Supporting Central Florida’s Small Businesses

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, we spent time in the district connecting with constituents, small business owners, seniors, students, and more.

It was great to have two successful Coffee with the Congressman events to discuss the needs of small business owners, delivering funding to protect clean water in the area, upgrades to downtown streets, more affordable housing, and improved flood management.

In honor of National Small Business Week, we had the pleasure of touring different small businesses in Poinciana including a local tortilla factory, retail store, spa, and restaurant. They urged us to continue tackling inflation, improving traffic, helping get more employees, and expanding access to capital. We are proud to support the work of local businesses to make Central Florida even better than it is today.

In Orlando, we visited air traffic controllers at Orlando International Airport's TRACON tower. We've delivered over $200 million from the new Infrastructure Law to the airport and are working to secure a new TRACON, expand the south entrance road, and increase air traffic controllers to protect public safety.

I'm proud of our accomplishments this week and look forward to the informative events and meetings we will participate in next week.

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

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In the District

Having Coffee with Constituents and Small Business Owners

We had two great Coffee with the Congressman events this week in St. Cloud and Kissimmee. We discussed the needs of small business owners, delivering funding to protect clean water in the area, upgrades to downtown streets, more affordable housing, and improved flood management.

Touring Small Businesses in Poinciana

Speaking to Air Traffic Controllers at MCO's TRACON Tower

Team Soto toured Orlando International Airport's TRACON tower to talk to air traffic controllers. We’ve delivered over $200 million to our airport from the new Infrastructure Law so far. We’re working to secure a new TRACON, expand the south entrance road, and increase air traffic controllers to protect public safety.

Celebrating New Housing in Downtown Kissimmee

It was an honor to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the brand-new Allen Apartments in Downtown Kissimmee. The first phase of this project will soon bring over 300 much-needed apartments and create hundreds of construction jobs in our area, ultimately boosting our local downtown businesses.

Connecting with Local Seniors

We hosted a tele-town hall focused on issues that affect our local seniors. We heard from constituents about issues that affect them and how we can improve the quality of life in our district. We are protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding commuter rail and bus transit, and building new affordable housing for our seniors.

Missed it? Click here to watch the full tele-town hall

Visiting UCF's Arboretum

We visited the University of Central Florida's arboretum to learn more about how they cultivate, celebrate, and communicate the value of native plants, preserve ecosystems, and protect biodiversity across Central Florida. I am proud to support the work they do for Florida's wildlife.

Paying Tribute to Former Team Soto Member Vivian Rodriguez

I was pleased to be able to pay tribute to Vivian Rodriguez, a former Team Soto member and my dear friend, by naming the meeting room at our Kissimmee office the "Rodriguez Reading Room." Thank you, Vivian, for your service to Central Florida and dedication to our community.

Celebrating Liberty High School Decision Day in Poinciana

Congratulations to the Liberty High School Class of 2023! Their hard work has paid off and they have bright futures ahead. It was an honor to celebrate Decision Day in Poinciana and see how many students are taking advantage of the Osceola Prosper program and the Poinciana Valencia Campus we secured funds to build.

Meeting Local Head Start Students

It was an honor to visit the Taft Head Start Center in Orlando. Here, many children in need are able to benefit from comprehensive education, health, and nutrition services. We are proud to support these programs through our 2023 federal budget and the Farm Bill.

Speaking to Celebration's Boy Scouts Troop 125

It was great to speak to Celebration’s Boys Scouts Troop 125 about the vital role of civics, conservation, and community involvement. Their enthusiasm for STEM education, space, and public service, as well as their cheerful attitude, left me inspired.

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. This week, we were proud to host U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona at UCF.

Important Updates for Central Floridians

Special ACA Enrollment Period

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.

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.

Veterans and their loved ones can stay updated on the effects of the Honoring our PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT.

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 now 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 new policy will save lives.

Insulin is Now No More Than $35/Month for Seniors

Last year, House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This year, millions of seniors will no longer have to ration their insulin because they can’t afford it. Just this week, insulin producer Eli Lilly said they are reducing their price by 70% with a $35 cap.

117th Congress End-of-Session Report

Click here for the full report

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,