Dear Alexander,

This week, I traveled to Tallahassee to meet with state leaders, labor advocates, and students and discuss key issues like healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety. We addressed President Trump's tariffs, the state budget and voting rights, and pushed back against nearly $5 billion in proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts. We also discussed major transportation projects, including I-4, the turnpike, Poinciana Parkway, and the SunRail/Brightline expansions. Additionally, I met with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson to discuss the Farm Bill, disaster aid, tariffs, and energy efficiency programs. Finally, I joined House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, other representatives, and Florida State University students to stand against gun violence and demand action.

In the district, we joined the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for a tour of Split Oak. This unique park is crucial for conservation, recreation, and habitat preservation. We saw THE split oak, rare birds, gators, a fox squirrel, and more. Sadly, the park is under threat, but we will do everything we can to protect it.

We also toured the University of Central Florida and gained a deeper understanding of their space research efforts. It was great to meet with President Cartwright, tour the Hyperspace Lab with Dr. Ahmed and get updates on their progress on detonation propulsion. The space industry is critical to growth in Central Florida, and UCF is continuing this innovation.

Lastly, we met with our Hispanic Advisory Board to discuss issues affecting the Hispanic community, particularly changes to Temporary Protected Status and parole, the wrongful deportations by the Trump Administration, and two new anti-immigration laws in Florida.

I'm proud and optimistic about our efforts this week and look forward to going back to Washington, D.C., next week to fight for our Central Florida community.

Poll of the Week

Do you support efforts to end gun violence?

Yes

Holding President Trump Accountable

This week, President Trump’s tariffs, mass firings, aggressive deportations, and divisive rhetoric continued to drag down our economy. Rather than reverse these disastrous policies, he’s playing the blame game—making what could be the most avoidable recession in our lifetime increasingly likely. Already, President Trump has lowest approval rating, just 44%, after his first 100 days in office in the 21st Century, due to his terrible economy policies.

Additionally, the FBI arrested Judge Hannah Dugan, a sitting federal judge. This isn’t just unprecedented; it’s authoritarian. The Trump Administration's recent attempts to arrest federal judges echo the tactics of third-world dictators. Each day, his team grows more desperate and the courts will surely reject these illegal actions.

Legal Challenge Tracker

SPECIAL EDITION: In Tallahassee

Meeting with State Senators

This week, I went to Tallahassee to meet with state senators, transportation and agriculture officials, labor leaders, and student advocates. We discussed President Trump’s tariffs, the state budget, voting rights, and opposing nearly $5 billion in proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts to Florida. We also attended the Fire Service Awards. Congrats to Osceola firefighter Bert Vergara for winning Professional Firefighter of the Year.

Discussing Transportation and Agriculture

We met with Florida Department of Transportation Commissioner Jared Perdue to discuss I-4, the turnpike, and Poinciana Parkway and SunRail/Brightline expansions. We also met with Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson to discuss the Farm Bill, disaster block grants, tariffs, and home resiliency/energy efficiency appliance programs.

Standing Up Against Gun Violence and Protecting Social Security

Finally, we joined House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, other state reps, and Florida State University students to stand up against recent gun violence. We also discussed the state budget, local water projects, and opposing nearly $5 billion in proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. We concluded the day with our Florida AFL-CIO brothers and sisters, discussing the importance of defending Social Security, Medicare, collective bargaining, and the rights of probationary employees.

In the District

Touring Split Oak Park

We joined the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Committee to tour Split Oak. This unique park is critical for conservation, recreation, and habitat. We saw THE split oak, rare birds, gators, a fox squirrel, and more. Sadly, the park is under threat, but we will do everything we can to protect it.

Visiting Cameron Preserves Affordable Housing for our Lower Costs Day of Action

President Trump’s tariffs and cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development are raising housing costs in Central Florida. We joined Commissioner Cheryl Grieb in visiting Cameron Preserve, an affordable housing development in Osceola County, for our House Democrats' Day of Action to discuss housing costs.

Visiting UCF Hyperspace Facility

We toured the University of Central Florida and gained a deeper understanding of their space research initiatives. It was great to meet with President Cartwright, tour the Hyperspace Lab with Dr. Ahmed and get updates on their progress on detonation propulsion. The space industry is critical to growth in Central Florida and UCF is continuing this innovation.

Visiting Poinciana High School Business Academy

We visited the Poinciana High School Business Academy to hear small business proposals from students and learn more about their recent participation in the NFTE competition, which helps students explore their entrepreneurial skills. We secured $953,000 in federal community project funds to support entrepreneurial programs for Osceola Public Schools. It was an honor to receive an award for our collaborations.

Attending the NUC University School of Nursing Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

It was an honor to attend the NUC University School of Nursing ribbon-cutting ceremony. This school will allow for the training of much-needed nurses and healthcare staff in our community. We did a letter of support to help make this program a reality. I look forward to seeing their growth and success.

Discussing ESE Program and Education Cuts

We met with concerned parents in Osceola County about the future of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs amid budget cuts. The recent $1 billion cut to U.S. Department of Education funding further exacerbates the situation, particularly affecting low-income and disabled students. Parents are calling for transparency, inclusion in decision-making, and a commitment to uphold the rights and resources their children depend on.

Meeting with our Hispanic Advisory Board

We met with our Hispanic Advisory Board to discuss issues affecting the Hispanic community, particularly changes to TPS and parole, the wrongful deportations by the Trump Administration, and two new anti-immigration laws in Florida.

Team Soto in the Community

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.

118th Congress End of Term Report

Click here for the full report

Important Updates for Central Floridians

Team Soto Office Hours

Team Soto is here to help! We are holding weekly office hours at the Poinciana Branch Library, this week on it will be on Monday 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.

MySSA Login Changes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is officially transitioning away from its legacy login system. SSA will require anyone signing in with legacy credentials to migrate to Login.gov before accessing their mySSA account. Users will see an option to sign in with an existing Login.gov or ID.me account.

Click here for more information

PACT Act Resources for Veterans

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.

Emergency Mental Health Care for Veterans

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.

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,