Senator Kathleen Passidomo Week in Review Dec 8

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On Thursday, during our annual holiday breakfast with the Capitol Press Corps, I was proud to unveil my Live Healthy proposal to strengthen health care in the Sunshine State. Senator Colleen Burton, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, and Senator Gayle Harrell, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, joined me to announce the Live Healthy package, which includes policies and funding to grow Florida’s health care workforce, increase access to care, and incentivize innovation.

Access to health care is important at every phase of life.  Insurance does not guarantee access, as even Floridians with great insurance face barriers to care.

Live Healthy will expand Florida’s health care workforce with new opportunities for education, training and retention.  This includes enhancing partnerships between our hospitals and Florida colleges and universities that train health care workers.  It also creates more residency slots and creative loan repayment options that drive providers to underserved areas.  We want to make sure our medical school graduates stay in Florida and also attract more out-of-state residents – not only for their residencies but to build their lives and medical practices right here in our communities.

We are also funding provider increases that incentivize our health care workers to continue serving in high-demand fields like mental health, labor and delivery, and disabilities.

We know that our hospital emergency rooms are the most expensive real estate in our state. Live Healthy will help streamline emergency departments by creating partnerships with Community Health Centers and other primary care settings so that when care is urgently needed, but not life threatening, it can be provided outside of the hospital emergency room in a more efficient and appropriate setting. Live Healthy also expands access to preventive health screenings to ensure early diagnosis and better management of chronic disease for all Floridians.

Legislation that is part of the Live Healthy package will be considered during the Senate Committee on Health Policy on Tuesday, December 12.  Additional legislation will be filed in the coming weeks.

Streamlining Rural Development

Tuesday, Senate Bill 196, sponsored by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee), passed the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism. Senate Bill 196 removes burdensome restrictions on regional economic development organizations and allows for increased access to rural development funding.

This legislation removes matching requirements on rural development grants allowing for fiscally constrained counties and regions to receive critical funding for economic development without negatively impacting their own finances.

Access to these grants is often limited by a county’s ability to collect taxes from their own citizens. By removing these requirements, we can improve the quality of life in rural communities without the need for burdensome taxes.

Ensuring that Florida’s rural communities have the necessary tools to establish diverse, resilient economies is critically important for the many families, farmers, and family- owned businesses, who call rural Florida home.

 

Supporting Florida’s National Guard

Wednesday, Senate Memorial 226, sponsored by Senator Tom Wright (R-New Smyrna Beach), passed the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security. Senate Memorial 226 urges the United States Congress to expand the Florida National Guard’s Force Allocation.

Florida is the 3rd most populous state in the country, yet has only 12,000 soldiers and airmen in our National Guard, a ratio of one guardsman for every 1,833 Floridians. Due to Florida’s active hurricane season and the consistent need for mobilization, it is clear that an increased National Guard Force Allocation is critical to effectively respond to disasters and ensure the safety of Floridians.

In addition to our current needs, Florida’s population continues to rapidly grow, outpacing the nation in net in-migration. This increase in population will only further amplify the issues facing Florida’s National Guard and exacerbate the need for additional guardsman.

The health and safety of Floridians is critical, especially in the face of natural disasters that frequently impact our state. By refusing to expand the Florida’s National Guard Force Allocation, Washington D.C. is playing political games with the health and safety of over 20 million Americans.

 

Raising Awareness For Opioid Addiction 

Tuesday, Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Senator Jason Brodeur, passed the Senate Committee on Health Policy. Senate Bill 66 creates “Victoria’s Law”, raising awareness of the dangers of opioid addiction and to the availability of medical treatments to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on communities across the State of Florida and the entire country. Throughout the first 6 months of 2022, Florida experienced almost four thousand deaths from opioid overdoses. The fentanyl that flows across America’s wide-open southern border is a leading cause of these deaths.

This legislation encourages the Florida Department of Health to hold events to boost attention relating to the dangers of an opioid overdose and how to administer Naloxone, an emergency opioid antagonist better known as Narcan, which reverses the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose. In order to increase awareness, Senate Bill 66 allows the Governor to designate June 6 as Naloxone Awareness Day.

 

Advancing Florida’s Balanced Budget

Wednesday, a number of state agencies appeared before each Senate Appropriations subcommittee to present the Governor’s recommended budget for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

The Governor’s proposed budget includes historic funding for K-12 Education, significant investments in infrastructure, and critical relief for Floridians struggling with property insurance costs. Additionally, the proposed budget recommends over $1 billion in tax relief for Floridians, dedicates almost $500 million to reduce debt, and maintains $16.3 billion in reserves.

The Governor’s Office will present the proposed budget before the full Senate Appropriations Committee on December 12. The Senate and House will review and consider the Governor’s proposed budget before drafting their own proposed budgets for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

 

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

Respectfully,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate President
State Senator, District 28

Naples Office:

3299 East Tamiami Trail
Suite 203
Naples, FL 34112
239-417-6205

LaBelle Office:

25 East Hickpochee Avenue
Room J-101
LaBelle, FL 33935
863-674-7122

Tallahassee Office:

409 The Capitol
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review

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Dear Fellow Floridian,

For years, too many in Congress have just accepted the status quo and stood idly by as Democrats shoved through massive spending package after massive spending package with no consideration of the consequences. Here is why Washington’s spending problem is hurting families. Think about this: inflation has skyrocketed nearly 18% since Biden took office – it’s costing Florida families over $1,000 MORE PER MONTH. It’s because Democrats and the Washington elite think it’s normal to pass giant spending bills that are just wasteful, unaccountable spending sprees of your taxpayer money that allow trillions in more debt and further fuel this crisis. The reckless spending is EVERYWHERE. So this week, I hosted a press conference to call on Republicans to work together and force the return of fiscal sanity and secure our border by passing spending bills that get our country back on track.

When we think about returning to fiscal sanity and getting our country back on track, I am reminded of our nation’s student loan crisis. Millions of Americans are burdened with soaring tuition and thousands of dollars in loans while the university they attended sits on a MASSIVE endowment. But the reality is these universities don’t want to spend their money. They want to push you to rack up debt and also take BILLIONS of your taxpayer dollars, and the crazy thing is Washington lets them with NO ACCOUNTABILITY. It’s exhibit A of Washington’s broken mentality and why I reintroduced my COLLEGE Actearlier this week. This good bill forces universities to take more responsibility when preparing students for successful careers and holds university administrators accountable for the unacceptable skyrocketing price of education.

I’ve had enough! Families have had enough. It’s time Washington stopped looking out for special interests and political agendas and started working for you.

Sincerely,

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Rick Scott

United States Senator

To be the first to find out about Senator Scott’s actions and statements, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Sen. Rick Scott: No Conditions on Israel Aid Until Every Hamas Terrorist is Dead

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement slamming Democrats’ demands to include new conditions on Israel aid and apply limits on Israel’s actions to defend itself. The atrocities committed by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists during their October 7th attack, and their ongoing war in Israel, have killed more than 1,400 innocent people, and at least 33 Americans, while taking hundreds of Israelis hostage, including several Americans. Senator Scott is demanding the Biden administration bring American hostages home and has been a leading supporter of Israel defending itself and destroying Hamas. Last week, Senator Scott joined his colleagues in demanding a vote on the Senate floor to pass the House-passed Israel aid legislation, but it was defeated when every Senate Democrat voted against it.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Unlike the brutal Iran-backed Hamas terrorists, the people of Israel are fair and just in their actions to defend themselves. Tying the hands of Israel as it fights against terrorists for its very survival is unacceptable and un-American. The terrorists Israel seeks to destroy invaded its country and brutally beheaded babies, burned people alive, raped and murdered young women and are STILL holding hundreds, including Americans, hostage. It is disgusting that Democrats, including President Biden, would be considering limits on Israel and its right to defend itself. There should not be a single discussion about additional conditions on Israel aid until every single Hamas terrorist is dead. It is embarrassing that Americans and leaders within our own government would consider helping Hamas when these Iran-backed terrorists are fighting to eliminate Israel and all who live there, including innocent Americans held hostage. It is disgusting. Enough is enough—no further conditions on Israel aid until Hamas is destroyed.”

Read more HERE.    

Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Bill Hagerty & Colleagues Calling Out Biden for Ignoring Demands for Transparency on Taxpayer-Funded Voter-Mobilization Plans

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and their colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden reiterating concerns over the White House’s refusal to respond to the Senators’ previous demands for transparency regarding the use of American taxpayer dollars to implement Executive Order 14019. The Executive Order instructed federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization and submit to the White House a plan for doing so, and is a potential violation of the Antideficiency Act that prohibits agencies from expending federal funds without Congressional authorization.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and their colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden reiterating concerns over the White House’s refusal to respond to the Senators’ previous demands for transparency regarding the use of American taxpayer dollars to implement Executive Order 14019. The Executive Order instructed federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization and submit to the White House a plan for doing so, and is a potential violation of the Antideficiency Act that prohibits agencies from expending federal funds without Congressional authorization.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

Senator Rick Scott announced the reintroduction of his Changing Our Learning, Loans, Endowments, and Graduation Expectations (COLLEGE) Act to force universities to take more responsibility when it comes to preparing students for successful careers and to hold university administrators accountable for the unacceptable skyrocketing price of education. Senator Scott’s legislation puts higher education institutions on the hook for student debt, implements reporting requirements for metrics related to student success and ensures that massive university endowments benefit students and families first.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Right now, universities are raking in BILLIONS from federal taxpayers while sitting on massive endowments & doing nothing to combat disgusting anti-Semitism on their campuses. That is unacceptable. For far too long, state and federal leaders have taken a misguided and failed approach to managing public institutions of higher education. The result of their decades of failed policy and mismanagement is millions of Americans with mountains of student debt racked up earning degrees that haven’t prepared them for good, high-paying jobs in the real world. If we want real results that improve student performance, boost post-graduation job placement and keep tuition affordable, we need to do the hard work of actually holding colleges and universities responsible for the outcomes of their students and accountable to the American taxpayer. My COLLEGE Act takes big, important steps toward doing exactly that.”

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Marco Rubio & Colleagues Introduce Reauthorization to Preserve Sanctions Against Maduro Regime

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues to introduce the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Reauthorization Act of 2023 to ensure current U.S. government’s sanctions against Venezuela’s narco-dictator Nicolás Maduro, and 150 members of his criminal regime responsible for human rights abuses against the Venezuelan people, remain in place. Without action, the sanctions will expire on December 21, 2023. Joining Senators Scott and Rubio in their efforts are Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

Senator Rick Scott said, “Time after time we’ve seen President Joe Biden appease murderous dictators like Maduro by lifting sanctions, allowing millions of dollars to fuel his dangerous regime and further destabilize the region. The people of Venezuela made their choice by backing María Corina Machado as the legitimate opposition leader, and now the United States must use every opportunity it has to put the full support behind the voice for freedom, using every sanction within the power of our nation to hold Maduro accountable. I’m proud to join Senator Rubio in this bill to reauthorize sanctions that impose human rights sanctions on the Maduro regime and ensures the U.S. only supports those who are fighting for a truly democratic and free Venezuela.”

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio & Colleagues in letter to Biden: Ban Travel from China to Prevent Mystery Illness Spread

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in leading his colleagues in a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In their letter, the senators focus on the devastating impact of fentanyl in the United States and the PRC’s role in the fentanyl supply chain. The letter calls on President Biden to urge President Xi to do more to stop the flow of precursor chemicals that are sent from the PRC to Mexico. These chemicals are used to manufacture deadly drugs, which are then trafficked across our southern border. From 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. 

Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Send Letter to DOD Urging Action Against Chinese LIDAR Proliferation

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, highlighting concerns regarding the increase of Chinese Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology within the United States. In their letter, Senators Scott and Rubio urge the Department to take stock of current LIDAR sources and add Chinese LIDAR companies to the Section 1260H Chinese Military and Military Civil-Fusion Companies List—a list issued by the DOD identifying Chinese companies of concern that may pose a risk to the safety and security of America and its citizens. Communist China’s military actions continue to create major threats to America’s security, and the sustained production and use of Chinese LIDAR poses potential economic and national security risks as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to promote global adoption of its LIDAR technology and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) seeks to develop offensive unmanned weapons systems.

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation following the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ October Personal Consumer Expenditures (PCE) report showing prices paid by consumers for goods and services rose 3.0% over the year. Earlier this week, Senator Scott hosted a press conference with Senators Mike Braun, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson and Roger Marshall, as well as members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC), including HFC Chair Scott Perry and Representatives Chip Roy, Bob Good and Andy Biggs, highlighting the need to demand and secure fiscal sanity and border security in the upcoming supplemental and forthcoming appropriations bills.

Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.

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The American Conservative: Butchers, Brewers, and Bakers

Fox News: Sen. Rick Scott says Schumer likely doesn’t have votes to pass supplemental without tighter border security

Florida Daily: Rick Scott: ‘No Further Conditions on Israel Aid Until Hamas is Destroyed’

The Floridian: Scott: No Conditions on Israel Aid Until Hamas is Totally Destroyed

The Floridian: Scott Demands Action as Chinese Giant Files to go Public

The Floridian: Scott Seeks to Keep Social Security Administration On the Hook for Massive Overpayments

West Orlando News: Sen. Scott: Hold Social Security Admin, Not Florida Seniors, Accountable for Overpayments

Florida’s Voice: Scott commits to strengthening national security relations with Ecuador following visit

Florida’s Voice: Rick Scott: Biden puts U.S. energy jobs ‘on the line’ based on China dictator’s word

Tampa Free Press: Florida Sens. Scott, Rubio Lead Effort To Get Answers On “Pause” Of Overseas Gun Deals

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Senator Scott’s Team in Tampa Bay

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Senator Scott’s team attended the Tampa Bay Wave and Latin Chamber of Commerce gathering with the Krewe of the Knights of Sant Yago.

Senator Scott’s Team in Punta Gorda

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Senator Scott’s team also attended the presentation for the fallen officer Christopher Taylor.

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TALLAHASSEE
111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 942-8415		 WEST PALM BEACH 
415 Clematis Street, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-0189		 TAMPA
801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 225-7040
KISSIMMEE 
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (407) 586-7879		 PENSACOLA 
221 Palafox Place, Suite 420
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 760-5151		 MIAMI 
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 505
Miami, FL 33134
Phone: (786) 501-7141
NAPLES
3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 231-7890		 JACKSONVILLE
400 West Bay Street, Suite 289
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 479-7227		 ORLANDO
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161
  WASHINGTON, D.C.
110 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274

Follow Up Message from Eric Patterson – Religious Freedom Institute

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Eric Patterson
President
Religious Freedom Institute

I gave away 30+ business cards today, but here is something you can send directly to your members.  So many of them were interested in our work.

This short video shows how RFI helps people.

This short video introduces our student programs.

An email to rfi.rfi.org will put someone on our mailing list simply.

In terms of education:

  • Our America’s First Freedomhigh school curriculum prepares students to be the next generation of informed citizens and religious liberty guardians.  This and other student programs reached over 5,000 students last year!
  • RFI partners with ADF and other organizations to protect the religious freedom of medical and mental health professionals.
  • Our Statesmanship and Religious Freedomseminar inspires university students with the public witness examples of great servant leaders such as British MP William Wilberforce (who led the fight against slavery) and Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Our Crisis Toolkit Series is a resource for churches, schools, and other faith-based organizations, providing guidance on HR, bylaws, communications, and the like.

December 2023 President’s Message – Merry Christmas – Happy Hanukkah

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Russell Tuff
President
Collier County Republican Men’s Club

Dear Members of the Republican Men’s Club of Collier County,

We extend a warm invitation to you to join us on Friday, January 5th, for our inaugural breakfast of the year. We are honored to host Steve Moore from the Heritage Foundation as our distinguished guest speaker, who will be addressing the timely topic of “Surviving the Bidenomics Bust.”

As we embark on a new year, we kindly remind you to renew your membership, not only to avail yourself of exclusive breakfast discounts but also to contribute to the support of our esteemed speakers and the ongoing promotion of Republican conservative values within our community.

Reflecting on a successful year, the Board would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah. Your active participation has been instrumental in our achievements, and we eagerly anticipate your continued involvement in the year ahead.

Thank you for your dedication to our shared values and the success of the Republican Men’s Club of Collier County. We look forward to welcoming you at our upcoming event.

Best regards,

Russell Tuff

President

Republican Men’s Club of Collier County

Sen. Rick Scott: Support Small Businesses!

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Sen. Rick Scott: Support Small Businesses!

Dear Fellow Floridian,

Happy Small Business Saturday!

This Saturday, and every day, we celebrate the entrepreneurs and small business owners in Florida and across the nation who are the backbone of our economy and critical to job creation.

As your United States Senator, I have worked to make Florida the best place for families and businesses to thrive. Thank you to the many business owners that have chosen to make Florida their home.

I know our nation’s inflation crisis is making it difficult for many of Florida’s incredible small businesses, and that’s why I’m committed to holding Washington accountable and ending the reckless spending that’s been driving prices up since Joe Biden took office.

Don’t forget to support you favorite local shop or restaurant. God bless!

Sincerely,

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Rick Scott

United States Senator

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Watch a message from Sen. Rick Scott HERE or below:

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TALLAHASSEE
111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 942-841		 WEST PALM BEACH 
415 Clematis Street, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-0189		 TAMPA
801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 225-7040
KISSIMMEE 
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: (407) 586-7879		 PENSACOLA 
221 Palafox Place, Suite 420
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 760-5151		 MIAMI 
901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 505
Miami, FL 33134
Phone: (786) 501-7141
NAPLES
3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 231-7890		 JACKSONVILLE
400 West Bay Street, Suite 289
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 479-7227		 ORLANDO
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161
  WASHINGTON, D.C.
110 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274		  
Fax: (202) 228-4535

Florida Becomes More Republican – Republican Party of Florida

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FLORIDA BECOMES MORE REPUBLICAN!

October’s Voter Registration Numbers are OUT and it was a REALLY bad month for Florida Democrats.

Click here to view county by county registration numbers

As of October 31, 2023:

Current Registration Totals (Statewide)

  • Republican: 5,153,695 (38.03%)
  • Democrat: 4,473,665 (33.01%)
  • Other: 3,925,923 (28.97%)

The Republican Party of Florida has an advantage of 680,030 or 5.02% more than the Democrat Party 

(Remember…Prior to November of 2021, Florida has always had more Democrats than Republicans statewide…Big gains in just a couple years)

The Republican Party increased our statewide advantage by 53,512 or .46% in October alone.

Key Milestones:

  • Since President Trump was elected in 2016, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 1,007,468
  • Since Governor DeSantis was elected in 2018, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 943,299
  • Since the Florida Democrat Party launched their $1 Million Voter Registration Campaign on August 1st, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 111,979
  • Since January 1st, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by: 296,076 and added 2.38% to our statewide voter registration advantage.

Major Individual County Gains For October:

  • Republicans in Palm Beach (Democrat County) shrank their deficit to the Democrats by 20,031 voters.
  • Republicans in Hillsborough (Democrat County) shrank their deficit to the Democrats by 17,594 voters.

25 of the 67 Counties in Florida have flipped from Democrat to Republican (in registration) since 2016 and there are now only 10 Democrat counties left in the state.

Here are the counties expected to flip in the near future:

  • St. Lucie (1.07% away)
  • Madison (4.06% away, but that makes up just under 500 voters)
  • Hillsborough (1.92% away) and Duval (3.32% away) have had some significant gains and are close.

Historic Numbers: Florida Republicans Expand Their Lead over Democrats

 

Read Article

 

Republican voter registration lead expands by 53,000 in October alone

 

Read Article

 

CONNECT WITH THE CHAIRMAN

 

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Join The Fight – Volunteer

 

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What’s New and Hot in 2024 Election Cycle

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Russell Tuff
Chairman, CCCVPAC

What’s New in the 2024 Election Cycle in Collier County, Florida?

In the upcoming City of Naples mayoral race, three candidates are vying for the position. Notably, Bill Kramer, the renowned former football coach of Naples High, has filed as the sole candidate for the three city council seats.

In the county, there is a change in leadership for the position of Property Appraiser, as the long-serving 99-year-old Abe Skinner has not filed for re-election. However, Julian Stokes, his longtime assistant, has stepped forward as a candidate. Additionally, four individuals, all registered Republicans, have entered the race for Collier County Commission seat 3, currently held by Commissioner Burt Saunders.

Collier County’s political landscape boasts 134,378 registered Republicans, 53,684 Democrats, 5,012 with minor parties, and 30,619 with No Party Affiliation. Statewide, as of October 31st, there are 5,153,695 registered Republicans, 4,473,665 Democrats, and 3,925,923 registered as Other, marking a significant 680,030 Republican advantage over Democrats in Florida. It’s noteworthy that Florida, prior to November 2021, had more Democrats than Republicans.

A notable development is the launch of the Democrat Party of Florida’s $1 Million Voter initiative a month ago. Despite this effort, Republicans lead registered Democrats by 111,979, indicating that the Democrat message may not be resonating effectively in Florida.

As the March election approaches, including the presidential primary and the City of Naples election, it’s crucial to stay informed. For a complete list of offices up for election in Collier County, Click Here. To access the list of declared Republican candidates on the ballot, Click Here.

City of Naples Issues:
Examining the issues relevant to the City of Naples, the governance of the current City Council emerges as a focal point. Concerns have surfaced regarding excessive oversight of city staff, diverting their focus from receiving clear directives from the city administrator and promptly taking action. The frequency and duration of council meetings have also raised questions about their impact on staff productivity.

Notably, some council members appear to reiterate their rationales for support or denial, even after decisions have been reached, suggesting a desire to be heard at the expense of efficiency. These concerns shed light on the challenges facing the City of Naples as the election cycle unfolds.

Moreover, the current council attributes slow progress on stormwater plans to new laws on home rule, despite the project receiving approval in 2019. This warrants further examination and consideration from the electorate.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Russell Tuff
President
Collier County Republican Men’s Club

As we gather around our tables with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving as your President. This season provides us with a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the values that bind us together and the strength that comes from unity.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let us express our deepest appreciation for the blessings of freedom, democracy, and the principles that have shaped our great nation. Together, as members of the Republican Men’s Club of Collier County, we have stood firm in our commitment to these ideals, working tirelessly to promote conservative values and contribute to the betterment of our community.

As we share this special day with loved ones, let us also extend our gratitude to those who have dedicated their time and efforts to our shared cause. Our club is a beacon of unity, and each member plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community and our country.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of joy, reflection, and renewed determination to uphold the principles that make our nation exceptional. Let us continue to work together, supporting one another with the strength that comes from our shared convictions.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and the joy of shared values.

With sincere appreciation,

Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation to Support Israel, Provide Hurricane Relief and Expand School Choice into Law.

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Given recent events, including the horrific attacks against Israel in the Middle East and devastation to the Big Bend caused by Hurricane Idalia here at home, there were several issues that warranted our attention in advance of the Regular Session.  Last week, the Florida Legislature convened for Special Session C to demonstrate our support for Israel, provide critical hurricane relief and expand the capacity of the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities.

We passed four bills with overwhelming, bipartisan support, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed these measures into law this week.  I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with Governor DeSantis and House Speaker Paul Renner, which enables us to act quickly to address urgent needs of our state and nation.  Unlike the dysfunction we so often see in Washington, when challenges come our way here in Florida, our Governor, Cabinet, and Legislature work together.

House Bill 1C: Disaster Relief by Senator Corey Simon

As demonstrated after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the Florida Senate is committed to helping Floridians rebuild from devastating storms in every manner possible. In response to Hurricane Idalia, the Florida Senate passed House Bill 1C, providing necessary funding and tax relief to the communities who need it most. The Florida Senate is meeting the challenge to support our rural and agricultural communities that have been devastated by Hurricane Idalia.

HB 1C provides over $30 million to address the gap in federal funds, ensuring that Floridians who have been devastated by Hurricane Idalia are not left behind by the federal government.

HB 1C grants tax relief to Floridians on building material purchases, provides refunds of motor fuel taxes used for agricultural shipments and debris removal and lowers farmer’s tax bills on agricultural equipment that they cannot use due to the impact of the storm.

The legislation expands funding for rural infrastructure in impacted counties, ensuring that small towns and communities across the Big Bend are able to rebuild their farms, roads, schools, and economies.

It also expands the My Safe Florida Home Program through an additional appropriation of over $170 million. This program empowers Floridians to make their houses more resilient to natural disasters, potentially lowering insurance costs.

 

House Bill 3C: Family Empowerment Scholarship Program by Senator Jay Collins

Since House Bill 1 passed in the 2023 Regular Session, Florida has seen record numbers of families benefit from enhanced school choice opportunities now offered to every Floridian. House Bill 3C expands opportunities to Students with Unique Abilities, ensuring that all Florida students have access to a full array of school choice opportunities that meet their unique needs.

A record number of families have been able to receive the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), a critical program that ensures students with unique abilities have access to school choice opportunities tailored to their needs, as determined by their parents.

HB 3C allows for a greater number of students and families to receive funding under the FES-UA program and removes the cap on funding that families can receive, increasing access and opportunity for those students with unique abilities.

To address the demand for the unique abilities portion of the Family Empowerment Scholarship, families will now have until December 15, 2023, to apply for scholarships in the current school year, in order to be funded by February 1. Ensuring adequate time to apply for and receive scholarship funding.

HB 3C provides critical support to some of our most vulnerable student populations. This legislation builds upon HB 1 passed during the 2023 Legislative Session to ensure access to quality education options, regardless of income, zip code, or circumstance.

 

House Bill 5C: Scrutinized Companies by Senator Bryan Avila

Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism and played a critical role in the horrific terror attacks on Israel by Hamas. This legislation takes a strong stance against the Iranian regime and makes it clear that Florida in no way will support corrupt, tyrannical, and terroristic countries who diametrically oppose American national security and seek to wage proxy war through radical terrorist groups.

The Biden Administration’s unsteady leadership and failure to implement sanctions, most notably, their decision to unfreeze $6 billion to the Iranian regime, has empowered Iran to further support Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region.

With House Bill 5C, Florida is stepping up to hold the Iranian regime accountable for their support of terrorism. As is the trend, when Joe Biden falters, Florida stands up and delivers.

HB 5C expands upon current sanctions maintained by the State of Florida by requiring the state to divest all assets with companies in certain sectors that receive even a tenth of their revenue from or invest a certain dollar threshold into the listed Iranian industries. These restrictions are the strongest allowable under federal law.

This legislation ensures that the State of Florida will not invest in any companies that support the Iranian regime and their sponsorship of terrorism in the Middle East and around the globe.

 

House Bill 7C: Security Grants by Senator Alexis Calatayud

Through this legislation, the Florida Senate makes it clear that anti-Semitic violence has no place in Florida and we are committed to protecting Jewish Floridians from threats of violence. As the threat of anti-Semitism grows following the horrors of Hamas’ attack on Israel, the Florida Legislature is providing critical funding to keep our Jewish community safe.

Following the horrific terror attacks on Israel, there has been an increase in anti-Semitic violence across the country and even here in Florida.

The Jewish people have historically faced persecution and horrors that most can never imagine. The Florida Senate cannot stand by and let our Jewish friends, neighbors, and loved ones be in harm’s way.

No Floridian should feel scared to attend their place of worship or school. The Florida Senate is committed to protecting our Jewish neighbors from violence.

House Bill 7C appropriates $15 million to full-time Jewish Day Schools and preschools for hardening security measures and $10 million for non-hardening security measures. Funds can purchase and install security infrastructure, perimeter lighting and fencing, materials for door hardening, security cameras, barriers, blasé-resistant film, and shatter-resistant glass. This legislation also includes funding for increased security personnel and training.

 

Florida Leads the Way in Supporting Families and Communities

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on Israel and brutally murdered, tortured, and raped over 1,400 innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

Florida stands firmly with the people of Israel and our own Jewish communities across the state. This resolution makes it unquestionably clear that Israel has every right to defend itself from the threats facing their people and country, and Florida will stand arm-in-arm with them as they seek victory and peace.

Senate Resolution 8C supports the right of the State of Israel to exist as a sovereign and independent nation, including the right and obligation to defend itself, with the full rights and privileges afforded to all nations under international law.

SR 8C demands the immediate end of any direct or indirect financial support of Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, or any entity that publicly supports these attacks and other terrorist activities.

This resolution rejects and condemns threats against Jewish people, institutions, and communities in Florida, the United States, and abroad.

SR 8C states that the State of Florida is proud to have the third-largest Jewish population in the United States and continues to cherish a long-standing bond and alliance with the State of Israel.

  The Florida Legislature has returned to Tallahassee this week for additional committee hearings.

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

Respectfully,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate President
State Senator, District 28