Dear friends and neighbors,
We had a very busy week in the district welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to Central Florida and participating in two town halls to discuss the PACT Act and the upcoming school year, as well as a roundtable on the Farm Bill.
On Tuesday, I had the honor of welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to Central Florida. We are grateful to the administration for helping us deliver billions to improve our highways, airport, commuter rail, clean water projects, and high-speed internet, as well as speaking out against the state's new teaching standards for Black history.
Later in the week, we had a great Veterans PACT Act town hall with Rep. Maxwell Frost and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, alongside Director Cook of the Orlando VA Healthcare System and Director Boor of the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration. The PACT Act has greatly expanded eligibility and benefits to Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq, and Afghan War veterans, especially those who were exposed to burn pits, agent orange, and other toxins. Veterans should apply for benefits by August 9 to have their benefits backdated to last year. We are proud to serve those who served.
We were also joined by Osceola County School Board Chairwoman Terry Castillo for a tele-town hall to discuss the upcoming school year and answer questions from parents. We look forward to working together to ensure the best for our Central Florida students and teachers. We have secured millions in federal funding for local tech and business internships, school sidewalks, school lunch programs, as well as programs for gifted students, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
Lastly, as we continue working on the Farm Bill to fund critical nutrition programs, we must work with local partners to address food insecurity and support local farmers and farmworkers. I was proud to participate in a roundtable with Second Harvest to discuss our efforts to ensure no family in Central Florida goes hungry.
Next week, we'll be in the district continuing our efforts to bring critical resources and opportunities to our district and state.
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Over the past two years, House Democrats have worked with President Joe Biden to deliver meaningful legislation to help hard-working Americans. If you have benefitted from a law/program or have received help from our casework team, we would love to hear from you. |
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Great News for Central Floridians |
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The Economy Added 187,000 Jobs in July |
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We had another strong jobs report as the U.S. economy added 187,000 new jobs in July. This is 31 months of job growth. Our Infrastructure Law, CHIPS Act, and Inflation Reduction Act along with hardworking Americans are leading the way. We are growing the middle class. Bidenomics is working!
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The Biden Administration is Investing $2 Million to Reduce Lead in Florida Schools |
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The Biden Administration is investing over $2 million through the Infrastructure Law to reduce lead in Florida schools. Every child deserves access to clean drinking water, especially where they learn and play.
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Welcoming Vice President Harris to Central Florida |
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It was an honor to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris to Central Florida. We are grateful to the administration for helping us deliver billions to improve our highways, airport, commuter rail, clean water projects, and high-speed internet, as well as speaking out against the state's new teaching standards for Black history.
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Participating in a Veterans PACT Act Town Hall |
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We had a great Veterans PACT Act town hall with Rep. Maxwell Frost and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, alongside Director Cook of the Orlando VA Healthcare System and Director Boor of the U.S. Veterans Benefits Administration. The PACT Act has greatly expanded eligibility and benefits to Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq, and Afghan War veterans, especially those who were exposed to burn pits, agent orange, and other toxins. Veterans should apply for benefits by August 9 to have their benefits backdated to last year. We are proud to serve those who served.
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Hosting a Back-to-School Tele-Town Hall |
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We were joined by Osceola County School Board Chairwoman Terry Castillo for a tele-town hall to discuss the upcoming school year and answer questions from parents. We look forward to working together to ensure the best for our Central Florida students and teachers. We have secured millions in federal funding for local tech and business internships, school sidewalks, school lunch program, as well as programs for gifted students, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
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We hosted Osceola Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff in our Kissimmee office. We discussed strengthening STEM education, working on Service Academy nominations, their new cell phone policy, our recent work for federal grants, boosting free school lunches, and 5% raises for our hardworking teachers.
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Having a Bilingual “Café con el Congresista” in Kissimmee |
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We had a great bilingual “Café con el Congresista” event at Cariño’s Café in Kissimmee. It is critical to connect with members of the community to discuss our progress on local jobs, infrastructure, and environmental projects as well as hear new ideas and concerns.
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Hosting a Farm Bill Roundtable with Second Harvest |
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As we continue working on the Farm Bill to fund critical nutrition programs, we must work with local partners to address food insecurity and support local farmers and farmworkers. Proud to participate in a roundtable with Second Harvest to discuss our efforts to ensure no family in Central Florida goes hungry.
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Meeting with the Osceola Chamber Black Business Coalition |
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Honored to participate in an Osceola Chamber Black Business Coalition roundtable with White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans Executive Director Alexis Holmes. During this important discussion, we heard from Black small business owners in Osceola about the resources they need to succeed.
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Discussing Infrastructure with Orlando Ironworkers |
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In addition to making historic investments in our roads, bridges, airports, and transportation systems, the Infrastructure Law is helping us create good-paying jobs. I visited Ironworkers Local 808 in Orlando to discuss their apprenticeship program, their work at Orlando International Airport's Terminal C, and other job opportunities.
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Visiting our Local Painters Union |
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It was great to join my brothers and sisters from IUPAT Local 1010/DC78 to talk about the new Infrastructure Law projects coming to Central Florida from highways to airports, clean water projects to commuter rail, and the importance of building these historic projects safely, on time, and under budget with union labor.
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Meeting with our Hispanic Advisory Board |
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We had an informative Hispanic Advisory Board meeting to discuss the launch of Invertir.gov and the way Bidenomics is helping Latinos across Central Florida. Proud to have achieved the lowest Latino unemployment rate on record and reduced Latino child poverty by more than 7%. We are also reuniting thousands of immigrant families in Central Florida from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and other countries through new parole and asylum programs.
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Attending a Community Mixer with the American Business Immigration Coalition |
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Immigrants are essential to Central Florida. They contribute to our economy and culture. I was proud to join the American Business Immigration Coalition and Hope CommUnity Center to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to Florida. The Biden Administration’s new parole and asylum programs are reuniting families, helping refugees escape tyranny, and lowering unlawful crossings at the southern border by 70% since May.
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Visiting Palm Garden in Orlando |
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We visited Palm Garden in Orlando to learn about their rehabilitation, physical therapy, therapy at home, and home health services in Central Florida. I'm proud to work on the Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure these care resources are accessible to seniors in Orange County and across the district.
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Touring Orlando Science Center's LIFE Exhibit |
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Team Soto had a great tour of Orlando Science Center's all-new LIFE exhibit. It's vital for our youngest to learn about nature and conservation — and this exhibition promises to teach them just that through the animals that share our planet. Excited for everyone to experience it next year!
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Introducing the Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act |
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So many veterans in our community are looking to continue their service beyond the military. We introduced the Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act to create opportunities for veterans to reinvest their training and potential through marine conservation efforts. Don Young was a champion for veterans in Alaska and the nation. He was also a dear friend that I had the privilege of serving with for nearly three terms on the Natural Resources Committee. Proud to continue his efforts to help veterans.
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Team Soto in the Community |
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Team Soto is hard at work in our district connecting with the community. We are here to serve FL-09 and are grateful for the opportunity to do so. |
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Important Updates for Central Floridians |
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Team Soto is here to help! We are holding weekly office hours at the Poinciana Branch Library on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to see how we can help you resolve issues with federal agencies or obtain federal benefits.
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We are also holding weekly office hours at the Buenaventura Lakes Library on Wednesdays from 1 — 5 p.m.
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American manufacturing is back and stronger than ever. Thanks to the Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we're witnessing job creation and increased investment across the country and right here in Central Florida.
El Presidente Biden y los Democratas estamos invirtiendo en Estados Unidos e implementando niveles históricos de inversiones públicas y privadas gracias a la Ley de Infraestructura.
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EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council |
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There’s still time to join EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, a committee by the youth and for the youth. Apply by August 22 and help shape environmental change.
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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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FILE BY AUGUST 9: 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 are encouraged to file claims by August 9 to have their benefits, if granted, backdated to August 9, 2022 — the day that President Biden signed the bill into law.
For more information, visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-698-2411.
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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. As of July 1, 2023, Americans on Medicare Part B can see their insulin copays capped at $35 per month. |
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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
202-225-9889
804 Bryan Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-452-1171
5800 South Semoran Blvd
Suite B (next to AdventHealth)
Orlando, FL 32822
407-204-3370
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