Lowering Costs for Central Florida Families

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, I am proud to have voted YES on the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to stop gas price gouging and lower food costs. This — along with bills designed to increase baby formula production and lower prescription drug prices — is part of our plan to help lower costs for Central Florida families.

We also passed the Water Resources and Development Act that includes $60 million for Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties to improve wastewater infrastructure, ecosystem restoration of Lake Toho, East Lake Toho, and Lake Runnymede, flood mitigation, and water supply.

In the district, Team Soto marched in support of passing measures such as the Protecting Our Kids Act and the federal red flag bill I voted to pass in the House last week. We must end gun violence now. I was also happy to attend this year's Puerto Rico Summit in Orlando where we discussed the issues that matter most to Boricuas.

In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we discussed the American Data Privacy and Protection Act. I support an Internet Privacy Bill of Rights to ensure we all have control over our personal information and protect our kids online. In the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, I spoke in support of the Safe Connections Act of 2022 in order to protect victims of domestic violence and empower them to separate their phone lines from their attackers.

Finally, I voted to pass the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act — which seeks to protect threatened and endangered species in our region — the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act, and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to lower costs and save our small businesses and farmers.

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

Poll of the Week

Do you support the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to combat inflation?

Yes

Select

In Washington, D.C.

Voting to Lower Food and Fuel Costs

I voted for the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act because filling up the gas tank or putting food on the table should not be weighing on Americans. We cannot ignore how inflation is hurting American families — and this legislation takes strong actions to lower prices by increasing competition among food processors and boosting ethanol production for fuel.

Passing the Water Resources Development Act

We started off the week strong by passing the Water Resources Development Act. I'm thrilled it included $60 million for Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties to improve wastewater infrastructure, ecosystem restoration of Lake Toho, East Lake Toho, and Lake Runnymede, flood mitigation, and water supply.

Recovering Americas Wildlife

About one-third of America's wildlife is at an increased risk of extinction. The Recovering Americas Wildlife Act seeks to protect threatened and endangered species, make conservation more cost-effective, and build resilient ecosystems. I proudly voted to save our wildlife.

Passing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act

Unfair practices by international ocean shipping companies have hurt American farmers and exporters — making it more expensive to get American-made goods to markets. We passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to lower costs and save our small businesses.

Passing a Racial Justice Package

The Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act is a racial justice package that will create jobs, strengthen our economy, invest in underserved economies, and promote access to fair housing. I proudly voted YES.

Protecting Internet Privacy

In the Energy Commerce Committee, we discussed the American Data Privacy and Protection Act which establishes an Internet Privacy Bill of Rights and a strong framework to protect consumers. It's time for us to protect the data of all Americans.

Empowering Victims of Domestic Violence

In this week’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology markup, I spoke in support of the Safe Connections Act of 2022. Enough is enough. We must work together to ensure victims of domestic violence are empowered to separate their phone lines from their attackers.

Discussing Student Loan Debt with Future Forum

Future Forum met with young Americans to discuss the student debt crisis. It’s time to take action and create a future where education is affordable for all.

Improving Mental Health Services for our Youth

I was honored to meet with Bay Care patient Lizzy during Speak Now For Kids'

Family Advocacy Day. We're proud to support efforts to improve mental health services for young Americans.

Meeting with Nemours for their Family Advocacy Week

It was great to speak to Nemours for their Family Advocacy Week. I had the special privilege of meeting 7-year-old Sebastian who — like all of Nemours' patients — shows the world his incredible bravery and strength every single day.

Meeting with AIPAC

We met with AIPAC this week to discuss their priorities for the FY2023 budget, combatting antisemitism, and more. Happy to hear more from them and work together.

In the District

Attending the Puerto Rico Summit

This week we attended the Puerto Rico Summit in Orlando. It was a great opportunity for Boricuas from Florida and Puerto Rico to get together and discuss important matters like the American Rescue Plan, infrastructure, Puerto Rico, education, and other key issues.

Helping Homeless Veterans in Kissimmee

Team Soto was on hand in Kissimmee for an event to help homeless veterans. These veterans made incredible sacrifices to protect our freedom yet face many challenges. We must do all we can to help them find housing, healthcare, and other key resources.

Supporting March for Our Lives

Team Soto was out in support of the March For Our Lives rally in Orlando. We recognize the gun violence epidemic facing our nation and are prepared to do something about it. Last week, I was proud to vote for the Protecting Our Kids Act and a federal red flag bill.

Remembering Our 49 Angels

We attended the sixth remembrance of the Pulse nightclub tragedy at the National Pulse Memorial. We will never forget this terrible tragedy and how our community came together with love and unity to overcome hate.

Honoring Immigrant Heritage Month

June is Immigrant Heritage Month, and we're honoring traditions, cultures, and values that stitch together the fabric of our nation. From immigrant communities to allies eager to learn about their heritage, we want to Celebrate Immigrants in Florida's Ninth Congressional District and beyond.

Celebrating Pride Month

Happy Pride Month! I am happy to celebrate the perseverance of the LGBTQ community this month. As we celebrate 53 years of Pride, let us renew our resolve to fight alongside our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, and loved ones until we finally achieve full equality for all.

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,