State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 1/14/24

Jan 14 2024

State Senator Debbie Mayfield – Mayfield Minute 1/14/24

Good Morning!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950’s until his assassination on April 4, 1968. Dr. King’s birthday, January 15th, was approved as a federal holiday in 1983 during President Ronald Reagan’s first term in office and the first celebration took placethree years later in 1986. By 2000, all 50 states recognized Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a state holiday to be observed on the third Monday in January.

According to the National Constitution Center, the holiday serves multiple purposes. It honors the comprehensive and historical legacy of Dr. King commemorating his passion for civil rights, nonviolent advocacy to promote change, and as an inspiration for individuals of all ages to participate in public and civic service.

Dr. King was the driving force behind landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his non-violent struggle for civil rights on behalf of the African-American population.

Dr. King will forever be remembered and honored as one of our nation’s most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement. To view the the transcript of his iconic, “I Have a Dream” speech, click here.

Please also see in Upcoming Events below for local celebrations taking place in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

I consider it a great honor to represent District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can sign up for the Mayfield Minute.

If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are here to serve you!

Opening Day Legislative Session 2024

Last week the 2024 Legislative Session officially began with the “State of the State” by Governor DeSantis in a joint session in the House Chambers followed by opening remarks by Senate President Passidomo and Speaker Renner in their respective chambers.

Governor DeSantis’ remarks highlighted Florida’s top national rankings and included his foundational principles which continue to make our state a national leader:

· Facts over fear

· Education over indoctrination

· Law and order over rioting and disorder

· Fiscal responsibility over debt

He underscored the state’s success in limiting government, prioritizing parental rights and school choice, workforce readiness and low unemployment, storm preparedness and recovery, continued efforts to lower tax burdens, and ongoing protection and investment in the environment.

Please see the Statewide Update below for the full text of Governor DeSantis’ 2024 “State of the State” address.

In President Passidomo’s opening remarks, she expanded upon the successes of the Live Local legislation passed last year with two new initiatives, Live Healthy and Learn Local. Live Healthy addresses healthcare workforce shortages, training and retention, access to preventative healthcare, and the affordability of services through technological innovation, and other measures.

Learn Local aims to limit stifling regulations and burdensome bureaucracy on public schools while maintaining high academic standards and increasing school safety.

Please see the Senate Update below for the full text of President Passidomo’s 2024 Opening Day remarks.

In Speaker Renner’s opening remarks he highlighted 2023 successes such as protecting constitutional rights for self-defense, cracking down on unchecked litigation, affordable housing, property insurance reforms, and numerous measures to protect children’s educational freedom access to academic success, and safe learning environments. To view Speaker Renner’s remarks, click here.

Statewide Update

Governor DeSantis 2024 “State of the State” Address

Last week, Governor DeSantis delivered his annual “State of the State” address before the Florida Senate and House of Representatives emphasizing Florida’s superiority in comparison to ‘failing states’ such as California and New York.

He highlighted his policies that are driving individuals and families from those states to Florida in record numbers of in migration.

“My message is simple: Stay the course. The state of our state is strong. Let’s keep doing what works. Let’s continue to make Florida the envy of the nation,” said Governor DeSantis.

To view a full transcript of the address, click here.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Announces 2023 Accomplishments

“From innovative projects to complicated investigations to new training and responding to emergencies, our members accomplished a lot last year. I am so proud of all our accomplishments and thank each member for their hard work and dedication to public safety,” said FDLE Commissioner Glass.

Some highlights include:

The Southern Border

Operation Lone Star: FDLE members remain deployed assisting Texas law enforcement agencies investigating violent criminal activity along the border associated with human trafficking, illegal passage, and drug and weapons smuggling.
Operation Vigilant Sentry: FDLE is coordinating Florida’s law enforcement response in the Florida Keys including the provision of aviation assets to assist with surveillance.
Highway Interdictions: FDLE, along with FHP, continued monthly criminal interdictions along Florida highways to prevent and apprehend those committing drug trafficking, human smuggling, and organized crime.

Combating Drug Trafficking

FDLE, along with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, participated in Operation Unified Front in Brevard County. The multi-agency investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 17 pounds of Fentanyl, 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 55 pounds of cocaine.

Securing Florida Elections

Inspectors have reviewed hundreds of election crime allegations and investigated dozens of cases resulting in willful certification of false or incomplete campaign treasurer’s reports and campaign expenditures, incidents of individuals casting more than one ballot, officials charged with money laundering, unlawful compensation for bribery, criminal conspiracy, and other financial crimes intended to impact elections.

To learn more about the entirety of FDLE’s accomplishments and responsibilities in keeping Florida’s residents, visitors, and businesses safe, click here.

Governor DeSantis Awards $10 Million for Innovative Technologies Grants to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms

According to an announcement by Governor DeSantis last week, approximately $10 million in funding for 10 projects will be awarded for innovative technologies to combat harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae.

“Florida’s beaches and waterways play a large role in our state’s economy, and it is important to continue making investments that protect them from harmful algal blooms,” said Governor DeSantis. “These technologies will help improve the state’s ability to combat harmful algal blooms and protect the livelihoods of Floridians who depend on Florida’s beaches and waterways to make a living.”

The recent announcement follows the Governor’s 2024-2025 budget proposal which included an additional $10 million for the Innovative Technology Grant Program.

Senate Update

The 2024 Florida Legislative Session Opening Week

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo also addressed the Florida Senate on opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session. Having served in the Senate since 2016 and entering her last year as President of the Florida Senate, President Passidomo reflected on successes in affordable housing, expansion of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and the state’s thriving economy, while also outlining her 2024 goals for education and health care initiatives.

To view a full transcript of the address, click here.

Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy

Live Healthy Legislative Package Moves to Senate Floor: The Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy passed the Live Healthy legislative package with unanimous support. The legislation addresses key shortages in Florida’s health care workforce and stimulates innovation in health care and critical investments to increase patient affordability, accessibility, and efficiency.

Senate Bill 7016, presented by Senator Colleen Burton, seeks to enhance Florida’s healthcare workforce by addressing key shortages of physicians, nurses, technicians, and other health care professionals through education, training, and worker retention initiatives. SB 7016 addresses the health care needs of Florida’s lifetime residents and the growing population by increasing the number of residency spots available at Florida hospitals and by incentivizing Florida-trained physicians to practice in the state.

SB 7016 emphasizes the demand for health care workers to continue serving in areas of critical need: mental health, labor and delivery, and Floridians with disabilities.

Further, SB 7016 removes outdated and burdensome regulations, streamlines certification processes, and maintains accountability standards to ensure the highest levels of care.

Senate Bill 7018, presented by Senator Gayle Harrell, funds strategic investments in health care innovation through a revolving loan program. SB 7018 facilitates and stimulates private sector innovation in technology and the delivery of more efficient health care services to improve patient outcomes.

SB 7018 also establishes a Health Care Innovation Council convening experts from across the state to examine solutions to health care delivery challenges.

The Live Healthy legislative package has advanced to the Senate Floor.

Measure Supporting Neighborhood Public Schools Passes the Florida Senate: The Florida Senate passed a critical education deregulation package that empowers public schools to deliver an educational experience to fit the needs of their local community.

Senate Bill 7000, presented by Senator Alexis Calatayud, enhances the authority of local school districts to recruit and retain the very best teachers, to set salaries for instructional personnel, and to offer multiyear contracts.

SB 7000 empowers teachers in collective bargaining negotiations and emphasizes teacher recruitment through expanded eligibility for the teacher apprentice program.

Senate Bill 7002, presented by Senator Travis Hutson, removes burdensome administrative guidelines on local school districts and provides flexibility to schools regarding communications, finances, construction, and administration while maintaining strict accountability, transparency, and safety standards.

Senate Bill 7004, presented by Senator Corey Simon, enhances progress monitoring processes to allow for early intervention. SB 7004 also reduces high-stakes testing and revises graduation requirements, and ensures that students will be evaluated in a more holistic, thorough, and commonsense manner.

This Learn Local legislative package has advanced to the Florida House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability

Senator Jason Brodeur presented Senate Bill 66 in the Senate Committee on Government Oversight and Accountability where it passed with unanimous support. SB 66 establishes “Victoria’s Law” and seeks to raise awareness for life saving medical treatments for opioid overdose and the dangers posed by opioid addiction.

The opioid overdose awareness legislation has advanced to the Senate Floor.

Constituent of the Week

Ms. Catherine Esrock

Our Constituent of the Week is Ms. Catherine Esrock.

Ms. Esrock was recently named Executive Director of the Brevard Cultural Alliance (BCA) after serving as the Public Program Manager at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. She is the former Education and Curriculum Manager for Kennedy Space Center, and previously served as the former Interpretation Communications and Development Associate with the Dr. Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute.

Ms. Esrock brings a wealth of experience, a passion for the arts, and a proven commitment to accessibility and cultural institutions. She is intently focused on generating relationships in the community, and ensuring residents, visitors, and guests are aware of the BCA’s mission and the organization’s contributions throughout the County.

Ms. Esrock is active in many local, statewide, and national organizations, giving of her time and service, to the American Alliance of Museums, Florida Association of Museums, Junior League of South Brevard, the Museum Studies Students Association, the Museum Association of Waco, and the National Charity League.

“I am honored to join the Brevard Cultural Alliance and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of this community,” said Catherine Esrock. “I am excited to work collaboratively with the board, staff, and the community to enhance and promote the arts in Brevard County.”

She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders degree from Baylor University and a Master’s of Arts degree in Museum Studies with a focus on management from George Washington University.

Ms. Esrock is originally from Waco, Texas and moved to Indialantic in 2019 to be closer to family. In 2020, she and her husband husband, an engineer with L3 Harris, moved to Viera with their two dogs and they plan to make Florida their forever home.

Congratulations Ms. Esrock on your new leadership position with BCA. We wish you great success!

For more information about the Brevard Cultural Alliance, click here.

District Highlights

Brevard Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic Announces Scholarship Opportunity

Brevard County’s Supervisor of Elections (SOE) Tim Bobanic recently announced the 2024 Florida Supervisors of Election’s (FSE) Scholarship. Applications are due by Friday, March 8th at 5:00 p.m. and will be accepted at the SOE offices in Titusville, Viera, Melbourne, and Palm Bay.

The FSE Scholarship Committee will select three winners statewide to receive $1,200 scholarships.

Applicant requirements:

Must be a least a junior in college majoring in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Journalism/Mass Communication
Must attend a Florida university or college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and maintain a “C” average or above
Must be a registered Florida voters and have lived in Florida for at least the preceding two years

To obtain a copy of the FSE Scholarship application and guidelines, click here.

For additional information, please contact Alexis Jones, Outreach Coordinator, by email here or at 321-290-VOTE (8683).

Now Hiring! Palm Bay Fire Rescue Accepting Applications for Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics

Palm Bay Fire Rescue (PBFR), which handles over 19,000 calls annually, is hiring for Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics. The City of Palm Bay’s population is well over 120,000, making them the most populous city in Brevard County and largest in terms of land acreage.

PBFR Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics respond to an extensive amount of calls to conduct fire-rescues, perform life and property saving fire protection, and immediately treat patients and victims prior to hospital transport.

PBFR maintains a high standard of training and continuing education for employees, encourages continual community engagement, and supports employees seeking leadership opportunities.

If you are interested in a first responder career with Palm Bay Fire Rescue, click here.

Upcoming Events

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations

Melbourne: A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration will take place on Monday, January 15th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Joseph N. Davis Community (2547 Grant Street) in Melbourne. Event activities include a performance by the Move your Body Soul Steppers at 2:00 p.m. and Police Athletic League basketball games throughout the afternoon. The event and all activities are free of charge in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. For more information, call 321-608-7460.

Vero Beach: A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Birthday Committee of Indian River County will host the annual parade on Monday, January 15th at 10:00 a.m. beginning at Gifford Middle School (4530 28th Court). The annual parade tradition began in 1985 and traditionally features local first responders, students, church, and community members, and serves as an opportunity to raise scholarship funds for local high school students. For more information, call 772-360-8877.

“Touch A Truck” Kids Event

On Saturday, January 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the City of Melbourne will be holding a “Touch A Truck” event at the Melbourne Auditorium (625 East Hibiscus Blvd.) The event is free of charge and is a safe and unique opportunity for children of all ages who are fascinated by all kinds of cars, trucks, and emergency vehicles. Participants will be able to explore the vehicles inside and out and ride through an obstacle course. For more information, call 321-608-7420.

Pelican Island Audubon Society

“Transforming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future” Conference

The 5th annual Transforming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future Conference hosted by Pelican Island Audubon Society of Indian River County will take place on Saturday, January 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Emerson Center (1590 27th Avenue) in Vero Beach.

Conference topics include keeping water clean, preserving the unique Florida habitat in Indian River County, pollution reduction, the importance of native plants, and more environmental matters of interest.

Registration in advance is $25.00 and day of registration is $35.00. All attendees will receive a box lunch.

To view the schedule, biographies of the speakers, and register, click here.

The United Way of Indian River County Announces Free Tax Preparation Assistance

The United Way of Indian River County, in partnership with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, will provide free tax preparation and e-filing services to eligible residents whose annual household income is $64,000 or less.

The services are particularly helpful for elderly, disabled, hard-working families, and first-time filers as the IRS trained and certified volunteers assist with often overlooked or unknown tax credits that may be available.

Last year, the United Way IRC and VITA volunteers completed 1,550 complimentary returns with an average household refund of $776.

Appointments are required and will be available at five locations throughout the county: Vero Beach (2 locations), Fellsmere (2 locations), and Sebastian (1 location). To view site addresses, hours, and to schedule an appointment, visit UnitedWayIRC.org/taxes or call (772) 203-5766.

Be prepared to bring the following documents:

Valid photo ID, social security card (or your Individual Tax Identification Number) for all individuals listed on the tax return
A copy of your 2022 tax return is already filed
Additional documents may be necessary to expedite your appointment. For a full list, click here