Dear Alexander,

We kicked off this week with a major announcement: Toho Water Authority was awarded an over $188 million WIFIA loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This substantial investment will safeguard our clean water, protect our environment, and ensure a stable water supply for our growing region.

We also had the pleasure of visiting the Renaissance Senior Community Center, where we discussed our ongoing efforts to lower drug costs for seniors through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Later in the week, we took a tour of the Marriott Orlando World Center, learning about their innovative approaches to sustainable tourism and golf course management.

Additionally, we met with two key advisory boards to address critical community issues. The LGBTQ+ Advisory Board focused on opposing anti-LGBTQ+ bills, honoring Pulse victims, and celebrating Pride Month. The Labor Advisory Board discussed worker protections, including OSHA's proposed extreme heat safety rule. These meetings are essential for shaping our policies on equality and worker safety in Central Florida.

I'm proud of our accomplishments this week and look forward to working in the district next week to improve the lives of Central Floridians.

Big news! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare secured lower prices for 10 key drugs, saving seniors $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs and Medicare $6 billion in the first year alone. We're delivering on our promise to lower drug costs for Floridians

We're thrilled to announce that Toho Water Authority has been awarded a major, over $188 million WIFIA loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This critical federal funding will protect clean water, preserve our environment, and ensure a sufficient water supply for our growing community. We are grateful to the U.S. EPA for their partnership and support in securing this impactful investment for the future of Central Florida's water.

We had a great Coffee with the Congressman at Bombay Street Kitchen in Orlando. We were joined by Commissioner Mayra Uribe and her office, the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, constituents, and local community leaders. We were happy to discuss the needs of small business owners, like access to capital and social media marketing rules, as well as improving the traffic and wastewater around Orange Blossom Trail.

We visited Renaissance Senior Community Center in Orlando and enjoyed talking with residents and staff about their experiences. We're working with President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris to lower drug costs for seniors. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that we voted for, Floridians are saving money, from $35 insulin caps to Medicare negotiating prices for medications.

It was great to visit the Marriott Orlando World Center. We had the opportunity to tour the golf course and learn more about the Center’s focus on environmental initiatives and future projects showing how golf can be integrated into sustainable tourism development.

I met with our Labor Advisory Board this week to discuss crucial worker protections, aviation safety, and major new infrastructure projects. I am proud to support the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed rule on extreme heat safety. With over 5.7 million Floridians at risk, we're fighting for water, rest, and shade. We're ready to protect our workers and bring safe jobs to Central Florida.

We met with our LGBTQ+ Advisory Board meeting to discuss opposing anti-LGBTQ proposals in Fiscal Year 2025 bills, honoring Pulse victims, celebrating Pride Month, and Biden's pardons for LGBTQ+ service members to help them access benefits. Our commitment to equality is unwavering.

On Thursday, Team Soto met with the Farm Credit of Central Florida! We discussed agriculture, crop insurance, and our continuing efforts on the Farm Bill. We are proud to continue to support our farmers and invest in our essential rural communities.

Team Soto met with leaders from the AARP to discuss our continued support of policies impacting seniors, from Social Security expansion and Medicare to reducing prescription drug prices. We are proud to fight for these services to improve the quality of life for seniors in Central Florida.

We toured McKesson Corporation's new Distribution Center in Central Florida with Health In Focus. Their commitment to providing essential medical-surgical supplies, lab equipment, and post-acute care through a robust national network is key to enhancing healthcare access in Central Florida. We appreciate the hundreds of high-paying distribution jobs they're creating in our district.

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.

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.

We are also holding weekly office hours at the Buenaventura Lakes Library on Wednesdays from 1 — 5 p.m.

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.

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.

Toxic-exposed veterans in Central Florida deserve to access all their rightfully earned benefits without issue.



For more information, visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-698-2411.

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.

Veterans can 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 policy will save lives.

During the 117th Congress, House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, millions of seniors no longer have to ration their insulin because they can’t afford it.

I'm 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,

Congressman Darren Soto

Representative for Florida's Ninth Congressional District