Dear friends and neighbors,
We had an incredibly busy week at our State Capitol in Tallahassee and back in the district working for Central Floridians.
In Tallahassee, we visited legislators and cabinet officials to discuss ways we can work together for our state. We spoke about the upcoming Farm Bill, SunRail expansion possibilities, ways to fix the traffic in Central Florida, clean water projects, and more. We also had the opportunity to hear from White House Infrastructure Czar Mitch Landrieu on the Infrastructure Law. We're investing over $41 billion in federal funds to improve Florida’s roads, water, rural broadband, and more.
In the district, I had the opportunity to tour LYNX on an electric bus and discuss ways to better serve riders. We recently secured a $16.1 million grant — created by the Infrastructure Law — to support their plans to transition their fleet to low or zero-emission vehicles.
We also attended the Buen Vecino groundbreaking event with Osceola County commissioners and HUD Regional Administrator Jose Alvarez. Thanks to HUD funds and Osceola County, they were able to construct this affordable housing project in BVL for our seniors.
I'm proud of our work during this week and look forward to the informative events and meetings we will be participating in next week in Washington, D.C.!
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Over the past two years, House Democrats have worked with President Joe Biden to deliver meaningful legislation to help hardworking Americans. If you have benefitted from a law/ program or have received help from our casework team, we'd love to hear from you. |
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SPECIAL EDITION: In Tallahassee |
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Meeting with State Legislators and Cabinet Officials |
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We met with Reps. Johanna Lopez, Rita Harris, Kristen Arrington, and Fred Hawkins as well as Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. We spoke about the upcoming Farm Bill, SunRail expansion possibilities, ways to fix the traffic in Central Florida, clean water projects, and more.
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Receiving a Briefing from White House Infrastructure Czar Mitch Landrieu |
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We had the opportunity to receive a briefing from White House Infrastructure Czar Mitch Landrieu on the Infrastructure Law. We're investing over $41 billion in federal funds in Florida’s state budget to improve our roads, water, rural broadband, and more.
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Hosting a Press Conference with Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Rep. Rita Harris |
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I participated in a press conference with House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Representative Rita Harris to discuss our progress. Though the governor chooses to focus on divisive social issues, President Biden and Congressional Democrats are putting people above politics and rebuilding Florida.
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Supporting LYNX's Electric Bus Initiatives |
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We had the opportunity to tour LYNX on an electric bus and discuss ways to better serve riders. We recently secured a $16.1 million grant — created by the Infrastructure Law — to support their plans to transition their fleet to low or zero-emission vehicles. We support their plans to construct a new state-of-the-art vehicle maintenance, fueling, and operations facility in Osceola, reconstruct bus terminals to prioritize pedestrian safety, install two bus-pull outs to facilitate ease of transfers, and more.
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Attending the Buen Vecino Groundbreaking |
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I was honored to attend the Buen Vecino groundbreaking event with Osceola County commissioners and HUD Regional Administrator Jose Alvarez. Thanks to HUD funds and Osceola County, they were able to construct this affordable housing project in BVL for our seniors.
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Participating in a Candlelight Vigil Against Gun Violence in Central Florida |
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Gun violence is not just a statistic. It is a threat facing families, communities, and our nation. In Kissimmee, I participated in a candlelight vigil urging for an end to this violence.
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Celebrating Hope Partnership's 10th Anniversary |
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I was happy to attend Hope Partnership's 10th Anniversary Celebration in Kissimmee. We're proud to work alongside them as they empower families experiencing poverty in Central Florida. In FY22 and 23, we helped secure nearly $2 million in federal funds to support their affordable housing efforts.
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Attending Iftar Dinners During Ramadan |
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It was an honor to join Imam Patel and our Muslim neighbors in Central Florida for Iftar dinner, the fast-breaking meal in Kissimmee. We also joined Emgage in Poinciana for an Iftar dinner at Masjid Al Bir. I wish Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate and observe a peaceful Ramadan full of faith, family, and community. We must continue spreading understanding, tolerance, and love.
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Supporting St. Cloud's Downtown Reopening |
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We attended the reopening of St. Cloud's Downtown and were honored to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating this exciting accomplishment. Proud to announce over $4 million in new water project requests this week and support local small businesses for this thriving community.
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Had the opportunity to visit Spektrum Health in Orlando, where they offer comprehensive primary healthcare for LGBT individuals in Central Florida. We look forward to continuing our work to support the LGBT community in the district.
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Meeting with Local, Independent Pharmacy Prescriptions Unlimited |
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We met with the local, independently-owned pharmacy Prescription Unlimited owner and employees. We spoke about their partnership with McKesson and their critical role in testing, vaccinating, and treating Central Floridians — especially communities with limited access to healthcare. We are proud to have multiple locations that employ 375 people in our district.
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Important Updates for Central Floridians |
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FOUR DAYS AWAY: April 18 Tax Deadline |
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With the April 18 tax deadline approaching, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to submit their tax returns and any payments due by the deadline to avoid late filing and interest penalties. For struggling taxpayers who can’t pay by the deadline, the IRS offers several different options to help.
Eligible individuals and families who earned $73,000 or less in 2022 can use IRS Free File, available only on IRS.gov, to electronically file their taxes. All taxpayers, regardless of income, who need more time to file a return can use IRS Free File as an easy and quick way to electronically file for a six-month extension before April 18, 2023.
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Special ACA Enrollment Period |
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We secured an extension of the special health care enrollment period from March 31, 2023, through July 31, 2024 for those affected by the end of pandemic-related Medicaid continuous coverage.
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PACT Act Resources for Veterans |
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Toxic-exposed veterans in Central Florida deserve to access all their rightfully earned benefits without issue.
Veterans and their loved ones can stay updated on the effects of the Honoring our PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT.
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There has been an increase in PACT Act-related email, phone, and social media scams targeting veterans by offering to submit claims on their behalf. Click here to learn more.
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Emergency Mental Health Care for Veterans |
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Veterans can now receive no-cost emergency mental health care at VA or non-VA healthcare facilities. Veterans can use this benefit whether or not they are enrolled in the VA system. This new policy will save lives.
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Insulin is Now No More Than $35/Month for Seniors |
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Last year, House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This year, millions of seniors will no longer have to ration their insulin because they can’t afford it. Just this week, insulin producer Eli Lilly said they are reducing their price by 70% with a $35 cap.
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117th Congress End-of-Session Report |
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I am proud to be your representative and look forward to our continued efforts to improve our district! Please do not hesitate to call my office with any questions or concerns.
In Community,
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Congressman Darren Soto
Representative for Florida's 9th Congressional District
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Contact Me
Washington, D.C.
2353 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
804 Bryan Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
5800 South Semoran Blvd
Suite B (next to AdventHealth)
Orlando, FL 32822
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