The County is embarking on the process of considering the FY 2020-2021 Proposed Budget, and we need to hear from you – our constituents and Miami-Dade's taxpayers – about your priorities and concerns.
Join the first public hearing on the budget, today, Thursday 9/3 at 5:01 pm. You can register via Zoom to participate and submit comments or watch via webcast.
I was outraged to learn about the cyber attacks on Miami-Dade Public Schools as our students began their first week of virtual school this week, and am encouraged the FBI and Secret Service are moving swiftly to investigate. I'm grateful to all the teachers for their resilience and grace as we navigate this situation, and thinking especially of the parents and families who are starting the school year under these difficult circumstances. We'll continue to share any updates as they become available.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions at 305-378-6677 or District8@miamidade.gov.
Yours in community,
Daniella
Proud in pink: We renewed our commitment to fighting cancer with Miami Strides at Monday's Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Monday's BCC Meeting Highlights
Biscayne Bay, South Dade transit, and much more
We had an extremely busy Monday meeting of the Board of County Commissioners! Our discussion continues during today's spill-over meeting (register here). Highlights included:
Crisis in Biscayne Bay: After a long delay, we reviewed and approved the Biscayne Bay Task Force recommendations. While I'm frankly very sad that it took the recent fish kill and other stark signs of the Bay's imminent collapse to spur some of my colleagues to action, I'm encouraged by the steps taken on Monday. And I continue to press as I have for years for other long-delayed reports to be made public – and for us to move from reporting into urgent action to save our Bay.
Police oversight: In a landmark decision for our community, the Board voted to bring back the Independent Civilian Panel for police accountability after years of advocacy. The ICP is a critical first step to creating trust and transparency between law enforcement and the public. The legislation now goes to Mayor Gimenez – who promised to approve it – for his signature into law.
Progress on South Dade transit: The Board approved a $99 million federal grant to develop the South Dade Bus Rapid Transit system. I originally voted with Commissioner Moss to bring rail to the South Dade Transitway but my colleagues approved BRT, and on Monday I joined Commissioner Moss in a supporting a resolution requiring the Mayor to provide details on how BRT will be converted to rail. Today the Board will consider a $360 million contract to begin the design and construction of BRT on the South Dade Transit Way.
Mental Health Matters
September is Suicide Prevention Month
As a social worker I know how critical it is to make mental health resources a priority during this time of crisis. I'm proudly partnering with NAMI Miami and Health Foundation of South Florida to bring a national program for youth, families, and caregivers called Ending the Silence to Miami-Dade.
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health resources, call 2-1-1 for the Switchboard of Miami or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
The SOBEWFF® & FIU Chaplin School Hospitality Industry Relief Fund, created with $5 million in CARES Act funds from Miami-Dade County, provides support to employees of impacted independently owned and operated restaurants, hotel restaurants, bars, and caterers. Learn more and apply.
Hotel employees who have been furloughed or lost their jobs can apply for the Hotel Worker Relief Grant Program, a partnership of Miami-Dade County, Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association, and Miami Dade College. The program will award stipends of up to $1,000 to impacted hotel workers who complete a training workshop. Apply here.
Round two of the Miami-Dade Arts Support (MÁS!) Grants Program, created with $10M in CARES Act funds, supports artists and arts and cultural organizations. Individual artists should apply here; organizations can apply here and must also complete one of six grant workshops prior to applying.