Senator Passidomo Oct 19 Update

On Wednesday, I hosted a joint press conference with Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas and showing Florida’s strong support for the people of Israel.  We were joined by members of the Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives.

“We are always proud to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and to speak out against not only the horrific terror attacks in Israel, but also the all-too-frequent acts of anti-Semitism and hatred we see here in our own country,” I said from the podium.  “We condemn these acts, and we pray for Israeli victory, and for peace.”

Speaker Renner and I issued a joint proclamation on behalf of our respective chambers that officially supports Israel’s right to defend itself, condemns the barbaric attacks by Hamas, and demands the immediate end to any direct or indirect financial support directed to Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.  A copy of this proclamation will be presented to the President of the United States, each member of the Florida delegation to the United States Congress and the Ambassador of the State of Israel to the United States.

Florida has made it clear that we stand proudly with our brothers and sisters in Israel, we recognize their right to exist as a sovereign state, and we support their right to defend themselves from any and all threats.

Senator Ben Albritton Selected as Next Senate President

The Senate Republican Caucus selected on Tuesday Senator Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) as Senate President-Designate to lead the chamber through the 2024-2026 term.  Senator Albritton was nominated by Senators Ed Hooper (R-Clearwater) and Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) and was elected by a unanimous vote of his Republican Colleagues.

I was proud to support my friend and colleague to be our next Senate President.  I have the unique privilege and opportunity to serve two more years in the Senate after my term as President comes to an end.  I know Senator Albritton will bring to this role a curious mind and boundless creativity.  I am confident he will lead this chamber with the same passion and energy that he has invested during his 13 years as a legislator. >> Watch My Remarks

In his speech, delivered after his election, the newly named President-Designate Albritton highlighted his roots in Florida’s Heartland, his love for his wife and family, his support for Florida agriculture and his vision of what Florida’s future can be.

Discussing his upbringing on his family’s citrus farm in Wauchula, President-Designate Albritton stated, “We made a conscious decision to protect our groves from the threats that came our way. That’s not dissimilar from the work we do here in the Florida Senate. We make a conscious decision to protect our state and our constituents from the threats that face our families, our homes, our schools and our economy.”

Looking toward his tenure as Senate President, President-Designate Albritton displayed his excitement to work with his fellow Senators and our colleagues across the Rotunda, led by Speaker-Designate Daniel Perez, as they look to meet the challenges of our time and deliver results for Floridians in every corner of the state.

Connecting Floridians through Key Investments in Broadband

The Florida Department of Commerce joined on Wednesday the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, chaired by Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City), to provide an update on broadband initiatives across the state.

The Department of Commerce highlighted the critical nature of broadband in regard to Florida’s economy as it plays a key role in economic development – impacting workforce, infrastructure, housing and finance.

Through various important programs, the State of Florida is working to expand broadband services to Floridians across the state. The Department of Commerce highlighted the state’s recent investments to bring high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved homes, businesses and communities. With over 151 active projects in 60 counties, for a total investments of over $473 million, Florida is bringing high-speed internet to more than 309,000 homes and businesses.

Florida’s investments in broadband help to address a specific need across the entire state, but specifically rural Florida. With the expansion of Florida’s current broadband infrastructure, rural communities will be more connected than ever, improving quality of life and stimulating economic development, and providing new opportunities in healthcare and education.

Florida Leads the Way in Supporting Families and Communities

The Florida Department of Children and Families appeared on Wednesday before the Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, chaired by Senator Ileana Garcia (R-Miami), to provide a presentation on the new Office of Community Services.

The Office of Community Services includes a variety of programs focused on care, prevention, and concentrated services to result in positive long-term outcomes for Florida’s most vulnerable children, adults and families.  Initiatives include prevention measures relating specifically to human trafficking, domestic violence, continuing care, and homelessness.

Through these critical programs, Florida continues the effort to increase vital services to support and protect our most vulnerable populations across the state.

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