Florida State Wide
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Cammack joined Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19) in a bipartisan letter alongside Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Scott Franklin, and 14 additional colleagues from across the Sunshine State in demanding that the Biden administration does not proceed with any proposed wilderness designation at Big Cypress National Preserve.
Federally-designated wilderness areas are defined as areas “where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor and does not remain.” Any wilderness designation of Big Cypress by Biden administration officials would not only restrict the free movement of the local Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, but it would supercharge the spread of invasive species, destroy local small businesses, and restrict wildfire response capabilities.
Representatives Byron Donalds (R-FL), Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and Scott Franklin (R-FL) were joined in support by Representatives Aaron Bean (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (RFL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Bill Posey (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), María Salazar (R-FL), Greg Steube (R-FL), Michael Waltz (R-FL), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).
“Big Cypress National Preserve is an iconic fixture of our Southwest Florida community that must be protected from debilitating federal overreach,” said Rep. Donalds (R-FL). “I proudly stand with my constituents, local stakeholders, and environmental officials from across the Sunshine State in demanding that the Biden administration does not proceed with any wilderness designation of the preserve. It is imperative that we block this disastrous and completely unnecessary potential action by out-of-touch bureaucrats in Washington.”
“As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the Big Cypress National Preserve, it is crucial to continue protecting this outstanding natural and sacred land for future generations,” said Rep. Díaz-Balart (R-FL). “As the first-ever National Preserve in the National Park Service, this land stands as one of the most ecologically diverse areas of our country. Any proposed wilderness designation by the Biden Administration would pose significant threats to the sacred cultural sites of the Miccosukee Tribe and Seminole Tribe, and way of life enjoyed by the Tribes, constituents and tourists who visit America’s first Preserve for camping, fishing, and hunting. As the Member of Congress representing a majority of the Preserve, I remain steadfast in my commitment to safeguarding its future.”
“In Florida, we know no one is better at preserving our state’s natural beauty than the locals who have lived with and alongside the land for generations,” said Rep. Franklin (R-FL). “If the Biden Administration finalizes this determination, it will be in vehement opposition to the will of our state’s agencies, Tribal Nations and the affected counties in my district. I thank my Florida colleagues for joining the effort to stop this overreach from the federal government.”
“I’m glad to join Rep. Donalds and my Florida colleagues in opposing a wilderness designation for Big Cypress National Preserve,” said Rep. Cammack (R-FL). “The wilderness designation will restrict access for the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes which rely on this area for cultural, ceremonial, and burial significance, along with hunters and fishermen who work to manage invasive species. This most restrictive designation isn’t good for the Sunshine State.”
“America’s family caregivers work around-the-clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half—56 percent—act as advocates on behalf of their family members. The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care,” said Rep. Kat Cammack. “I’m honored to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral ABC Act with my colleagues to lower the burden around the important medical decisions caregivers must make every day. Together we can support the 48 million caregivers that make up a critical part of our health care landscape in the U.S.”
“Family caregivers work around the clock to support their loved ones—often balancing their jobs and family responsibilities at the same time—and Congress must do our part to make their lives easier,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the ABC Act, a bicameral, bipartisan bill that will cut through bureaucratic red tape to provide caregivers with the support they deserve.”
“There are over 48 million family caregivers in the United States who provide essential services so their loved ones can continue to lead an independent lifestyle,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “I’m proud to join a bipartisan and bicameral group in introducing the ABC Act to streamline policies and alleviate administrative barriers so our caregivers can spend less time on stressful paperwork, and more time caring for patients in need.”
“Family caregivers face daily and numerous challenges when it comes to their many important responsibilities to help provide for the health and wellbeing of care recipients,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “By streamlining the overly burdensome and bureaucratic process, the bipartisan bicameral Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act would allow family caregivers to focus more on people rather than paperwork. This legislation would help ensure that the federal government is a partner, not an obstacle, for the over 48 million family caregivers around the country.”
“Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s long-term care system, and they are overwhelmed managing their loved one’s care,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. “The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act could help reduce the stress family caregivers experience by making it easier to navigate resources, eligibility, benefits, and health systems when providing care. AARP thanks Representatives Cammack, Magaziner, Malliotakis, and Panetta for their dedication to family caregivers and urges Congress to swiftly pass this important bipartisan, bicameral legislation.”
The bill’s Senate companion, S. 3109, was introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Ed Markey (D-MA).
The bill has been endorsed by dozens of organizations, including AARP, the ALS Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, the Family Caregiver Alliance, the Home Care Association of America, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and many more.
Including 400 Law Enforcement Officers Recruited from Illinois, California, and New York
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has reached the milestone of nearly 5,000 bonuses awarded through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program. This program encourages Floridians to join the profession and attracts out-of-state law enforcement officers to relocate to Florida. To date, 1,267 law enforcement recruits from 49 states and U.S. territories have relocated to Florida because of the program, including 400 recruits from anti-police jurisdictions like Illinois, California, and New York. Each of the nearly 5,000 law enforcement officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, bringing the total amount awarded though the program to more than $32 million to date.
“Florida’s investments in law enforcement recruitment are investments in the safety of our communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is a law-and-order state, and we will continue to pursue policies that attract the best law enforcement officers in the nation to serve and protect Floridians.” Continue reading
Submissions will be used to support Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced a new website to collect family-oriented, kid-friendly recipes for a project designed to benefit the Hope Florida Fund. She invites Floridians and parents from across the state to submit their favorite recipes.
“In the DeSantis family, we love cooking with the kids,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “I am asking Floridians to share their favorite kid-friendly recipes to be included in a project that will benefit the Hope Florida Fund. The Governor and I look forward to submissions from parents and cooks in the Sunshine State.”
Individuals interested in submitting a recipe can do so at www.Floridarecipes.com. Special consideration will be given to recipes that are specifically tailored for kids and incorporate the cuisine of a region in Florida. Submissions will be accepted through June 3, 2024. Continue reading
PENSACOLA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted parts of HB 1285, a bill that further enhances Florida’s top-ranked education system.
Today’s highlights from the bill included simplifying the process to convert failed “turnaround schools” to charter schools, streamlining the book objection process to limit those from individuals without children in the district, and the establishment of Purple Star School Districts.
“Florida is number one in the nation for education, but there’s always more to be done,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We won’t stop working for Florida’s students and parents. HB 1285 codifies several great enhancements for education that will keep Florida #1.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today addressed law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes at the Florida Capitol during the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Florida. State and local law enforcement officers participated in a two-mile run this morning in Tallahassee up to the Capitol. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest annual public relations and fundraising event for Special Olympics Florida, with thousands of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes running hundreds of miles throughout the state.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Law enforcement officers are always giving back to the community, and the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run is just another example of their commitment to serving others. Every year, thousands of officers come together and show their support for Special Olympics athletes by running the Flame of Hope across the state. Through this statewide event, we can promote and support the Special Olympics and provide these athletes the chance to shine through physical competition.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today led a 23-state coalition in filing a legal action demanding that Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency modify its Title VI regulations. These regulations—known as “disparate impact” regulations—are what the EPA is using to advance much of its race conscious “environmental justice” initiatives.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The EPA should be focusing on enforcing the environmental laws passed by Congress, not so called ‘environmental justice,’ which is a euphemism for Biden’s extreme agenda. His radical exploitation of Title VI, if followed, would force states to unconstitutionally discriminate against their own citizens. The EPA should grant our Petition and revise its Title VI regulations.” Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is filing criminal charges against two violent organized retail thieves. Raheem Davis Jr. and co-defendant Vayshoun Harris are facing charges for multiple robberies at Home Depot stores across five different counties that involved physical violence against store employees.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These two criminals committed multiple robberies at Home Depot stores across five counties, violently assaulting employees in the process. In one incident, a defendant even pepper sprayed a cashier in the face. We do not stand for organized retail theft in this state, especially theft that involves violence—I proudly stood with Gov. DeSantis recently as he signed a new law strengthening our statutes against crimes just like these. We will continue to hold these thieves accountable.” Continue reading
You may be and don’t know it yet. Let’s see if I’m right. Do you think you should feed the government BEFORE you feed your family? That is precisely what you are doing now under the income tax because of federal withholding from your paycheck. By the use of withholding you are telling the government that they are your highest priority. Under the FAIRtax federal withholding is eliminated. You are only taxed when you spend your money, not when you earn it, putting your family first. Do you think the government should know more about your financial life than you are willing to tell your own children?
Through the income tax forms, the government knows how much you earn, where the money comes from, how much you have invested, how much you gave to charity, how much interest you’ve earned, how much you have in savings, what property you have sold or bought, what depreciation you may have taken, what your mortgage payments are, etc, etc, etc. Under the FAIRtax the only thing the government knows is how much your employer paid you for the year so the Social Security Administration can calculate your benefits upon retirement. Do you think the IRS is an efficient and secure repository for your financial information? First of all, the IRS budget for 2023 was over 12 billion dollars with a request for over 14 billion dollars for 2024. That’s a lot of tax dollars. Continue reading
Dear Friends,
The Florida Legislature has officially adjourned the 2024 Legislative Session, marking the conclusion of this year’s 60-day regular session. Over those 60 days, Senate Republicans have delivered on key issues that impact Floridians across our state.
The Senate Republican Caucus stood firm in defense of the freedom that every Floridian holds dear. We enacted strong legislation to protect private property rights, passed critical measures to empower American energy production, and called for much needed accountability in Washington.
Senate Republicans introduced and passed vital legislation to expand access to critical health care services, empower neighborhood public schools, crackdown on rampant theft, and protect children from harmful online material. Additionally, the Florida Senate passed a balanced, fiscally conservative budget, while delivering critical tax relief to families and small businesses across the State of Florida. Continue reading
