1. MYERS, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis joined Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner to advocate for critical pay raises and funding for Florida State Troopers and other state law enforcement.

“In my Focus on Fiscal Responsibility proposed budget, I advocate for a 20% pay raise for state entry-level officers and 25% pay raise for veteran officers and all state firefighters,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida House is blocking these raises, and other critical resources for law enforcement. We must support and equip law enforcement to be successful in defending our communities.”

Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his recommendation for massive pay increases for state law enforcement officers and firefighters in his Fiscal Responsibility Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

The Governor’s Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommends $118.3 million in pay increases for more than 4,700 state sworn law enforcement officers and more than 730 state firefighters:

• 20% pay increase for state entry level sworn law enforcement officers.
• 25% pay increase for veteran sworn law enforcement officers and all state firefighters.

Continue reading →

OCALA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has awarded more than 7,800 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. The latest round of bonuses went to officers serving in Marion County, while an additional 660 bonuses have recently been distributed to recruits across the state.

Launched in 2022, this first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Florida’s nation-leading commitment to supporting law enforcement. The program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus—after taxes—to newly employed officers as a show of appreciation and incentive for choosing to serve in Florida.

“When other states were defunding their police, demonizing law enforcement, and kneecapping their criminal justice system, we rewarded our law enforcement for their service,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to be in Marion County to award recruitment bonus checks to Florida’s newest law enforcement officers and thank them for their commitment to protecting our communities.”

To date, more than 1,700 law enforcement officers from 49 other states and two territories have relocated to Florida, with more than 500 coming from anti-police states like California, Illinois, and New York. Each of the 7,800 newly recruited officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, with the program distributing more than $53 million to date. Continue reading →

OCALA, FL — Yesterday, Rep. Cammack and hundreds of constituents celebrated the grand opening of the new Ocala District Office located in the McPherson Government Complex at 2630 SE 3rd Street in Ocala.

Joined by special guests Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, members of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, and leaders from the Ocala Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), Congresswoman Cammack and her district staff cut the ribbon for the new facility, which opened earlier in March following the completion of needed renovations.

Congresswoman Cammack, members of her staff, and constituents celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the new office.

“I’m thrilled to have relocated our Ocala District Office back to its original location in the McPherson Government Complex,” said Rep. Cammack. “Centrally located with other useful local and state offices for constituents in Marion County, our office is a one-stop shop for folks seeking assistance with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, and IRS, along with economic development opportunities, internships for local students, and more. Our team continues to deliver the same excellent service we always have in this new location. We hope constituents will visit us soon in-person or contact us via phone at (352) 421-9052.”

The Ocala District Office is located at 2630 SE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34471 and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. No appointments are necessary to visit with staff.

What an incredible week for North Central Florida and our incredible Florida Gators! After a thrilling Monday night win, it’s great to be a Florida Gator and great to be back on top of the college basketball world! I celebrated the Gators on the House Floor in a speech Thursday morning and in committee hearings all week—keep reading for more.

Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, cementing the belief that American elections are for American citizens only.  I spoke on the House Floor about the bill yesterday; you can take a look at that speech later in this newsletter.

During an Energy & Commerce Committee markup this week, my bill to support blockchain technology passed by voice vote. The bill reaffirms the importance of blockchain and its uses in supply chains, logistics, and beyond. The next stop for this bill will be consideration before the whole House later this year. Stay tuned for more here.

We had several great visitors in the office this week, including Jewish students from UF, leaders from Columbia County, and several UF student-athletes.  below about those meetings!

Finally, the Passover holiday begins tomorrow at sundown.  We wish all who celebrate a peaceful and happy celebration.

With all that’s happening this new Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we’ve been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website , and on X , Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), and U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum requesting to reinstate potash and add phosphate—both critical fertilizer ingredients—to the U.S. Critical Minerals List. In the letter, the lawmakers explain this designation will support domestic production and strengthen supply chains, important steps to protecting food security and stabilizing the market for farmers.

“At the very heart of this issue are the American farmers who work tirelessly to feed Americans and much of the world. Fertilizers containing potash and phosphate are essential to maintaining soil fertility, improving crop yields, and ensuring consistent food production,” the lawmakers wrote. “Without access to a stable and affordable supply of these minerals, farmers face higher costs, reduced yields, and increased uncertainty—challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the food security of millions of American families.”

“Potash and phosphate are essential to growing the food that sustains our nation,” said Rep. Cammack. “Our farmers in Florida rely on these minerals to ensure soil fertility and high crop yields that feed our state and nation. It’s important we ensure their availability so our producers have the tools needed to continue their important work.”

GAINESVILLE, FL — This morning, Congresswoman Kat Cammack issued the following statement about the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement of its intent to withdraw from the 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico, with termination effective in 90 days.

“This has been a priority of ours for years in Florida,” said Rep. Kat Cammack. “For half a decade now, our producers have been subject to an unfair marketplace. In the past five years alone, Mexican tomato producers have violated the suspension agreement over 100 times. The economic impact of these violations has been catastrophic on our domestic tomato producers.”

“I’ve long been a champion of free but fair trade. Since the beginning of 2000 we have dropped from 250 producers to just 25. I’m grateful the Trump administration is working so hard to enforce international U.S. trade laws, and I know our tomato producers in Florida will be relieved to once more have a level playing field. As the only Florida Member on the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to work on behalf of our farmers, ranchers, and producers to deliver the support they deserve and keep their industry alive. Food security is national security which is why ensuring our producers are protected from unfair trade practices is critical,” Rep. Cammack added. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General James Uthmeier secured the return of tens of millions of dollars from Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF). The agreement resolves allegations that the company fraudulently submitted numerous ineligible claims for reimbursement in violation of the Florida False Claims Act. This is the first time the Office of the Attorney General has secured repayment related to an insurance fraud case.

“Thanks to the outstanding work of Associate Deputy Attorney General Nicholas Weilhammer, Director Liz Brady, and Assistant Attorney General Andrew Butler, our office secured the return of more than $30 million to the state’s hurricane fund from fraudulent insurance submission allegations following Hurricane Irma,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “As Floridians, we know the impact that hurricanes can have on our state and how important recovery efforts are in a storm’s aftermath in helping residents start to rebuild. This office is committed to a healthy and stable insurance market for Florida homeowners, meaning insurance companies must play by the rules.”

The FHCF is a tax-exempt state trust fund administered by the State Board of Administration that serves a vital role in stabilizing the Florida insurance market when hurricanes cause widespread or catastrophic damage. FHCF provides reimbursements to residential property insurance companies for a portion of their payments to homeowners for hurricane-related property damage. In the event of widespread, major hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma, FHCF provides a backstop to the losses faced by insurance carriers. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a major legal challenge against the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accusing the federal agency of illegally blocking the development of advanced nuclear technologies—technologies that could revolutionize energy production in America.

“For decades, Washington has made promises about nuclear energy—but then throws up roadblocks when real innovation comes along,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida is done waiting. We’re taking action to unleash the full potential of safe nuclear technology, strengthen our energy independence, and secure cleaner water and air in our state.”

With its rapidly growing population and increasing electricity demand, Florida faces significant challenges in meeting the energy needs of its residents. Last year, Governor DeSantis signed HB 1645, which directs the Public Service Commission to study the feasibility of using advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet the state’s power needs. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a subpoena to Roblox, a popular online gaming platform, demanding information about how the platform markets to children, sets age-verification requirements, and moderates chat rooms.

“As a father and Attorney General, children’s safety and protection are a top priority,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “There are concerning reports that this gaming platform, which is popular among children, is exposing them to harmful content and bad actors. We are issuing a subpoena to Roblox to uncover how this platform is marketing to children and to see what policies they are implementing—if any—to avoid interactions with predators.”

There are numerous concerning reports about children being exposed to graphic or harmful material on the gaming platform, as well as predatory adults being able to message minors on the app freely. The Attorney General’s subpoena also demands Roblox to hand over documents related to the platform’s collection and processing of children’s data. Continue reading →

Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC) opposition to CS/ SB 1080 (Reconsideration Attempt)

Seems to be an enormous amount of opposition to SB1080 in our communities through out our State, and even after it failed in final committee, there seems to be a move internally to reconsider the bill.

It is with some level of dismay and disappointment that the will of the electorate of the Marion County Republican Party is being ignored by this Bill’s sponsor.  The Senator again is pushing for passage, despite a  public “No” decision  by the legislature, as well as prior numerous letters from a number of County Republican organizations.   Some of the key factors are noted below, what is most distressing is the disregard of a legislator to support the will of the people.

So the following is our opinion on why we opposed the bill and the following is what we addressed to each Senator. Make up your own minds because this bill is not dead yet.

On behalf of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC), representing more than 130,000 registered Republican voters we strongly oppose this bill and recent amendment. Continue reading →