The Melo Minute March 8th, 2022

It’s A Wrap!

Thank You! To my family, my friends, my staff and the constituents of Florida House District 80, thank you for your love and support this Session. The Florida House accomplished much in the 2022 Regular Legislative Session. Aside from my own bills, we passed landmark legislation that will make Florida a stronger and a more prosperous place to live, work, and achieve the American dream.

We stood for life by passing HB 5 which will prevent abortions after 15 weeks. We passed HB 9 to ensure businesses protect the personal data of Floridians and treat your information, and your child’s information, with the respect it deserves. The Legislature voted to create new tax holidays on tools (Sept. 3rd – 9th), disaster preparedness supplies (May 28th – June10th), and on fun summer recreational items (July 1st – 7th). Also, the House and Senate made it clear in HB 1557 that classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity is not appropriate in kindergarten through grade 3 and upholds the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children.

I had the pleasure of passing seven of my own bills through the Florida House. Six are now on their way to the Governor’s desk. You may have seen some of these bills in the news. Most notably, HB 1239 was a major piece of legislation for nursing homes across the state. This bill will alleviate the staffing shortages in nursing homes, improve the quality of care for residents, and allow CNA’s to be assigned to the residents who need them most. Another great success was my Bright Futures legislation, HB 461, that will allow students to apply their work hours toward the required total service hours. I believe that students who have to work should have the same opportunity in obtaining the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship as their peers that volunteer. HB 579 was a personal favorite of mine that you will see again next year. This great legislation instructs the FWC to work in partnership with UF/IFAS and FGCU’s Water School to conduct a study of nutrient removal technologies in Lake Okeechobee watershed in hopes of determining the most effective ways to reduce harmful algal blooms in the Lake and the connecting estuaries. Thank you to all the individuals and many organizations who shared their appreciation, enthusiasm, and support!

To our readers, The Melo Minute is made for you. You are what allows for not only the success of this newsletter, but for the success of my first term as a Representative. Thank you for expressing your opinions on Legislative matters to me so that I can best represent you.

To the businesses, government offices, legislative peers, and organizations that I had the pleasure of working with this Session, I thank you as well. As we worked to present Legislation that was best for our businesses and the functionality of our State, you all contributed valuable resources and knowledge to cultivate the best legislative outcomes for the residents of District 80 and the State of Florida.

It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all and God bless the great state of Florida!

We Love Our Veterans!

Wounded Warriors of Collier County

OUR MISSION & VISION
“Established in Collier County, Wounded Warriors of Collier County is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The mission of Wounded Warriors of Collier County is to assist with the needs of Veterans and their families, with a focus on education, housing, and mental health. The vision of Wounded Warriors of Collier County is to see that “No Veteran is Left Behind” in our county. Through our work and efforts, the community will rally around our Veterans by providing and coordinating resources to meet the unique needs of Veterans.”

To access more information on Wounded Warriors, click here.

Community Connection

Naples Art Crafters Art & Craft Show
March 12th
Click here for details

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12th
Click here for details

Clewiston Sugar Festival
March 19th
Click here for details

What We’re Reading

Mental Health Facilities See Surge in Demand Due to Growth, Pandemic

Adam Fisher
Wink News

Amid Nursing Home Staffing Crisis, Legislature Approves Industry-Backed Bill Changing Care Requirements

Christine Jordan Sexton
Florida Politics

Florida Wildfires Burning More Than 12,100 Acres

Ramsey Romero
WJHG

This Week’s Words Of Wisdom

The Song Of The Week

This week’s Song of the Week is
“Roar” by Katie Perry.

I began the 2022 Legislative Session with a goal to raise the bar and achieve more than we did last year. With 7 of my bills passed in the House, 6 are now on their way Governor DeSantis’s desk to be signed into law.

“Cause I am a champion and you’re going to hear me Roar.”

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@LaurenMeloFL

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HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

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Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112