Standing with Central Florida students

Dear friends and neighbors,

This week, I had the honor and privilege of hosting Secretary Miguel Cardona from the U.S. Department of Education in the district as we paid a visit to a local Osceola County public school, Ventura Elementary, to discuss the impact of American Rescue Plan funds on the return to in-person learning.

On Transgender Day of Visibility, Secretary Cardona and I visited the LGBT+ Center of Kissimmee and Orlando to hear firsthand the effects of harmful legislation targeting LGBTQ+ students and families in Florida. In these turbulent times, LGBTQ+ students need advocates, and we will continue to collaborate with the Biden-Harris Administration to affirm and amplify their needs.

In Washington, D.C., President Joe Biden announced his budget for the 2023 fiscal year, upholding his Unity Agenda and promise to Build a Better America. President Biden’s budget provides historic investments to enhance our national security, secure affordable higher education, protect our communities, cut costs for working families, and much more.

Upon returning to Capitol Hill, we immediately got to work to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act — legislation designed to cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for the millions of Americans with diabetes who rely on the lifesaving drug. There is no reason Americans should choose between paying for medication or paying their bills. I hope the Senate acts to ensure they will not have to.

The House of Representatives also voted to pass the MORE Act for long-overdue criminal justice reform and the legalization of marijuana at the federal level. Failed drug policies and cannabis criminalization have disproportionately affected communities of color, and House Democrats are proud to have done our part to correct this egregious error while opening our nation to new and exciting economic opportunities.

As we continue facing COVID-19, please remember that the best way to keep you and your family safe is to get vaccinated and get tested. Households are now able to order four free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The helpline to assist those unable to navigate the website can be reached at 800-232-0233.

The Biden-Harris Administration has also committed to sending N95 masks to local health centers across the country.

If you haven't already, please get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect yourself, your family, and your community. COVID-19 vaccines are available to all Americans at no cost, regardless of their health insurance or immigration status. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and to find an appointment near you, please visit vaccines.gov.

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In the District

Hosting Secretary Cardona in Central Florida

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited our Osceola Schools and heard firsthand from teachers, students, and local leaders about the importance of American Rescue Plan funds to get our students back on track.

Visiting the LGBT+ Center of Orlando

Team Soto would also like to graciously thank Secretary Cardona for visiting the LGBT+ Center in Orlando to hear firsthand how the "Don’t Say Gay" Law is hurting Central Florida families and their children.

Standing With Our Ukranian Friends

We stood in solidarity with the Central Florida Ukrainian community against this vicious and unprovoked attack by Russia. Proud to support over $15 billion in training and arms, humanitarian aid, and TPS for Ukraine.

In Washington D.C.

Protecting Florida's Environment

I was proud to bring home $300 million from the American Rescue Plan to support wildlife corridors. Florida announced projects around our district such as the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem and the Todd Clemons Ranch. This will protect habitat, water supply, and recreation.

Voting for the Affordable Insulin Now Act

This week, I voted to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act to cap the cost of insulin at no more than $35 a month. Millions of Americans living with diabetes rely on insulin, and none of them should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication or affording their bills.

Working to Decriminalize Marijuana

I am proud to support the MORE Act to expunge the records of those harmed by failed drug policies and cannabis criminalization. When it comes to important criminal justice reform which will open doors for economic opportunity.

Updating Our Water Pipes

We have a duty in Congress to provide clean water for every American. My personal test is pretty simple: if it's not fit for my family, it's not fit for any family in District 9. It's time to upgrade our antiquated water pipes. Together, we can get this done for America.

Standing With Our Postal Service Workers

During COVID-19, we were reminded of how important the USPS is to Central Floridians. I was honored to meet with Postal Services Supervisor Kirk Malcolm of Oak Street Post Office in Kissimmee to discuss critical bills to improve postal services, support postal workers, and protect clean air.

Building Orlando International Airport Back Better

I was proud to join Representative Val Demings and Representative Stephanie Murphy to request key upgrades to the Orlando International Airport air traffic control facilities. Funding from the new Build Back Better Infrastructure Law should be used to keep travelers and employees safe and boost our local tourism economy.

NEW: Homeowner Assistance Fund

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has announced the opening of the federally funded Homeowner Assistance Fund to provide assistance to homeowners for mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and displacements, as well as loss of utilities, home energy services, and insurance.

Eligible homeowners must:

Have experienced financial hardship after, or that continued after, January 21, 2020
Meet income qualifications
Be a homeowner and be requesting assistance for your primary residence

Established under Section 3206 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, HAF provides $676,102,379 in financial assistance to the state of Florida through the United States Department of the Treasury. DEO has been designated to manage and operate HAF on behalf of the state of Florida. Financial assistance will be provided based on the needs of homeowners in Florida.

Click here to register

COVID-19 Testing in the District

It is incredibly important that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 gets tested. Tests in Osceola, Polk, and Orange county are free of charge.

In Polk County, testing is provided at the following location:

Auburndale Testing Center - 245 E Lake Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Appointments are REQUIRED. To schedule an appointment please call (863) 519-7911

In Osceola County, testing is provided by appointment only at these locations.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in the District

All Floridians five years of age and older are eligible to pre-register for a vaccine appointment NOW. After registration, individuals will be notified when appointments become available in their area.

Please visit this website to monitor updates provided by the state and do your part to end this pandemic and return to prosperity!

Pre-register here

If you live in Orange County, please continue to use their website.

In Polk County, The Florida Department of Health is providing COVID-19 vaccines to those wanting one from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Mondays - Lakeland Health Department, 3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland
Wednesdays - Auburndale Testing location, 245 E. Lake Ave. in Auburndale
Fridays - Haines City Health Department, 1700 Baker Ave. E. in Haines City

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

Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccinations and Community Vaccination Sites

Many local pharmacies and community sites are offering the COVID-19 vaccine. As we receive more information, we will update our list to ensure that everyone has access to these vaccination opportunities. At the moment, vaccinations are available at:

Publix

ALL Publix locations will be offering the COVID-19 vaccine
To register, please click here

CVS

To register, please click here

Walmart

Supercenter 1086, located at 4400 13th Street, Saint Cloud, FL 34769
Supercenter 817, located at 4444 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Supercenter 725, located at 36205 US Highway 27, Haines City, FL 33844
Supercenter 859, located at 2000 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33898
Supercenter 3347, located at 7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Supercenter 5420, located at 3250 Vineland Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Neighborhood Market 5846, located at 3183 West Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Neighborhood Market 5265, located at 2125 Nolte Road, Saint Cloud, FL 34772
Neighborhood Market 4159, located at 2850 E Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34743
To register, please click here

Sam’s Club

Sam's 4782, located at 4763 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746
To determine eligibility and register, please click here

Winn-Dixie

To register, please click here

Central Florida Health Care

Call 866-234-8534 to be connected to a convenient site

FDOH Orange County - Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care

Located at 1267 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Individuals can schedule an appointment here or by calling 407-569-0220

Centro Cristiano Dios De Pactos Church

Located at 1130 Simmons Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Vaccinations provided by appointment only
Individuals can pre-register here

Orlando VA Healthcare System at Lake Nona*

Located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
Appointments and walk-ins are available

Orlando VA Healthcare System at Lake Baldwin*

Located at 5201 Raymond Street, Orlando, FL 32803

*To schedule an appointment, call (407)631-0499

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.

Summer 2022 Internships

Congressional Art Competition

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.

**NEW** 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.

The Florida Department of Children and Families has launched the OUR Florida rental assistance program to provide rental and utility assistance to families in need. To verify eligibility and apply, please click here or call (833)493-0594 from 7 a.m. — 6 p.m. EST.

If you need help with utilities, please click here to access information from the United Way.

Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

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.

Special Open Enrollment Period

IRS Taxpayer Experience Days

Affordable Connectivity Program

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.

“We’ve Opened Safely” Program

Osceola County is working to promote safety and consumer confidence as businesses start to re-open in our district. The county is also allocating funding towards an emergency grant program for locally owned and independently operated small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic. Click here for more information.

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Cost Reimbursement

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. For further information, please click here.

Fraud Alert: FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and will not contact people prior to them registering for assistance.

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,