations, by Senator Jason Brodeur, increases protections for our farmers by modernizing Florida’s Right to Farm Act.
Our state has experienced tremendous growth since Florida’s Right to Farm Act was originally passed in 1979. The Florida Senate approved this legislation, which seeks to update this important law so existing farm work and complementary agritourism activities are protected.

New Tax Exemption Bill to Help Elderly Live Independently Passes Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
On Tuesday, Senate Bill 224 by Senator Lori Berman unanimously passed its second committee stop.
SB 224 exempts the purchase of certain items that assist individuals in living and aging independently in their homes from the sales and use tax.
Specifically, the bill exempts the following items from the collection of the sales and use tax:
· Bed transfer handles selling for $60 or less;
· Bed rails selling for $110 or less;
· Grab bars selling for $100 or less; and
· Shower seats selling for $100 or less.
The bill specifies that the exemption only applies to purchases of these items made for personal or noncommercial use.
SB 224 will be heard in the Committee on Finance and Tax next.

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Up in Final Senate Committee
Senate Bill 598, by Senator Keith Perry, creates the 10-day Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday to help ensure students have the tools and supplies necessary to be successful in the classroom.
From Friday, July 30, 2021, to Sunday, August 8, 2021, the bill would eliminate taxes on items, including:
· clothing and footwear costing $60 or less;
· backpacks costing $50 or less;
· school supplies costing $15 or less; and
· personal computers and accessories costing $1,000 or less.
Next, SB 598 will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Bill to Increase Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Passes Its First Senate Committee
Senate Bill 874, by Senator Jason Brodeur, passed its first committee Wednesday. The legislation requires the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) and the Alzheimer’s Association, to use existing, relevant, public health, and community outreach programs to incorporate and disseminate information to health care practitioners on Alzheimer’s disease.
The educational materials must cover:
· The importance of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
· Utilization of a validated cognitive assessment tool.
· The value of Medicare annual wellness visits for cognitive health.
· The use of the Medicare billing code for care planning for individuals with cognitive impairment.
· Methods to detect early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
· Methods to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among individuals in diverse communities who are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
The bill will be heard next in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

From the Desk of Chairman Joe Gruters

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Chairman’s Message –

Even CNN acknowledges Governor DeSantis’ successes

There is no denying the glaring truth anymore: Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies of protecting Floridians’ personal freedoms, businesses, jobs and health during the pandemic have been an incontrovertible success.

No less of a media opponent than CNN has acknowledged this with an accurate story of the Governor’s successes. Here is their shockingly positive lead:

After a year of criticism by health experts, mockery from comedians and blistering critiques from political rivals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is standing unabashedly tall among the nation’s governors on the front lines of the coronavirus fight.

“Everyone told me I was wrong,” DeSantis, a Republican, said in a fundraising appeal on Tuesday, drawing attention to his defiance against the pandemic. “I faced continued pressure from radical Democrats and the liberal media, but I refused to back down. It’s clear: Florida got it right.”

As many parts of the country embark on an uneasy march toward normalcy, Florida is not only back in business — it’s been in business for the better part of the past year…”Those lockdowns have not worked. They’ve done great damage to our country,” DeSantis said.

Of course the story includes the normal tut-tutting from political opponents who urge policies that have flatly failed in other states. But when CNN concedes this truth, backing it up with statistics that have been apparent for months, it’s pretty much case closed.

Read it here: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/17/politics/ron-desantis-covid-florida/index.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=news_tab&utm_content=algorithm

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While many blue state governors are still keeping people locked down or threatening to do so again, and President Biden talks disconnectedly about maybe having a BBQ in your backyard by the Fourth of July if we all do what we’re told, Governor Ron DeSantis was having a beer during Bike Week in Daytona. Because we’ve been having BBQs for nearly a year, Mr. President.

What a difference a Governor makes!

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As Chairman of the Republican National Committee’s Election Integrity Committee, I want to report that the Committee is making rapid progress. We have four Subcommittees meeting weekly and the full Committee also meeting weekly. We are investigating what went right and what went wrong in 2020, creating model legislation for our states, developing best election operations procedures, determining the integrity of various voting machines and more. The RNC has devoted significant staffing in support of our work.

This will not be a long, drawn out process. The Committee is temporary and I hope to have our first recommendations out to our state leaders in a few months. We must ensure that we have a level of integrity in our elections that all Americans can have faith in.

COVID-19 Update

Governor Ron DeSantis outlined how to best use a portion of federal funds the state is expected to receive through the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package, which provides $195.3 billion to the states.

The Governor’s recommendations include providing assistance to Floridians in need, and making major investments in critical areas such as infrastructure, education, and workforce development to continue Florida’s rapid economic recovery.

A top priority of the Governor remains the support of pandemic first responders. The Governor’s recommendations include a one-time $1,000 direct payment to full-time sworn law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. The Governor also is recommending money to modernize the reemployment assistance system to correct critical design flaws and improve the service.

To bolster Florida’s already strong recovery, the Governor is recommending over $500 million for economic development and recovery initiatives. The Governor’s recommendations also take important steps to invest in Florida’s infrastructure, resilience, and readiness. Finally, the Governor is recommending $185 million for workforce training and research initiatives.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/03/16/governor-ron-desantis-announces-federal-stimulus-budget-recommendations/

Florida Update

Governor DeSantis announced the Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative, a $106 million proposal to make Florida a national leader in civics education. The Governor is urging the Florida Legislature to fund this by using the state portion of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA) Act.

The Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative emphasizes the development and support of high-quality civics education, rewards Florida teachers who participate and builds on the success of the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative.

“A high-quality education begins with a high quality curriculum, which is why I remain laser focused on developing the best possible civics education standards,” said Governor DeSantis.

Governor DeSantis took direct aim at President Joe Biden after the president’s national address, saying forcefully, “I am not going to let him lockdown Florida.”

The Governor was responding to a portion of the speech where the president implied we may need to shut things down again if cases start increasing. But Governor DeSantis has been protecting Floridians’ freedoms, businesses, jobs and health by keeping Florida open for business. He said, “to even contemplate any sort of lockdown…that’s insane.”

The Governor also wondered about the president’s stated goal of holding small gatherings by the Fourth of July. “We’ve been doing that for over a year in Florida,” Governor DeSantis said.

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

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This week, Senator Rick Scott sent an open to letter to governors and mayors across the United States urging them to commit to reject and return any federal funding in excess of their federally-reimbursable COVID-19 related expenses. This commitment will serve the best interests of hardworking American taxpayers and send a clear message to Washington: politicians in Congress should quit recklessly spending other people’s money.

Senator Scott’s letter comes as Congressional Democrats passed President Biden’s massive, partisan and wasteful $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending package without a single Republican vote in support. This bill dedicates less than 10% of its funding to actually fight COVID-19 and raises the federal debt to $30 trillion.

Also this week, Senator Rick Scott sponsored:

The Sunshine Protection Act to make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country;
A resolution to condemn Communist China’s actions to militarize the South China Sea, applaud the United States Navy and Coast Guard for their efforts to ensure freedom of navigation operations, and send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate Communist China’s extension of power in waters beyond its legitimate territorial sea boundaries;
The Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends (FORCE) Act which would prevent President Joe Biden or Secretary Antony Blinken from removing Cuba from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List; and
The Banning Operations and Leases with the Illegitimate Venezuelan Authoritarian Regime (BOLIVAR) Act which holds Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro accountable by prohibiting federal agencies from doing business with anyone that supports the oppressive Maduro regime.

Sen. Rick Scott: I’ll Never Stop Fighting Against Washington’s Dysfunction

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after Senate Democrats voted to pass their massive and wasteful $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending package, of which less than 10% actually goes to help fight COVID.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Washington is completely dysfunctional. I’ve said all along that I want targeted relief for families and businesses suffering from the pandemic. That’s why Republicans just spent the entire night trying to work with Senate Democrats to get something done that will actually help Floridians and Americans across our nation who are still struggling due to COVID-19. But that’s not what the Democrats wanted. This was never about helping the American people. Instead, they’re using trillions of American taxpayer dollars, under the guise of COVID relief, to fund their liberal priorities and pay back their blue state Governor pals. They really should be ashamed of this political theater.

“Our nation is $28 trillion in debt. With the passage of this bill, Senate Democrats have increased the debt to $30 trillion, knowing that they and President Biden have no plan to address it or its devastating consequences for American families. At this rate and the direction Democrats are taking us, there is no way our nation will ever be able to pay off this unsustainable debt without significant change. It’s time to get serious about what this means for our nation moving forward. I will never stop fighting to ensure accountability to American taxpayers and get Washington’s insane spending under control.”

Sen. Rick Scott Urges Florida Congressional Delegation to Vote Against Wasteful $1.9 Trillion “COVID” Spending Bill

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Florida Congressional Delegation urging them to vote against President Biden’s massive and wasteful $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending package which now heads back to the U.S. House of Representatives following its completely partisan passage in the Senate last week. The $1.9 trillion spending package dedicates less than 10% of its funding to actually fight COVID-19 and raises the federal debt to $30 trillion.

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Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott’s No Budget, No Pay Proposal

As Democrats pushed their massive $1.9 trillion “COVID” spending bill that includes billions for wasteful liberal priorities, Senator Rick Scott fought against Washington’s dysfunction by securing a vote on his No Budget, No Pay proposal, which requires Congress to meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Washington’s dysfunction is at an all-time high, and that was on full display as Democrats delayed voting all day so they could push their massive, wasteful and partisan $2 trillion spending package in the middle of the night. It’s clear Democrats don’t want to work with Republicans to get things done, but I will never stop fighting to make Washington work for the American people. Today, my No Budget, No Pay amendment received a vote on the Senate floor, which says if members of Congress cannot work together to pass a budget, they should not get paid.

“I grew up in a poor family, and I’ve been blessed to live in this country and enjoy the opportunities it provides. I’ve owned a business and I can tell you that in the business world, if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. There’s no reason members of Congress shouldn’t be held to the same exact standard as the American people. If they can’t do their most basic job, they shouldn’t get a taxpayer-funded salary. Accountability shouldn’t be controversial. It’s ridiculous that my Democrat colleagues would block a simple measure to make sure they do their jobs, but I’ll keep fighting to get this common-sense proposal passed.”

Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Biden Administration for Granting TPS Status for Venezuelans Fleeing Maduro’s Ruthless Dictatorship

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement applauding action taken by the Biden Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans fleeing Nicolas Maduro’s murderous regime. For years, Senator Scott has been calling for a long-term solution for the TPS program, and has twice pushed legislation on the Senate Floor to extend to TPS for Venezuelans who came to the United States to escape Maduro’s regime. Last month, he sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas outlining his priorities for DHS, including TPS for Venezuelans.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans are fleeing the violence and starvation of Maduro’s socialist regime and the United States must stand with them. For years, I’ve been calling for this action, as well as a long-term solution for TPS and I applaud the Administration for heeding my calls to grant TPS for Venezuelans. I have tried to pass legislation on the Senate Floor multiple times that would immediately grant TPS to Venezuelans and make much needed reforms to the program, but Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked it. Today’s announcement builds on President Trump’s action to give temporary legal status for Venezuelans through the Deferred Enforced Departure program, and is great news for the Venezuelan people. We must continue to do everything in our power to save Venezuela from this tyrannical dictator.”

From the desk of Commissioner Burt Saunders

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Welcome to District 3

I hope this communication finds you well and that you will find the information provided both timely and useful. Topics are generally selected based on current initiatives being reviewed and addressed by the BCC or major projects or initiatives impacting residents of District 3 or greater Collier County. Future newsletter editions will contain new and updated information about projects, events and government operations within Collier County. I welcome your interest and feedback and hope you will share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. Please continue to be careful and stay safe. Thank you for helping to make Collier County a great place to live, work and play.

Town Hall

Collier County Commissioner Burt Saunders, District 3, invites residents of Collier County to participate in a Virtual District 3 Town Hall on Thursday, March 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Residents may log in to the meeting by clicking on this link that will be broadcast from the Board of County Commissioners Chambers in the Collier County Government Center. Residents will hear directly from the Commissioner and staff about what is happening in the district and countywide. Commissioner Saunders will provide opening remarks and introduce key members of the County administrative team who will share updates regarding major current projects and initiatives.

Essential Workforce housing

A referendum increasing the sales tax from 6% to 7% was approved by voters on November 6, 2018. A total of $20 million is available through the seven-year sales tax initiative to fund workforce housing in Collier County. On October 22, 2019, the County Commission approved the establishment of a Non-Profit Community Land Trust. The Community Foundation of Collier County in conjunction with the Schultz Foundation and Moorings Park earmarked significant grant funding for the development of a workforce and senior housing.

At the December 10, 2019 meeting the Commission directed County staff to develop an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) seeking a vendor that could provide workforce and senior housing on approximately 20-30 acres at the Golden Gate Golf Course. The selected firm is expected to manage the facility without County subsidy.

The ITN included the following key elements:
Workforce and senior housing with targeted renters having income equivalent to 30-80% of area median income
400 rental workforce senior housing units (potentially more, if space allows)
Provide a minimum of 10% of units identified for seniors and veterans. Consideration for those with special needs will be viewed favorably.
Workforce units would be reserved for Essential Services employees and their families such as teachers, firefighters, sheriff’s officers, nurses, and EMTs.
Variety of rental unit sizes including studio, one, two and three bedroom units.
A design that is compatible with the community and the surrounding neighbors.