Boosting Central Florida’s Economy

Dear friends and neighbors,

We are celebrating another great jobs report as the U.S. economy added a robust 263,000 jobs in November and kept a low 3.7% unemployment rate. We are also seeing inflation drop as we work to boost jobs, improve supply chains, and lower costs.

In Washington, D.C., we saw the Senate vote to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure critical protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. Next week, I hope to vote to pass this bill in the House and send it to the president's desk.

We also elected new leadership in the Democratic Party that will bring new ideas and perspectives. I am proud of Leader-designate Hakeem Jeffries, Whip-designate Katherine Clark, and Chairman-designate Pete Aguilar.

As we wrap up the 117th Congress, we'll be working to continue advancing our For The People agenda.

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

In Washington, D.C.

Celebrating Another Great Jobs Report

We are glad that the U.S. economy added a robust 263,000 jobs in November. Unemployment is still a low 3.7% and inflation continues to decline each month. House Democrats are working to boost jobs, improve supply chains, and lower costs.

Seeing Marriage Equality Progress in the Senate

The Respect for Marriage Act repeals the Defense of Marriage Act and ensures critical protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. I look forward to voting for this bill again now that it has passed the Senate. Love is love.

Averting a Rail Shutdown

I proudly joined House Democrats in voting to avert a rail shutdown and improve quality of life for America's rail workers. We will continue fighting for improved benefits.

Electing New Democratic Leadership

A new generation of Democratic leadership is here. Proud of Leader-designate Hakeem Jeffries, Whip-designate Katherine Clark, and Chairman-designate Pete Aguilar. I look forward to working with them to continue advancing our For The People agenda.

Advocating for a Haiti TPS Extension

I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging an extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, Haitian nationals who fled violence, persecution, and poverty need the protections TPS provides.

Meeting with Nemours Children's Hospital

It was great to meet with Nemours to discuss efforts to prevent premature birth and our shared priorities for the 118th Congress. We will continue working together for Central Florida’s children.

Great News for Central Floridians

New Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in FL-09

Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers added stops in Orange and Osceola to provide one-on-one assistance for Ian survivors. The deadline to apply for federal assistance was also extended to January 12, 2023

Click here for addresses and hours

Delivering a $585k DOJ Grant

Proud to deliver a $585,000 Department of Justice grant so the Osceola Sheriff's Department can continue their successful Internet Crimes Against Children program. Glad to support law enforcement efforts to protect our district.

Congressional App Challenge Winner

I am proud to announce that this year's Congressional App Challenge winner from FL-9 is Stevin George, an 11th-grader from Tohopekaliga High. Stevin designed Pirate Physics, a physics learning tool that teaches concepts like angular momentum through an interactive game complete with stunning graphics and well-written code.

Spring 2023 Internship Applications

Federal Resources for Affected Individuals

President Joe Biden approved Individual Assistance for all counties in Florida's Ninth Congressional District: Orange, Osceola, and Polk. As a result, affected families can file claims if they need home repairs or have other damaged property. Disaster Recovery Centers have also been opened to help individuals apply for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications, and learn about other resources available.

We are thrilled to announce that all three counties have been approved for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program to provide short-term lodging assistance for victims of the storm. For long-term solutions, we have asked FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to consider activating Direct Temporary Housing Assistance (DTHA).

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or call 1-800-621-3362

If you receive a rejection from FEMA, it may not be the end of the road. You have up to 60 days to submit an appeal if you disagree with FEMA’s decision and there are often simple steps you can take to remedy the situation.

Assistance for Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established facilities to provide business owners, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters with answers to their questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help each person complete their electronic loan application. These facilities can be either virtual or brick-and-mortar, depending on the circumstances surrounding the disaster and other factors. Individuals should apply under SBA declaration # 17644.

Apply through your DisasterAssistance.gov account

Resources for Constituents Without Power

If constituents are experiencing long-term power outages, they should look into the Low-Income Home Energy Assistant Program (LIHEAP) in addition to applying for Individual Assistance. The state of Florida released $1.4 million in LIHEAP set-aside emergency funding for use by LIHEAP providers across the state.

Food and Nutrition Assistance

HOT FOOD UPDATE: Residents of Osceola, Orange, and Polk Counties can now use SNAP to purchase hot foods until the end of the month. SNAP-authorized retailers may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises.

D-SNAP UPDATE: USDA has approved Disaster-SNAP benefits for Hurricane Ian survivors in Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties. Individuals can pre-register at https://www.myflfamilies.com/hurricaneian/.

Beware of Fraud

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,