Better Jobs, Affordable Housing, and Lower Costs for Central Florida

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we spent time in the district talking to constituents about our efforts to lower drug prices, standing in solidarity with airport workers at Orlando International Airport, discussing new jobs coming to NeoCity, and more.

On Monday, I sat down with AARP representatives to discuss our new reconciliation bill to lower prescription drug prices, create a $2,000 cap for seniors' out-of-pocket expenses, and extend Obacamare subsidies to 2025. We will not stop fighting in Congress until these critical provisions are passed.

I also had the honor of joining the Osceola Council on Aging to announce a $5.9 million grant for senior affordable housing in Buenaventura Lakes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. We are happy to have partners in the Biden Administration who understand the importance of helping Central Floridians.

We also had a town hall to discuss infrastructure in Central Florida and the benefits arriving as a result of the new Infrastructure Law. The law is already creating good-paying union jobs, helping fight climate change, advancing environmental justice, boosting domestic manufacturing, strengthening critical links in our supply chains, and ultimately lowering costs for working families.

As we mentioned last week, the recently passed CHIPS and Science Act included an amendment to allow non-profits to apply for semiconductor incentive program funding, which is key to creating new jobs at NeoCity. I had the opportunity to go to SkyWater to talk about these exciting new developments.

Over at Orlando International Airport, I stood in solidarity with SEIU airport workers as they demanded the benefits and wages they deserve as essential workers. I'm proud to support the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act to give airport workers a better standard of living.

As we prepare for the back-to-school season, I visited several schools in our district to donate books and supplies for students in need. Our future is in the hands of our youth, so we must support their education.

The week wrapped up with the incredible news that the U.S. added 528,000 jobs in July. This strong jobs market will allow us to continue to boost production and for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to lower inflation.

I'm immensely proud of all we did this week for Florida's Ninth Congressional District and look forward to continuing our work next week.

Missed last week's newsletter? Click here to catch up

Poll of the Week

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Working for FL-09

Adding Jobs to Boost our Economy

We're wrapping up the week with the incredible news that the U.S. added 528,000 jobs in July. This strong jobs market will allow us to continue to boost production and for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to lower inflation.

Announcing Affordable Housing for Seniors

I joined the Osceola Council on Aging to announce a major $5.9 million federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for a new senior affordable housing project — Buen Vecino in Buenaventura Lakes. We are happy to have partners in the Biden Administration who understand the importance of helping Central Floridians.

Hosting an Infrastructure Town Hall

We had a town hall to discuss infrastructure in Central Florida and the benefits arriving as a result of the new Infrastructure Law. The law is already lining up funding for I-4, SunRail, and Brightline expansions to fix the traffic, create good-paying union jobs, help fight climate change, advance environmental justice, boost domestic manufacturing, strengthen critical links in our supply chains, and ultimately lower costs for working families.

Missed our live town hall? Click here to catch up

Standing in Solidarity with Airport Workers

I proudly stood in solidarity with workers from 32BJ SEIU as they demanded the benefits and wages they deserve as essential workers in Florida airports. I am happy to support the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act that will give airport workers a better standard of living.

Meeting with SkyWater to Discuss New Jobs

The recently passed CHIPS and Science Act included an amendment to allow non-profits to apply for semiconductor incentive program funding, which is key to creating new jobs at NeoCity in FL-9, lowering costs for cars and appliances, and defending the homeland. I had the opportunity to go to SkyWater to talk about these exciting new developments.

Preparing for Back to School

I joined Commissioner Brandon Arrington on a visit to schools in Osceola County. We donated books and supplies for students in need during this back-to-school season. I also joined my wife Amanda at East Lake Elementary to see their preparations for an amazing school year.

Fighting for Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Touring the Osceola Fire Rescue & EMS Facilities

We had a great tour of the Osceola Fire Rescue & EMS facilities. These brave individuals do an incredible job of keeping our Central Florida community safe.

Meeting with the Korean Ambassador

It was an honor to meet with Ambassador Cho from the Korean Embassy. The special relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea is stronger than ever thanks to their new local partnership with SpaceX, potential microchip manufacturing, and joint security operations.

Celebrating the Life of Acisclo "King" Osorio

We mourned and celebrated the life of Borinqueneer Acisclo "King" Osorio — who served our country in the Pacific in WWII — and presented a U.S. flag we flew over the Capitol. May his courage and sacrifice for our nation during his 100 years on earth never be forgotten.

Congratulating Tohopekaliga High Student Salma Sanchez Acevedo

We are proud of Tohopekaliga High student Salma Sanchez Acevedo for winning the Adobe World Championship. We can't wait to see what her bright future holds.

Internet for All

America runs on high-speed internet. It powers our economy and supports education. It fosters better public health. It connects loved ones and strengthens social ties. It helps citizens connect with their democracy and one another. But not everyone is connected. Too many Americans are cut off from the opportunities that high-speed internet makes possible. That’s why the Biden Administration working to bring high-speed internet to all Americans. Click here for more information.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The U.S. Department of Treasury has collected websites associated with grantees’ Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs to help tenants and landlords find rental assistance programs in their local areas. Click here for more information.

Capitol Tours

The Capitol Visitor Center welcomes visitors from across the United States and around the world. All tours, programs and activities are free of charge. Click here for more information.

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Vaccines by County

As COVID-19 infections rise in Central Florida, we are working with local officials to provide up-to-date information on vaccinations. For more information on your county's distribution plans, please visit the websites linked below.

Orange County

Osceola County

Polk County

Florida has many sites that are providing COVID-19 vaccines. Appointments may be required and vaccine availability will vary from day to day and week to week.

Click here for a full list of vaccine sites in Florida

Click here for a vaccine finder

Resources for Veterans

We encourage you to take a moment today to check in with a veteran this week. You can direct them to mental health resources listed here.

Rental Assistance for Central Floridians

The programs below have been established to help residents in Polk, Orange, and Osceola Counties with rental and housing costs.

Orlando COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance

For additional information and to apply, please click here.
Eligible households can receive up to 18 months of unpaid rent.

Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

For additional information and to apply, please click here.

Osceola County Emergency Rental Assistance/Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention

To access assistance, please click here.

Osceola County COVID-19 Elderly & Disabled Housing/ Utility Assistance Program

Up to six months of assistance available
Must be 62 years of age or older or permanently disabled
Paper applications only. Packets will be available at Osceola County Human Services (1392 E. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744) on:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (8:30 a.m. – noon)
Tuesdays and Thursdays (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Payments will be made directly to the mortgage company/landlord and utility company
If you have any questions regarding the program, please call 407-742-8403

What’s needed?
Driver’s license or state of Florida identification card
Current lease or mortgage statement in applicants/co-applicants name
Utility bill in applicants/co-applicants name
W-9 form from landlord, property manager, or mortgage company
SSDI eligibility documentation

Polk County Eviction Prevention Program

For additional information and to apply, please click here.

Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. For more information, visit this website.

Any household with an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is eligible to receive discounted internet service through the ACP. Social Security doesn’t count ACP assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes. Receipt of this assistance will not affect your SSI payment. Click here for more information from the Social Security Administration.

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,