May Meeting – Cyber Security Systems – Greg Scasny

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Cybersecurity education and awareness is your first line of defense against attacks.

Get ready for a mind blowing session on how attackers gain access to your computer, with Gregory P. Scasny on Cyber Security.

Scasny is the CEO of Cybersecurity Defense Solutions

The best security technology in the world can’t help you unless you understand how to safeguard sensitive data and protect resources. This will involve putting practices and policies in place that promote security be able to identify and avoid risks.

Tips to be Covered

  • Keeping a clean machine: You should have clear rules for you will install and keep on your computers.
  • Following good password practices: Making passwords long and strong, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols, along with changing them routinely and keeping them private are the easiest and most effective steps you can take to protect your data.
  • When in doubt, throw it out: Do not to open suspicious links in email, tweets, posts, online ads, messages or attachments – even if you know the source.
  • Backing up your work: Whether you set your computers to backup automatically or do it yourselves, employees should be instructed on their role in protecting your work.

Register Now – Click Here

Gregory Scasny

Bio: Gregory P. Scasny

Cyber Security Systems

Greg is currently the CEO of CDS. He leads the strategic and technological
vision for the Network Security business solutions within CDS.
Greg is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical
Engineering and Technology, with a focus on networking and
communications. A native of Northwest Indiana, Greg was employed out of
college as a ICS/Systems Engineer for Bethlehem Steel, where he worked and
was trained on securing various communication and control systems,
including very large scale ICS networks, SCADA Systems and VAX/VMS
Systems.

From Bethlehem, Greg started a Managed IT services company that provided IT and Information Security
services to businesses. in addition to his management duties, Greg led the information security side of
the IT business, designing several network security platforms that are installed at hundreds of sites still
today.

Upon exiting that business, Greg started CDS in 2014 to focus on information security as the core
business. At CDS, Greg is responsible for leading the consulting and product development of the
business, which includes in-depth cyber-security assessments, penetration testing, security program
implementation, virtual CISO services, SOC implementation, Intrusion Detection and Analysis, Threat
Intelligence and Deceptive Blue Team Defense Tactics. We truly take a “purple team” approach to our
client cyber security needs.

Greg is very active in the Southwest Florida Community. Greg has served on the Board of Directors for
the Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership, serves on the Business Advisory Committee for
Dunbar High School, The Advisory Board for The Rocket Lounge, The Cybersecurity Advisory Board for
Fort Myers Technical College, The Hodges University School of Technology Advisory Board and is also a
returning alumni for the News Press Young Professionals Advisory Board.

Greg has served as a mentor to the Ft Myers High School Cyber-Patriot Program and also has served on
the Citizen’s Editorial Board for The News Press. Recently, Greg has been named Cybersecurity Advisor
for Florida Gulf Coast University to assist in building a “Cyber-Lab” for their Cybersecurity Program.
Greg is a regular guest on WINK News, Fox 4 News, ABC-7 News and NBC-2 News in Fort Myers Florida
for Cybersecurity, Hacking stories and expertise. In addition, Greg has provided Cybersecurity Awareness
Training for the entire City of Cape Coral and for the IRS Cybercrimes Division in Tampa Fl. Greg has also
presented at the Cyber Ready conference at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Florida on Incident
Response.

Greg regularly volunteers to do speaking engagements, TV appearances and panel discussions on
Information Security, Hacking, Best Practices and Incident Response.

State Senator Passidomo Update – Week 4

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2017 Legislative Session Update: Week 4

This was a very busy but successful week in the Florida Senate! I was able to present seven of my bills to various committees and participate in the passage of six bills on the Senator floor. During the week we also held appropriations committees meetings to discuss the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It was also a great week personally as a number of constituents from all different organizations and businesses were at the Capitol to discuss issues involving our district!

Wednesday evening I received an award from TechNet for Legislation that I sponsored with former Senator Garrett Richter last year relating to security measures at secondhand dealers. One of the provisions of the bill allows for certain technology to be used for the sale and resale of used electronic devices through kiosks which ended up leading to significant information being discovered during an important police investigation. I could not be more pleased to know that this legislation is making a difference in our community. Thank you TechNet for the recognition!

Sponsored Bills:

SB 588: Drug Overdoses

This bill passed unanimously out of its first committee of reference. The bill permits the voluntary reporting of a suspected or actual overdose of a controlled substance to the Department of Health (DOH) by basic and advanced life support service providers that treat and release, or transport, a person in response to an emergency call. The bill defines overdose as a condition, including extreme physical illness, decreased level of consciousness, respiratory depression, coma, or death resulting from the consumption or use of any controlled substance which requires medical attention, assistance, or treatment, or clinical suspicion for drug overdose, such as respiratory depression, unconsciousness, or altered mental status, without other conditions to explain the clinical condition. If a report is made, it must contain the date and time of the overdose, the address of where the patient was picked up or where the overdose took place, whether an emergency opioid antagonist was administered, and whether the overdose was fatal or non-fatal. Additionally, a report must include the gender and approximate age of the patient and the suspected controlled substances involved only if permitted by the reporting mechanism. Reporters must use best efforts to make the report within 120 hours. The DOH must make the data received available to law enforcement, public health, fire rescue, and EMS agencies in each county within 120 hours after receipt. Quarterly, the DOH must provide summarized reports to the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Florida Fusion Center, which may be used to maximize the utilization of funding programs for licensed basic and advanced life support service providers, and to disseminate available federal, state and, private funds for local substance abuse treatment services. The bill makes a reporter exempt from civil or criminal liability for reporting if the report is made in good faith. It also specifies that the failure to make a report is not grounds for licensure discipline against a basic or advanced life support service.

SB 744: Community Associations

This bill passed unanimously in the Regulated industries committee on Tuesday. It revises requirements related to the governance and operation of condominium, cooperative, and homeowners’ associations. The bill revises the requirement that high-rise condominium and cooperative buildings must be retrofitted with a fire safety system and engineered life safety systems (ELSS). It also repeals the provisions that require a condominium, cooperative, and homeowners’ associations of fewer than 50 units or parcels, regardless of the association’s annual revenues, to prepare a report of cash receipts and expenditures instead of a compiled, reviewed, or audited financial statement. The bill also makes changes that will affect cooperative associations and homeowner’s associations. For a full list of all of the changes outlined in this bill, please visit: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/00744/?Tab=Analyses and view the bill text and staff analyses.

SB 446: Underground Facilities

I presented this bill to the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities committee where it passed unanimously. CS/SB 446 amends Ch. 556, F.S., the “Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act” by:
• Requiring an excavator that causes contact with or damage to any pipe or other underground facility to immediately report the contact or damage by calling 911 if any natural gas or other hazardous substance or hazardous material regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has escaped;
• Requiring a member operator to file a report with the Sunshine State One-Call of Florida (SSOCF) system of all events it has received notice of through the system, which have resulted in damages to its underground facilities;
• Requiring the SSOCF board of director’s to make an annual progress report to the Legislature and the Governor on the participation by municipalities and counties in the one-call notification system which should include a summary of the damage, reporting data received by the system for the preceding year and any analysis of the data by the board.
SB 730: Insurer Insolvency
I presented this bill to the General Government Appropriations subcommittee on Wednesday morning. SB 730 incorporates national model acts on receivership of insolvent insurance companies of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, fixes inconsistent judicial rulings and streamlines Chapter 631. This bill will provide efficiencies in the receivership processes so that the state can efficiently liquidate the insolvent company and use the proceeds to equitably pay claims, including those of policyholders, creditors and employees. This consumer-centric legislation ensures that policyholders will receive continuity of care during an HMO insolvency by moving health care providers up in the priority of claims payments – which provides parity to consumers in a PPO liquidation. The bill closes a loophole that allows for Directors and Offices of a liquidated insurance company to gain access to funds through a third party. It limits the amount of time between an order to show cause and the return hearing, requiring that the return hearing be held within 60 days of the entry of an order to show cause to ensure the liquidators ability to quickly act to protect consumers. The bill also requires Directors and Officers of the liquidated insurance company to cooperate with the receiver and allows the state to refund unearned premium to a consumer without a burdensome claims process. Finally, the bill clarifies that the Office of Insurance Regulation can continue to pursue regulatory remedies against insolvent entities during the automatic stay required in receivership proceedings and it eliminates unnecessary notices and outdated statutes to provide efficiency and correct conflicts.

SB 716: Real Estate Appraisers

I presented this bill to the General Government Appropriations subcommittee on Wednesday. The bill revises Florida law to implement registration and supervision systems for appraisal management companies to meet minimum requirements for such companies established by federal law. An appraisal management company is an entity that serves as an intermediary and provides certain prescribed services to creditors. Implementation of a registration system for appraisal management companies satisfying federal requirements will allow eligible persons and appraisal management companies licensed in Florida to continue to perform appraisal services for federally related transactions.
SB 398: Estoppel Certificates
I presented this bill to the Senate Rules committee on Wednesday afternoon. SB 398 revises requirements for estoppel certificates for condominium, cooperative, and homeowners’ associations. Under current law, when an ownership interest in a condominium unit, cooperative unit, or homeowners’ parcel is transferred, the new owner is jointly and severally liable with the previous owner for unpaid assessments owed to a condominium, cooperative, or homeowners’ association. Unpaid assessments may also become a lien on the property. Purchasers generally request that the seller provide an estoppel certificate from the condominium, cooperative, or homeowners’ association to protect against undisclosed financial obligations and to transfer title to the property free of any lien or encumbrance in favor of the association. An estoppel certificate certifies the amount of any total debt owed to the association for unpaid monetary obligations by a unit or parcel owner as of a specified date. Unfortunately, the current process employed by a number of associations through their management companies is cumbersome and expensive and oftentimes holds up real estate closings. This bill would proscribe practices and procedures for the estoppel process. The full list of changes for this bill can be found in the bill text and the staff analysis at this link: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/0039.
SB 954: Canvass of Vote-By-Mail Ballots
On Wednesday, I presented my bill to the Senate Rules Committee. This was the bill’s third committee stop after passing favorably in the Ethics and Elections and Senate Judiciary committees. This bill creates a process to remedy and count a vote-by-mail ballot where the ballot signature submitted by the voter does not match the signature on file in the registration book/precinct register. The problem that the bill is addressing is that oftentimes as we age our signatures change and don’t match the signature on record with the Supervisor of Elections. Currently, when a vote by mail ballot is received by the Supervisors and the signature on the envelope doesn’t match the signature on record the vote is not counted. The bill is intended to provide a cure to the issue and provides that in order for a mismatched-signature ballot to be counted the voter must submit a signed affidavit attesting to his or her eligibility along with the fact that he or she requested and returned a vote-by-mail ballot, and acknowledging that committing voter fraud or voting multiple ballots is a 3rd degree felony and the same type of current and valid picture identification required at the polls. My goal with this bill is to ensure that as many Florida voters have their voices heard as possible. This was the final committee stop for this bill and I hope that it is heard on the Senate floor very soon.

My Committees:

Commerce and Tourism

The Commerce and Tourism committee had a very busy meeting on Monday afternoon. Senator Brandes presented Senate Bill 794 regarding Motor Vehicle Service Agreement Companies. This bill expands the methods by which a motor vehicle service agreement company may insure its ability to pay out on its warranty claims, specifically by allowing the motor vehicle service agreement company to procure insurance to cover its motor vehicle service agreement claim exposure from a risk retention group that is authorized to do business in Florida. The risk retention group must meet certain requirements that ensure its financial health. The bill also allows a motor vehicle service agreement company that provides vehicle protection expenses to obtain insurance coverage on its warranty claims from an insurer that is affiliated with the company. Lastly, the bill allows a lender, finance company, or creditor to cancel a motor vehicle service agreement if those entities are authorized to do so in the underlying service agreement. The committee voted this bill favorably.

Following Senator Brandes, Senator Perry presented Senate Bill 812 regarding Insurance Policy transfers. The bill allows an insurer to transfer personal lines, residential or a commercial residential policy to another authorized insurer under certain circumstances. The complete list of these conditions are located online at www.flsenate.gov. The committee voted the bill favorable.

Next, Senator Baxley presented SB 1698 regarding Annual Corporate Reports and Fees. This bill permits domestic and foreign corporations to file either an annual or a biennial report with the Florida Department of State. Currently, those corporations must file an annual report and remit related fees each year. The committee voted this bill favorable.

After Senator Baxley’s bill, Senator Hutson presented Senate Bill 466 regarding Motor Vehicle Warranty Repairs and Recall Repairs. This bill prohibits a licensed motor vehicle manufacturer, distributor, or importer (licensee), except as otherwise authorized by law, from denying a motor vehicle dealer’s claim, reducing the dealer’s compensation, or processing a chargeback to a dealer who performs covered warranty or recall repairs on a used motor vehicle under specific circumstances. Motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, or importers are not covered by the bill. The committee voted the bill favorably.

Health Policy

The Senate Health Policy committee met on Monday afternoon and heard a number of bills. Senator Grimsley presented four bills including SB 414 regarding hospice Services. The bill creates a new exemption from the certificate of need process for the establishment of a hospice program that shares a controlling interest with a not-for-profit retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, and nursing home services at a teaching nursing home that has been designated as a teaching nursing home for at least five years. The bill specifies that only one hospice program may be established per teaching nursing home under the exemption. The committee voted the bill favorably.

Senator Grimsley then presented SB 474, which amends and creates several sections of the Florida Statutes related to the provision of hospice care. The bill requires the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to adopt federal guidelines for hospice outcome measures by December 31, 2019, and to develop a system for reporting hospice outcomes to consumers. It creates new requirements for hospices that choose to assist in the disposal of prescribed controlled substances after in a patient’s home after his or her death ; and it expands the ways a person may be authorized to receive a hospice patient’s medical records both before the patient’s death and afterwards. The committee voted this bill favorably.

Senator Grimsley also presented SB 916, a bill that modifies the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program (SMMC) and deletes obsolete provisions from the implementation of the program. The bill specifically deletes the fee-for-service reimbursement option for provider service networks (PSNs); revises the requirements for the contents of the databook used for rate setting to be consistent with actuarial rate-setting practices and standards; collapses regions, re-groups counties within new regions, and revises the plan limitations within the regions for the procurement process for the Medicaid Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) and Long-Term Care (LTC) components; and removes obsolete provisions. The committee voted this bill favorably.

Senator Grimsley’s final bill in our committee was SB 1760 which includes regulatory reductions, revisions to minimize or eliminate conflicts with federal or state requirements, and new provisions to recognize changing needs, and deletes obsolete provisions in the regulation of health care facilities by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA or agency). For a complete description of this bill please visit www.flsenate.gov.

Following Senator Grimsley’s presentations I presented SB 588 which is detailed above. After my presentation, Senator Stargel presented SB 682 which revises parameters relating to the establishment of the Medicaid program; revises exemptions from the mandatory enrollment of Medicaid recipients in statewide Medicaid managed care; revises eligibility criteria for the long-term care managed care program to conform to exemptions; and revises parameters under which a long-term care managed care plan must contract with nursing homes and hospices, etc. The committee voted this bill favorably.

Next, Senator Hutson presented SB 694, a bill that consolidates three Medicaid waivers and provides for a January 1, 2018 deadline for eligible waiver participants to transition to the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) and Long-Term Care (LTC) program. The bill also terminates the Medication Therapy Management program. Per this bill, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is directed to seek federal approval to terminate the waivers after all Medicaid eligible participants have transitioned to the SMMC-LTC program. The bill updates eligibility requirements for the LTC component of the SMMC and conforms cross-references to changes made in CS/SB 694. The Committee voted this bill favorably.

Following Senator Hutson, Senator Book presented SB 1124, a bill that amends s. 383.17, F.S., modifying the Newborn Screening Program to require testing for any condition included in the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) and which the Genetics and Newborn Screening Advisory Council (GNSAC) has recommended for inclusion in the state’s screening program. The committee voted this bill favorably.

Senator Montford next presented two bills, SB 1144 and SB 1206. Senate bill 1144 amends the Department of Health’s powers and duties pertaining to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Laboratory Screening for other states, Lead Poison Screening, and Newborn screening. The full list of changes in this bill can be found on the Florida Senate website. The committee voted SB 1144 favorably. Senator Montford’s second bill, SB 1206, amends the Florida Patient’s Bill of Rights to include the right for a patient to bring any person of his or her choosing to the patient-accessible areas of a health care facility or provider’s office while the patient is receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment or is consulting with his or her health care provider unless doing so would risk the health of the patient, other patients, or staff of the facility or office or doing so cannot be reasonably accommodated by the facility. The bill also requires this right be added to the summary of rights and responsibilities that must be made available by health care providers to patients. The committee voted this bill favorably.

Senator Garcia and Senator Powell presented the final two bills in the committee meetings. Senator Garcia’s bill, SB 1324 prohibits anyone other than a physician or physician assistant (PA), licensed under the medical or osteopathic practice act, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) from performing a hair restoration or transplant, or making incisions for the purpose of performing a hair restoration or transplant. The committee voted this bill favorably.

Senator Powell presented SB 1406 which requires the Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA) to add acute stroke ready centers to the list of primary stroke centers and comprehensive stroke centers which is made available to emergency medical services providers. All three levels of stroke centers are treated similarly for purposes of being added to, or removed from, the list. The bill removes language instructing the ACHA to base stroke center rules on criteria established solely by the Joint Commission; and expands rule criteria to be substantially similar to any nationally recognized accrediting organization. The Department of Health (DOH) is directed to develop a statewide stroke registry to house data submitted by stroke centers, which will include patient care quality assurance proceedings, records, or reports associated with the treatment or service provided to a person suffering a stroke. The data will be used to evaluate stroke care effectiveness, ensure compliance with stroke center standards, and Monitor patient outcomes. The AHCA must adopt by rule electronic standardized forms for stroke centers to report the data to the DOH. The committee voted this bill favorable.

Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

On Tuesday, the committee met to review and discuss Fiscal Year 2017-18 issues relating to the Department of Economic Opportunity, the Division of Emergency Management, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Military Affairs, the Department of State, and the Department of Transportation. After our discussion, Senator Gainer presented Senate Bill 364 regarding a recovery fund for the Deepwater Horizon Incident which provides for distribution of funds to the communities most affected by the oil spill. The bill was voted favorably. On Wednesday, the committee met again to participate in a workshop on Affordable Housing presented by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the Economical Housing Development LLC, the Florida State University DeVoe L. Moore Center, and the Reason Foundation. We finished the meeting with a continued discussion on the Chair’s Proposed Budget Recommendations.

Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services

On Tuesday the committee met to review and Discuss Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget issues relating to the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Elderly affairs, the Department of Health, and the Department of Veteran’s affairs. On Wednesday, the committee met again to continue the discussion of the Chairman’s fiscal year proposal.

Ethics and Elections

My Ethics and Elections committee met on Tuesday afternoon to conduct a confirmation hearing of executive appointments and then hear bills presented by Senators Artiles, Mayfield, and Rader.

The committee approved the following Executive Appointees:

Candice K. Brower – Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel – First District Court of Appeal

Ita M. Neymotin – Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel – Second District Court of Appeal

Eugene F. Zenobi – Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel – Third District Court of Appeal

Antony Parker Ryan (Riviera Beach) – Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel – Fourth District Court of Appeal

Jeffrey D. Deen – Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel – Fifth District Court of Appeal

John Edmund Griffin (Tallahassee) – Board of Optometry

After the Approval of the Governor’s appointees, Senator Artiles presented SJR 134 and SJR 136. Senate Joint Resolution 134 proposes to amend the Florida Constitution to remove authority for a county charter or special law to provide for choosing a sheriff in a manner other than by election or to alter the duties of the sheriff or abolish the office of the sheriff. If the joint resolution is adopted and the proposed amendment is approved by the voters, the office of the sheriff will be filled only by vote of the county electors and for terms of 4 years. The committee voted this Resolution favorably. Senate Joint Resolution 136 proposes to amend the Florida Constitution to remove authority for a county charter or special law to provide for choosing a property appraiser in a manner other than by election or to alter the duties of the property appraiser or abolish the office of the appraiser. The committee voted the resolution favorably. Senator Mayfield then presented her SB 720 which adds Brevard County to the Central Florida Expressway Authority. The committee voted this bill favorably. Finally, Senator Rader presented SB 1494 regarding elections. This bill codifies the 2016 Florida Supreme Court decision in Brinkmann v. Francois, by repealing the statute that requires a write-in candidate to reside in the district that he or she seeks to represent at the time of qualifying. The committee voted this bill favorably.

On The Floor

Senate Bill 80: Public Records

This bill generally requires a court to award attorney fees and enforcement costs in actions to enforce public records laws if the court determines that an agency unlawfully refused access to a public record and the plaintiff provided written notice identifying the public records request to an agency records custodian at least five business days before filing the action.

The Florida Senate passed this bill.

Senate Bill 220: Veterinary Medicine

This bill revises the laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine in chapter 474, Florida Statutes to include alternative veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, and veterinary telemedicine. Alternative veterinary medicine includes therapies outside of conventional medicine, such as veterinary acupuncture, and other therapies that are based on techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, or physical therapy.
The bill specifies activities included in the practice of veterinary dentistry, which must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or by a person under his or her immediate supervision.

The Florida Senate passed this bill.

Senate Bill 164: Certificates for Title for Motor Vehicles

This bill prohibits the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and tax collectors from charging a surviving spouse any fee or service charge, excluding an expedited title fee, if applicable, for a motor vehicle certificate of title when the title is being issued solely to remove the deceased co-owner from the title.

The Florida Senate passed this bill.

Senate Bill 174: Enterprise Information Technology

The full content of this bill can be found at the Florida Senate Website under the following link: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/00174

The Florida Senate passed this bill.

Senate Bill 358: Mental Health and Substance Abuse

This bill authorizes the Department of Children and Families to approve behavioral health care receiving systems, designate and monitor receiving and treatment facilities and suspend or withdraw such designation for non-compliance with the law or the department’s rules. This bill revises the reporting requirements of the managing entities for the Acute Care Services Utilization Database. The department is required to post certain data on its website on a monthly basis.

The Florida Senate passed this bill.

Senate Bill 8: Gaming

The full content of this bill can be found at the Florida Senate Website under the following link: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/00008

The Florida Senate passed this bill. I voted to support this bill because it supports the will of the people in Lee County when they voted to allow slot machines in Bonita Springs. I also believe that a continuation of the Seminole Compact will greatly benefit our state. While I do not necessarily agree with everything in the bill I am happy that the Senate has the bill in position to be negotiated on in conference with the House and that the ultimate outcome brings significant return to the state while limiting the expansion of gambling in the future.
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Elsewhere In The Florida Senate:

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day: March 30, 2017

The United States Department of Defense is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War by honoring veterans of the war for their brave and dedicated service. Similarly, pursuant to a resolution issued by the Governor and Cabinet, in honor of the veterans of the war, March 30, 2017, was officially recognized as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

Additionally, the state of Florida has honored Vietnam War veterans by constructing the Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Tallahassee, producing a Vietnam War Veteran license plate, and assisting Vietnam War veterans with obtaining high school diplomas for draftees who were unable to complete their education.

Florida, the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation, is currently home to more than 506,000 Vietnam-era veterans. In Florida, we proudly welcomed home our Vietnam War veterans 50 years ago, and per this resolution, all are encouraged to participate in local Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day activities, honoring those who served so courageously.

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Constituent Corner:

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with several students from Florida Gulf Coast University during FGCU Day at the Capitol. We discussed student initiatives and our shared goals for the University.

On Wednesday, I met with a group of realtors from Naples and we discussed their Initiatives along with legislation that they are passionate about.

On Thursday Morning, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the ladies of the Women’s Foundation of Southwest Florida!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Thank you, and I look forward to continue serving as your State Senator!

Sincerely,

Senator Kathleen Passidomo

District 28

P.S. Don’t forget to connect with me online on Facebook and Twitter!

April Meeting

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STEM and NAACP Advances

Speakers: David L. Hinds and  J. Webb Horton

Collier County NAACP and FGCU team up to advance STEM in Collier County to advance the students to a brighter future.

Meeting date Friday April 7th.

 

Views From Our April Meeting

Bios:

David L. Hinds

David Hinds is a retired Banker with over 30 years of banking experience.

David had a distinguished management career, which included leading operations and technology divisions and global marketing and sales organizations for two global financial services firms.  David was considered an expert in turn-around management, process  re-engineering and crisis management.  He served on many industry committees and was a guest speaker at several global banking conferences.

David was a Partner of Bankers Trust and a Managing Director of Deutsche Bank.

David also served in the military as a lieutenant/Captain in the Army from 1966-1970.

David retired from Banking in May of 2000.

Over the past several years, David has served as a member of the Board of Directors for several New York Financial Services Companies. As a Director, he served as a member of the Asset Liability Committee, Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee, and a member of other Board Committees.

David was also on the Board of Directors for the Greater New York City YMCA and Chairman of the New York City NAACP ACT-SO Advisory Board.

Currently, he serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Collier County NAACP. Working with other members of the NAACP, he has worked to develop several educational programs for the students of Collier County. These programs

include a two -week S.T.E.M. Summer Camp at Florida Gulf Coast University, a Career Conversations program and most recently a College Prep Program.

David was recently recognized by Governor Scott for his work to improve the educational aspirations of the children of Collier County.

J. Webb Horton

Professional Summary

  • Presently Chair of Collegiate Varsity Committee, USTA.
  • Four years as Vice Chair Collegiate Varsity Committee, USTA.
  • Highly motivated individual with thirty years professional tennis experience and ten years of athletic administrative experience in a variety of settings. Involvement with the start-up and building of the athletic program at Florida Gulf Coast University.
  • Excellent teaching and people skills. Motivational speaker for many local community organizations to promote higher education and personal excellence within an athletic environment.
  • Fund raising for university and community athletic and academic programs to enrich students’ lives from elementary through college level.
  • Accomplished facilitator for:
    • ITA tournaments with over 300 participates
    • On campus events for 300 to 500 attendances
    • Off campus programs for area tennis clubs
    • Coordination of personnel and facilities for numerous additional academic and athletic events
    • Development of minority coaching workshop for ITA Convention (as vice chair of the collegiate committee )

Work Experience

2011 – 2015   Assistant Director of Community Outreach FGCU (Present)

Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL

2001 – 2011   Assistant Athletic Director and Men’s and Women’s Head Tennis Coach

                          Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL

2000 – 2001   Head Women’s Tennis Coach and Director, Diversity Outreach Counselor                                       Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, Kentucky

 

1996 – 2000   Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach and Admissions Counselor

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana

1988 – 1996   Midwest Sales Representative

Head Sports, Chicago, Illinois

1985 – 1988   Tournament Director

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, Fort Wayne, Indiana

 

1982 – 1988   Head Women’s Tennis Coach                                          

                          University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana

1980 – 1985   Investigator in Public Defender’s Office

Allen County Courthouse, Fort Wayne, Indiana

1972 – 1980   Coordinator for Department of Human Development Special Projects

Fort Wayne Community Schools, Magnet School, Fort Wayne, Indiana

1971 – 1972   Deputy Director

Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, Fort Wayne, Indiana

1970 – 1971   Executive Director and Compliance Officer

Erie Human Relations Commission, Erie, Pennsylvania

Education

Edinboro State College, Edinboro, Pennsylvania

B.A. Political Science 1964- 1970

College Sports: Varsity player- Tennis, Basketball, Track

Certifications

Professional Tennis Registry (PGR) Certification- Highest Rating

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (1983)

Professional Awards

2003 – 2004    ITA – Coach of Year

2000 – 2001    GLVC Coach of Year- Northern Kentucky University

1986 – 1987    NAIA District 18 State Champions- University of St. Francis

1985 – 1986    NAIA District 18 State Champions- University of St. Francis

NAIA District 18 Coach of the Year- University of St. Francis

Community Service

2012 to present           Broadcaster, ESPN3 television for Men/Women FCCU basketball

2001 to present           Facilitate and lead numerous tennis clinics for minority students in the southwest Florida

2001 to present           Member Lee County, Florida- Community Tennis Association CTA

2003 to 2012               Broadcaster, Atlantic Sun Conference television for Men/Women FCGU basketball

2007 – 2013                Chair, Atlantic Sun Conference Men’s Tennis Committee

2003                            Hosted Hearing Impaired Olympic Team Tryouts at FGCU

1977 – 1981                Host of “Majority of One” television show, WPTA-TV, Fort Wayne, Indiana

A half hour program that highlighted minority leaders and their contributions and covered  topics of interest to the minority community.

Restoring the Lost Constitution

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Robert A. Levy

Robert will deliver talk on the Restoring the Lost Constitution and an open discussion to follow.

Robert A. Levy is chairman of the board of directors at the Cato Institute. He joined Cato as senior fellow in constitutional studies in 1997 after 25 years in business. Levy is also a director of the Institute for Justice, the Foundation for Government Accountability, and the Forum Club of Southwest Florida.

His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, National Review, and many other publications. Levy served as co-counsel in District of Columbia v. Heller, the successful Supreme Court challenge to Washington, D.C.’s, gun ban- a landmark Supreme Court Case.

Seating is Limited – You must register for this event online:
Free – Register Here

Interesting facts about Martha Raye

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It was well recognized that Martha Raye endured less comfort more than any other Vietnam entertainer.

I did not know this, I bet you didn’t either.

Don’t let the sun go down without reading this about Martha Raye.

The most unforgivable oversight of TV is that her shows were not taped.
I was unaware of her credentials or where she is buried.

Somehow, I just can’t see Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, or Jessica Simpson doing what this woman and the other USO women, including Ann Margaret & Joey Heatherton didfor our troops in past wars.

Most of the old time entertainers were made of a lot sterner stuff than today’s crop of activist bland whiners.

The following is from an ArmyAviator who takes a trip down memory lane:

“It was just before Thanksgiving ’67 and we were ferrying dead and wounded from a large GRF west of Pleiku. We had run out of body bags by noon, so the Hook (CH-47 CHINOOK) was pretty rough in the back. All of a sudden,we heard a ‘take-charge’ woman’s voice in the rear.

There was the singer andactress, Martha Raye, with a Special Forces beret and jungle fatigues, withsubdued markings, helping the wounded into the Chinook, and carrying the dead aboard. ‘Maggie’ had been visiting her Special Forces (SF) ‘heroes’ out ‘west.’

We took off, short of fuel, andheaded to the USAF hospital pad at Pleiku. As we all started unloading our sad pax’s, a USAF Captain said to Martha…. “Ms Raye, with all these dead and wounded to process, there would not be time for your show!”

To all of our surprise, she pulled on her right collar and said, “Captain, see this eagle? I am a full ‘Bird’ in the USArmy Reserve, and on this is a ‘Caduceus’ which means I am a Nurse, with a surgical specialty…. now, take me to your wounded!”

He said, “Yes ma’am….follow me.”

Several times at the Army Field Hospital in Pleiku, she would ‘cover’ a surgical shift, giving a nurse awell-deserved break.

Martha is the only woman buried in the SF (Special Forces) cemetery at FtBragg.

Update – Kathleen Passidom0 – Week 2

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Friends, We had another busy week in the Capitol culminating with significant legislation being presented on the Senate floor. Earlier in the week, six of my sponsored bills passed unanimously in committee, and the Health Policy and Commerce and Tourism Committees met to discuss a number of legislative actions.  Magic Johnson paid a visit to the Capitol and I was fortunate to meet with him.  He really is tall!

Bills Passed on the Floor This week the Senate passed SB 128 by Senator Rob Bradley in floor Session on a 23-15 vote. This bill would amend Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law to make clear that the burden of proof lies with the state, not the defendant in cases where the defendant makes a “stand your ground” defense.  SB 128 will now move on to a vote in the House of Representatives.

 

Sponsored Bills:

SB 172 Guardianships  The bill makes several changes to the Florida guardianship statutes to streamline the process and improve protections for wards. Specifically, the bill:

  • Creates a notice-and-demand procedure for hearsay and other objections to the examining committee reports in guardianship/incapacity proceedings;
  • Clarifies the time for submission of the annual guardianship report;
  • Preserves a ward’s right to access to the courts by removing the requirement that a ward’s spouse consent to dissolution of marriage before authorizing a guardian to seek dissolution; and
  • Removes the current arbitrary statutory cap on the amount a guardian may expend on funeral expenses for a ward.

SB 172 is supported by the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, The Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and The Florida Public Guardian Coalition and passed unanimously in its second committee of reference.

SB 204 Actions Founded on Real Property Improvements 

This bill seeks to clarify the definition of “completion of contract” in cases pertaining to construction litigation.  “Completion of contract” is one of four factors in determining when the 10 year “Statute of Repose” limitations commences.   The Statute of Repose is a statute of limitations for the time period within which a construction defect action must be filed. Definition of “completion of contract”  is not defined in statute but a recent appellate court ruled that  “completion of contract”  means when an owner makes final payment to the contractor.  Unfortunately, Owners then draw out final payment for any number of reasons leading to a potential lengthening of the statute of limitations period beyond the 10 years. This tactic leaves contractors vulnerable to lapses in insurance coverage on completed work.   The bill seeks to clarify the issue to define the completion contract to mean either 1.) date of final performance of all the contracted services or 2.) the date of the final payment for such services becomes due. The bill passed unanimously in its first committee of reference.

CS/SB 398 Estoppel Certificates

Currently when an owner of real property located in a homeowners or condominium association sells or refinances they are required to obtain an estoppel certificate from the condominium or homeowner association. Until the past several years obtaining the certificate was a simple matter for little or no cost to the owner.  Unfortunately, the cost to obtain the certificate has skyrocketed and  a property owner who is either selling or refinancing their property has no option but to pay whatever is demanded for the estoppel certificate. Since the information is required to be maintained monthly under s. 718.111(12)(a)(11)(b), F. S.  the cost to produce the certificate is minimal.   SB 398 revises requirements for estoppel certificates for condominium, cooperative, and homeowners’ associations.  The bill passed unanimously in its first two committees of reference.

SB 724 Estates

SB 724 amends the section of Florida Statute dealing with the right of a surviving spouse to take an elective share of the decedent’s assets after death.  Under Florida, upon the death of a person their surviving spouse is entitled to take whatever was devised to them under the will of the decedent or may elect to take 30% of the aggregate value of all of the decedent’s assets at death (known as an elective share).

The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law (“RPPTL”) Section of The Florida Bar convened an ad hoc committee to study Florida’s elective share laws and determined that over the years, practical experience and application of the elective share statutes revealed several issue that needed to be addressed. The bill is the product of the RPPTL Ad Hoc Committee’s years of close study and in-depth discussion.

The bill:

  • Makes changes to how “protected homestead” is included in the elective estate and how it is valued for purposes of satisfying the elective share. These changes are necessary because there is a serious anomaly that results with respect to the amount of the elective share that a surviving spouse receives based upon whether a marital residence was owned as tenants by the entireties by both spouses or if it was owned solely by the deceased spouse.  The bill ameliorates those discrepancies;
  • Extends the time during which the surviving spouse can petition the court for an extension of time to file for the elective share;
  • Adds a provision assessing interest against persons who are very delinquent in fulfilling their statutory obligations to pay or contribute towards satisfaction of the elective share;
  • Addresses awards of attorney fees and costs in certain elective share proceedings;
  • Adds provisions to assure qualification of certain elective share trusts for certain tax benefits afforded to other trusts.
  • The bill passed unanimously in its first committee of reference.

SB 446 – Underground Facilities

On Tuesday afternoon, I presented my last bill of the day to the Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation.

SB 446 amends ch. 556, F.S., the “Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act” by:

  • Requiring an excavator that causes contact with or damage to any pipe or other underground facility to immediately report the contact or damage by calling 911 if any natural gas or other hazardous substance regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has escaped;
  • Requiring a member operator to file a report with the Sunshine State One-Call of Florida (SSOCF) system of all events it has received notice of through the systems which have resulted in damages to its underground facilities;
  • Providing that if a citation is issued by a state law enforcement officer, 80 percent of the civil penalty collected by the clerk of the court for the citation will be distributed to the governmental entity whose employee issued it; and
  • Requiring the SSOCF board of director’s annual progress report to the Legislature and the Governor on the participation by municipalities and counties in the one-call notification system, to include a summary of the damage reporting data received by the system for the preceding year and any analysis of the data by the board.
  • The bill passed unanimously in committee.

SB 716 Real Estate Appraisers

After Floor Session on Wednesday, I  presented SB 716 to the Committee on Regulated Industries.

The bill:

  • Simplifies current educational requirements by eliminating the post-licensure education requirement for trainee appraisers.
  • Updates Appraisal Management Company provisions in statute to meet the minimum regulatory standards, as required by federal law to avoid potential restrictions on federally related transactions by the federal government.
  • Revises language regarding “distance learning” allowing students access to more modern types of instruction, including webinars and live streaming.
  • Gives the Appraisal Board rulemaking authority to adopt alternate standards of practice for non-federally related transactions.

My Committees:

Health Policy Tuesday morning the committee on Health Policy met on a number of different considerations including: SB 328 relating to Regulation of Nursing, SB 496 relating to Medical Faculty Certification, SB 672 relating to Certificates of Nonviable Birth, SB 674 relating to Public Records/Nonviable Birth Records, SB 804 relating to Electronic Health Records, SB 876 relating to Programs for Impaired Health Care Practitioners, SB 888 relating to Prescription Drug Price Transparency, SB 1050 relating to Memory Disorder Clinics, SB 1130 relating to Pregnancy Support Services, SB 222 relating to Recovery Care Services, SB 102 relating to Payment of Health Care Claims, and SB 634 relating to Involuntary Examinations Under the Baker Act. All of these bills were reported out of committee favorably.

Commerce and Tourism

SB 600 relating to Rural Economic Development Initiative, SB 936 relating to Regional Rural Development Grants, and SB 364 relating to Recovery Fund for the Deepwater Horizon Incident were passed unanimously on Monday afternoon when the Committee on Commerce and Tourism met.

Other Legislative News

Religious Expression

Students of any faith, or no faith, have a right to free speech,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart).  “The government should not impose a religion, but all too often we see the other extreme where we are taking away people’s right to free speech and their right to practice their faith in a way they believe is appropriate. This legislation makes it clear that we support the constitutional rights of Freedom and Speech and Freedom of Religion for everyone associated with our public school system.”

“Students should not have to surrender their constitutional rights at the school house door. Neither should teachers, administrators or parents,” said Senator Baxley. “Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are fundamental to our way of life as Americans and this legislation ensures that we protect these critical rights in our public schools.”

Senate Bill 436 authorizes students to express religious beliefs in written and oral assignments, free from discrimination. Students may also wear clothing, accessories, and jewelry that display a religious message or symbol to the same extent secular types of clothing, accessories, and jewelry that display messages or symbols are permitted in public school dress codes. Further, students may pray, or engage in and organize religious activities before, during, and after the school day, to the same extent student engagement in secular activity or expression, and the organization of secular activities and groups are permitted. The legislation requires a school district to comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and specifies that a school district may not prevent school personnel from participating in religious activities on school grounds that are student-initiated at reasonable times before or after the school day.

Districts must allow a religious group access to the same school facilities for assembling as a secular group without discrimination. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to adopt a policy that establishes a limited public forum for student speakers at any school event at which a student is to speak publicly. The legislation also requires the Florida Department of Education to develop and publish on its website a model policy regarding a limited public forum and the voluntary expression of religious viewpoints by students and school personnel in public schools. The model policy must be adopted and implemented by each district school board.

Constituent Corner

This week I met with constituents who were visiting to promote Visit Florida and other important causes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Thank you, and I look forward to continue serving as your State Senator!

 

Sincerely,

 

Senator Kathleen Passidomo

 

District 28

Some Real Heroes

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Why did Mr. Rogers wear a sweater?

Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at age 76, which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27).  His death reminded me of the following story.

Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4-star generals at Arlington National Cemetery his marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else.

Here’s a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer:
I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn’t know the extent of his Corps experiences.

In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. There is only one higher Naval award. the Medal Of Honor!

If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.

Dialog from “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”:
His guest was Lee Marvin…

Johnny said, “Lee, I’ll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima. And that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded.”

“Yeah, yeah… I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting shot hauling you down. But, Johnny, at Iwo , I served under the bravest man I ever knew… We both got the Cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison.

That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men’s safety was more important than his own life.

That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, “Where’d they get you Lee?” “Well Bob….if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!”

Johnny, I’m not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew. The Sergeant’s name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo.”

On another note, there was this wimpy little man on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth.
But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat.
After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore, a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human, he also dedicated the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.

America’s real heroes don’t flaunt what they did. They quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy. Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst. Often, they are the ones you’d least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.
Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement, they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers.

Post Card for Trump

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I am going to participate in this and thought you might want to also

It’s well worth a shot. Got mine addressed and ready to go.

“On March 16th, each of us will mail Donald Trump a postcard that publicly expresses our SUPPORT to him. And we, in vast numbers, from all corners of the world, will overwhelm the man with his popularity and hope for success. We will show the media and the politicians what standing against him — and with us — means. And most importantly, we will bury the White House with our support as US citizens for the office of the Presidency.

Each of us — every American from every working class, each congress calling citizen, every boycotter, volunteer, donor, and petition signer — if each of us writes even a single postcard and we put them all in the mail on the same day, March 16th, well: you do the math.

No media deception or disingenuous leftist politician will explain away our record-breaking, officially-verifiable, warehouse-filling flood of faith. Hank Aaron currently holds the record for fan mail, having received 900,000 pieces in a year. We’re setting a new
record: over a 1.5
million pieces in a day, ringing with nice things to say.

So sharpen your wit, unsheathe your writing implements, and see if your sincerest well-wishes can pierce the media’s famously thin skin.
Prepare for March 16th, 2017, a day hereafter to be known as “the call of patriots” !!

Then, on March 16th, mail your messages to:

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

It might just be enough to drown out the awful, despicable , display we see in these protests !
The media just might take notice !!!

Forward or copy & paste, and share widely !

The Lord’s Prayer By a 15-year-old school kid

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This wasn’t taught! It was “Inspired”!!!

who got an A+ for this entry

(TOTALLY AWESOME)!

The Lord’s Prayer is not allowed in most U.S. Public schools any more.

A kid in Minnesota, wrote the following:

NEW School Prayer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I sit me down in school Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God Finds mention of Him very odd.

If scripture now the class recites, It violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green, That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene..

The law is specific, the law is precise. Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall Might offend someone with no faith at all..

In silence alone we must meditate, God’s name is prohibited by the State..

We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks…

They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible. To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen, And the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King.

It’s ‘inappropriate’ to teach right from wrong, We’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong..

We can get our condoms and birth controls, Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles…

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, No word of God must reach this crowd.

It’s scary here I must confess, When chaos reigns the school’s a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make: Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

 

OBAMA NEVER INTENDED TO BE AN EX-PRESIDENT – President’s Message March 2017

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Jim Carter

By: Jim Carter, Ph.D.

Why would people be surprised that Obama is staying in Washington, DC? Chicago is no longer a viable base and is loaded with problems. Hawaii is too distant and certainly not a power base for the former president. His behavioral profile and political ideology would never allow him to go away and assume a less viable political profile.

While acting President, Obama had to mask his extreme Nationalist-Socialistic beliefs, and his desire to be Dictator-in-Chief. Now the gloves are off. His Shadow government is operational, with his old pal Eric Holder running Obama’s Organization for Action (OFA). There is no doubt that Obama is the power behind OFA. Their operational headquarters is Obama’s DC mansion located within two miles of the White House. He has his own office, with his chief of staff and press secretary.

Michele Obama will also open an office along with the Obama Foundation (www.obama.org). This site claims: “The Obama Center will be based on the South side of Chicago, but will have projects all over the city, the county, and the world.” Obama’s quote maintains, “I won’t stop in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen for all my days that remain.”

Obama’s OFA, working with his far left wing cronies, formed a 501©4, which doesn’t have to disclose donors. OFA already reportedly has over 32,500 followers nationwide (www. Ofa.us/). Organization for Action has raised more than forty million in contributions and grants with more coming in every day. Since you can’t trace the donors, guess who is behind the money machine? Good old George Soros and his wealthy friends. Next month, I will document some of the various organizations George Soros has formed and funded.

Obama used his 2012 data base to implement a two-fold plan. Get out the vote for progressives in Congress, and to build a wall of resistance to any and all of President Trump’s programs. Remember, all of this is by design. One of the first things that Obama did when he first took office was hire a “Perception Management” organization. We have witnessed the steady success of this process. The Democratic Party no long exists. The new party prefers the term “Progressive” which is a cover for National Socialism.

Obama’s directive to his foot soldiers is, “Get over the election loss and move forward to protect what we’ve accomplished.” He has been quoted as saying, “So don’t mope. Now is the time for organizing for the 2018 election to take back the House and the Senate.”

The purpose of OFA, according to its IRS filing, is to train young activities (products of our socialistic education system) in organizing skills, blocking strategies; continuous-disruptive noise deigned to keep others from stating their point of view, and public speaking techniques. If you watch “Fair and Balanced” television news, you will witness the success of these techniques. Progressive guests will not allow the opposing party, and even the moderators, to talk.

Organization for Action activists help to organize anti-Trump marches throughout U.S. cities some of which have turned into riots. President Trump’s temporary ban on immigration turned into a siren call for Obama’s demonstrators. They jammed airports and streets chanting, “No ban, no wall, sanctuary for all!” Ever wondered how quickly all of those professional protest signs just popped up overnight?

Stay informed. Speak up. Support candidates who share your American values, or you might wake up and it will all be gone.