Helping Central Florida’s Local Businesses

Dear friends and neighbors,

We started this eventful week with visits to local health and tech companies. I got to talk about the exciting developments that recent legislation, including the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, will bring to Central Florida. I am proud to bring federal funds to support the district's innovation and health care services.

I was also proud to announce a $1.3 million grant to reimburse Orange County Public Schools for pandemic-related expenses. With these costs taken care of, our local schools can focus on investing in high-quality education and supporting students and teachers.

On Tuesday, I announced that I had joined a letter to the Biden Administration urging the president to send Congress a funding request to combat the monkeypox epidemic. It continues to be vital to fund healthcare organizations and stop the spread.

During the second half of the week, I had the opportunity to visit many small businesses in the district. From a small business tour of St. Cloud to Taino's Bakery in East Orlando, I saw how vital local businesses are to our economy and our local communities. I also heard from many businesses about how much they benefitted from Paycheck Protection Program loans, which kept Central Floridians employed and allowed for faster recovery from the pandemic.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden announced that millions of Americans would have $10,000-$20,000 of federal student loans forgiven. This much-needed move will come as a relief to many young people in Central Florida and fulfills our commitment to pandemic relief and invest in the future.

Tomorrow, representatives from West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and others will be at the Valencia College Osceola campus at 10 a.m. to speak with interested students and families about the admission process. If you can't make it in person, you can watch our live stream at Facebook.com/RepDarrenSoto.

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

Poll of the Week

Do you support the Biden Administration's student loan forgiveness decision?

Yes

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Last Week's Poll Results

In the District

Touring Small Businesses in St. Cloud

I took a fantastic tour of St. Cloud's small businesses this week. I talked to owners and saw the great work they are doing to make our community a better place. Stops included Askew Jewelers, Phyre Brewery and Tavern, the Hunter Arms Hotel, and Elite Metro Corp. I heard from many business owners about how vital the Paycheck Protection Program was for local business's ability to stay open through the pandemic. I am proud to have supported these vital and thriving businesses.

Touring Luminar Facility

It was great to tour the Luminar facility in Orlando to view their advanced manufacturing and photonics R&D that fuels their mission to save lives and power autonomy. We also discussed how the CHIPS and Science Act will help meet the needs of our growing tech economy.

Speaking with our Florida Guard

I spoke with members of our Florida Guard at the Conway Armory in Orlando this week. From defending the homeland and serving abroad, to hurricane and pandemic response, our Guard serves our country with honor every day. I will continue to work to make sure that they have the resources they need to perform their missions.

Attending a Change of Command Ceremony

I had the honor of attending the Orlando Police Department Change of Command ceremony. We welcomed newly appointed Police Chief Eric D. Smith to our city with open arms and celebrated the retirement and service of Police Chief Orlando Rolón. I thanked them both for their service.

Getting Lunch at Taino's

I joined my team for lunch at Taino's Bakery, a local Puerto Rican restaurant in Orlando. We are proud to support small business owners in Central Florida as they work to improve operations and grow within our community.

Meeting with our Environmental Advisory Board

It was great to hear from our FL-09 Environmental Advisory Board this week. We discussed the recently-passed Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act, climate change provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, environmental benefits in the Infrastructure Law, and much more.

Delivering for Public Schools

I was excited to announce a $1.3 million grant for Orange County Public Schools from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. This grant reimburses OCPS for funds used to cover emergency supplies during the height of the pandemic. It helps us ensure that more local funds are available for student instruction, teachers' salaries, and safe schools.

Pitching in at Clarita's House

I was honored to visit Clarita's House and Osceola Community Health Services. I'm proud to be able to deliver federal funds for our local federally qualified health clinics, food pantries, and workforce training centers.

Visiting the Give Kids the World Village

I was inspired by my visit to the Give Kids the World Village. This amazing non-profit makes dreams come true by providing week-long vacations for children with critical illnesses and their families — all free of charge. Their work is incredibly impactful for FL-09 families and communities.

Meeting with our Colombian Community

It was great to meet with our Central Floridian Colombian Consulate. I spoke about the ways that we can continue to support our Central Florida Colombian community members.

Attending a Central Florida Healthcare Clinic Opening

Representatives from Team Soto attended the opening of Central Florida Healthcare's new Davenport clinic. It was exciting to see our growing community get this much-needed facility, and we look forward to the work they will do to keep Davenport healthy.

Receiving an FPP Award

I was proud to be awarded the Friend of Florida Public Power award this week. I spoke with Board Chair Ethel Urbana and Grant Lacerte from Kissimmee Utility at the awards ceremony. It is vital to ensure consistent and low-cost energy options for Florida communities.

Acting to Stop the Spread of Monkeypox

Now that monkeypox has been declared a public health emergency, it is critical that Congress appropriate the necessary funds to address the outbreak. I joined the LGBT Equality Caucus' letter urging the Biden Administration to send a formal request to Congress for supplemental funding to combat the spread of monkeypox. We must act quickly to combat the spread of Monkeypox, support healthcare professionals, and protect our local community.

In Washington, D.C.

Supporting Student Borrowers

Thanks to the Biden Administration's newly-announced student loan debt plan, millions of Americans now owe $10,000-$20,000 less in federal student loans. I’ve heard from so many young people in Central Florida who have waited for years for this moment. I support the administration in completing our pandemic relief commitment and investing in our future.

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,