Protecting Central Florida

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, I was proud to have voted YES on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to support higher investment in violence prevention and mental health care services. This — along with bills like the Protect Our Kids Act — is part of our plan to help keep Central Florida families safe.

Congress also passed the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, which invests in Americans to provide the support and funding they need to thrive. Over 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or health disorder in their lifetime. It is during difficult times like this that we need to focus on supporting the mental health and well-being of all Americans for the future of our nation.

Team Soto also celebrated Caribbean Heritage Month! In June, we take the time to recognize the wonderful leaders of Caribbean descent who make Central Florida and our nation a better place.

This week also marked the anniversary of two incredible pieces of legislation: the GI Bill and Title IX. Since 1944, the GI Bill has changed the lives of millions of veterans by providing them with a faithful opportunity to make it. We also honored the 50th anniversary of Title IX and remembered the incredible women who fought endlessly to advance a brighter and better tomorrow for future generations of fighters.

On days like today, it is vital to remember why we fight. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court, women were set back 50 years and relegated to second-class citizens in America. It is now more important than ever to empower women from all over the nation to use their voices to fight for their right to choose.

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

Poll of the Week

Do you believe Congress needs to invest more in mental health care programs for Americans?

Yes

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In Washington, D.C.

Passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

I proudly voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which will provide protections for victims of domestic abuse, invest in mental health services, and more. This is a revolutionary piece of legislation that highlights the importance of investing in violence prevention for the overall betterment of our community.

Supporting the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act

On Wednesday, we passed the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, which includes aid for adult suicide prevention services and treatment for those with serious mental illnesses. It's time to get people the mental health care they need and remove barriers to care.

Supporting President Biden's Three-Month Gas Tax Holiday

We are happy that President Biden proposed a three-month gas tax holiday. Gas is still far too high and we must continue to act to provide relief to America’s families. This will help Central Florida commuters and tourists who plan to drive to Orlando this summer.

Attending the Future Forum March for Our Lives Presentation

The Future Forum Caucus was proud to host March for Our Lives for a presentation and discussion about their efforts to create a future free from gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for young Americans, and it’s time for Congress to take action.

Celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month

I had a great time celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month with Team Soto. As a Caribbean American, I know the importance of our heritage and culture. That is why I fight for all our Caribbean families in Central Florida and led efforts to gather over $600 million in security and economic funding for the region.

Meeting with Osceola School Distict Board Member

It was a pleasure meeting with Osceola School Board Member Julius Melendez. Ensuring every Osceola County student has access to top-class education that prepares them for a bright future continues to be my priority.

Meeting with the ALS Association

During a meeting with the ALS Association, I got to hear from Diane and Gary about how ALS upended their lives and the vital role access to telehealth has played in their journey. We must continue to advocate for people affected by ALS and their families.

In the District

Celebrating Juneteenth in Kissimmee and Haines City

I was thrilled to celebrate Juneteenth in Kissimmee and Haines City over the weekend. This holiday’s long-awaited federal recognition serves as a reminder to uplift the voices of Black leaders and progress towards a better future.

Speaking at the AFGE National Convention

It was great to speak to members of AFGE National for their 42nd convention in Orlando. AFGE does incredible work from caring for veterans and ensuring social security benefits for seniors, to protecting public travel, collecting revenue, and keeping prisons safe. We are so incredibly thankful for their service to our constituents.

Requesting $750,000 for a Pedestrian Trail Expansion

We are requesting $750,000 for the City of Winter Haven to foment recreation. This incredible project would build pedestrian sidewalks to connect neighborhoods along the southwest shore of Lake Howard to the South Lake Howard Nature Park and to the city’s existing network of trails.

Requesting $1 Million to Revitalize Historic Downtown Lake Wales

We are requesting $1 million for street restoration in downtown Lake Wales' 1st Street. This project would revitalize 1st Street which is a critical connector, unifying the northwest neighborhood and Historic Downtown Lake Wales.

Requesting $750,000 for Lake Alfred Firetruck

We are requesting $750,000 to replace an aging fire truck in Lake Alfred. The new truck will be updated with more dependable equipment that will decrease the time spent on maintenance and allow firefighters to focus on responding to crises quickly.

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,