Hurricane Response and Relief

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we began recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Fiona. We have been in contact with FEMA regarding relief and are glad that they were prepared for the aftermath of Fiona. I am proud to say that President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico to help efforts. We also sent a letter to President Biden asking for the approval of Individual Assistance for the residents of the island. During the weekend, I will be heading over to Puerto Rico to assess the damage.

We are already preparing for Tropical Depression 9 which could become a major hurricane and threaten Florida next week. Here is our hurricane preparedness resource kit to keep you and your family safe.

As part of the relief effort, Team Soto is welcoming evacuees from Puerto Rico as they arrive at Orlando International Airport. We are helping them by sharing information on topics such as how to register children in public schools in Florida, how and where to get vaccinated, and how to find a job, among others.

In Washington, D.C., I joined my fellow Congressional Hispanic Caucus colleagues and Congressional leaders to discuss voting rights issues ahead of the upcoming midterm elections and legislative solutions. We will continue working to ensure voters are protected as they head to the polls.

As Florida prepares for a potential tropical depression next week, Team Soto would like to advise you to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared.

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

Poll of the Week

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Working for FL-09

Helping Puerto Ricans in the Wake of Hurricane Fiona

Following the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, I joined my colleagues to request the designation of Individual Assistance for the residents of Puerto Rico and urge President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for the whole Island. I am happy to say that President Biden approved the Major Disaster Declaration.

Team Soto is at Orlando International Airport welcoming evacuees from Puerto Rico and providing them with resources. We will be there for the next few days to ensure those coming from the island get the help they need during this difficult time.

In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, we gathered to remember the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria five years ago. The U.S. must allocate federal funds to Puerto Rico immediately and continue our work to find long-term solutions for the island.

Celebrating our Gold Star Families

I was honored to attend the Gold Star Mother’s and Families ceremony in Orlando. The sacrifices these families have made for our country are unimaginable and we owe them an immense debt of gratitude. Thanks to Mayor Demings and his Veteran’s Advisory Council for hosting.

Participating in a CHC Voting Rights Roundtable

¡Nuestro voto cuenta! On National Voter Registration Day, I joined my Hispanic Caucus colleagues to discuss the issues affecting our communities ahead of the upcoming elections.

Celebrating a Major Grant for Osceola County

We are proud to deliver a $1 million grant for Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS to train our first responders, protect our community, and save lives. I am happy to support first responders in Florida's Ninth Congressional District.

Working to Boost the Tourism Economy

In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we marked up Representative Dina Titus' Visit America Act. As we continue recovering from the pandemic, this bill would prevent negative impacts from future pandemics and dedicate an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce to focus on critical issues.

Click here to view my speech

Passing the Presidential Election Reform Act

I was trapped in the House Chamber on January 6. I saw firsthand the violence and chaos of our flawed electoral college session. We must protect our presidential elections for now and future generations. That’s why I voted to pass the bipartisan Presidential Election Reform Act.

Meeting with Local Groups in Washington, D.C.

We had a great meeting with IAAPA. We discussed major new investments in Central Florida parks, ways to help small tourism businesses still recovering from the pandemic, and the importance of Brand USA to support thousands of constituents working at our theme parks.

It was great seeing the folks from Luminar. This local company is innovating in lidar microchips and technology to improve vehicle safety and one day develop autonomous vehicles while bringing good-paying jobs to Central Florida.

We had a great meeting with Florida Head Start in Washington, D.C. Happy to support their mission to create safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environments for all children in Florida.

We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with local Walgreens employees. It was great to meet team members and discuss the representation of Latinos on Capitol Hill.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month

At every stage of America’s history, Latinos have enriched the fabric of our culture, the vitality of our democracy, and the strength of our nation. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Congressional App Challenge

Know a student who is interested in coding?

Middle and high school students in District 9 who are interested in creating an app can learn more at https://congressionalappchallenge.us and submit their applications by November 1.

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,