US Senator Marco Rubio Newsletter 03/28/24

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THIS WEEK IN THE OFFICE OF SENATOR MARCO RUBIO
March 25-29, 2024

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Rubio on Air
  • Senator Rubio joined Fox and Friends to discuss the ISIS terror attack in Russia and suspected terrorists crossing into the U.S. through our southern border.
  • Senator Rubio joined ABC’s This Week to discuss the threat of terrorism at the U.S. southern border, ISIS’s attack in Russia, and anti-Israel sentiment among Democrats. 
  • Senator Rubio joined NBC 6 to discuss the plight of the working class, Americans trapped in Haiti, and the protests in Cuba. 
Letters
  • Senator Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to help Haitian orphans who have been adopted by American citizens. 
  • Senator Rubio sent a letter calling for an investigation into Planned Parenthood after documents exposed the organization for providing tissue from aborted fetuses to the University of California at San Diego. 
In the News

“Rubio Calls for DOJ to Investigate Planned Parenthood’s Handling of Aborted Baby Tissue” (The Daily Signal, 3/26/2024) 

“Sen. Rubio Wants Federal Probe of Planned Parenthood” (Newsmax, 3/26/2024)

“Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida has proposed sharply boosting tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports by $20,000 per vehicle to stop the country ‘from flooding U.S. auto markets.’” (Why a small China-made EV has global auto execs and politicians on edge,NBC News, 3/26/2024)

“Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) led a bicameral effort requesting that President Biden respond and designate the vicious Tren de Aragua a Transnational Criminal Organization.” (Venezuela’s coming electoral farce could double its emigration to the US, The Hill, 3/23.2024)

“Rubio warns ISIS-K revival could use US border to launch future attack” (Washington Examiner, 3/25/2024)

“Marco Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida, wondered if the ruling was ‘being done to sort of mock both gun laws and also the whole…understanding of the value of being a citizen of the United States’.” (Do undocumented immigrants have the right to own guns?, The Economist, 3/27/2024)

Keep up with Senator Rubio on Facebook , Twitter ,and Instagram.

State Senator Debbie Mayfield Mayfield Minute 03/24/24

Good Morning!

 Brevard and Indian River County students and teachers will be on Spring Break from Monday, March 25th thru Friday, March 29th. For all families traveling over the next week, I wish you a very safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Spring Break. I want to take a moment to thank the teachers and staff who support and guide our students everyday toward a successful future!

Over the past week, Governor DeSantis received 31 bills passed by the Florida Senate and House of Representatives. He has signed 25 of the bills into law. For links to the signed bills, please see the ‘Bill Action” section below.

One of the most significant actions by Governor Desantis this week was the signage of the ‘Live Healthy’ Act championed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. The bill is described by many experts and the Governor himself as a ‘game changer’ for Florida residents regarding healthcare. The ‘Live Healthy’ legislation reinforces and expands Florida’s healthcare workforce, broadens access to quality care in rural areas, and advances innovation and technology in healthcare services.

Governor DeSantis signed into law CS/CS/SB 224, the Citizens Volunteer Advisory Committee bill. I want to thank Dr. Duane DeFreese for his critical support of this important legislation.

Our Governor is also intently monitoring the crisis in Haiti as ruthless gangs have overthrown the Haitian government. The DeSantis administration has been diligent in rescuing American citizens via State chartered flights from the violence and destruction occurring on the island. Additionally, Governor DeSantis has directed more than 250 additional law enforcement officers, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida State Guard to to support the United States Coast Guard in interdiction efforts to prepare and protect our state from any potential influx of illegal immigrants.

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 throughout the completion of my term.

 

Bill Action by Governor DeSantis

Since the close of the 2024 Legislation Session, 48 bills have been sent to Governor DeSantis, He has signed 40 into law, vetoed two bills, and six remain pending his action.

Upon receipt of a bill, the Governor has seven days to sign, veto, or take no action at which point the bill will automatically become law.

Bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include:

  • CS/CS/SB 224 – Citizen Volunteer Advisory Committees
  • CS/CS/HB 1365 – Unauthorized Public Camping and Public Sleeping
  • CS/SB 330 – Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals
  • CS/SB 7016 – Health Care
  • SB 322 – Public Records and Meetings
  • SB 7018 – Health Care Innovation
  • CS/CS/SB 1758 – Individuals with Disabilities
  • CS/SB 1746 – Public Employees
  • CS/SB 474 – Public Records
  • SB 818 – Military Leave
  • CS/SB 1526 – Local Regulation of Nonconforming and Unsafe Structures
  • CS/SB 7006 – OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by Local Government
  • SB 1720 – Marine Encroachment on Military Operations
  • SB 1512 – Controlled Substances
  • CS/HB 1415 – Peer Support for First Responders
  • CS/CS/HB 1113 – Use of Lights and Sirens on Emergency Vehicles
  • CS/HB 715 – Pub.Rec./Problem-solving Court Participant Records
  • HB 533 – DNA Samples from Inmates
  • CS/HB 463 – Lights Displayed on Fire Department Vehicles
  • HB 377 – License or Permit to Operate a Vehicle for Hire 
  • CS/CS/HB 179 – Towing and Storage
  • HB 83 – Trust Funds/Re-creation/State-Operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund/DOC
  • CS/CS/HB 49 – Employment
  • CS/HB 487 – Lost and Abandoned Property 
  • CS/HB 865 – Youth Athletic Activities
  • CS/HB1551 – Florida State Guard
  • HB 5201 – Trust Funds/Federal Law Enforcement Trust Fund/FGCC
  • HB 7001 – OGSR/Reporter of Child Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect
  • CS/HB 7003 – OGSR/Preregistered Voters
  • HB 7005 – OGSR/Financial Disclosure
  • HB 7007 – OGSR/Campus Emergency Response

Bills received and pending consideration include:

  • SB 522 – Tallahassee Community College
  • CS/SB 7006 – OGSR/Utility Owned or Operated by Local Government
  • CS/HB 801 – Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Training for Law Enforcement Officers
  • CS/CS/HB 621 – Possession of Real Property 
  • CS/HB 583 – Individual Wine Containers
  • CS/CS/HB 3 – Online Protections for Minors

If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can reach out to the Governor’s office directly here or please contact my office at 321-409-2025.

Funding for Local Projects Requested

In my last year representing District 19 in the Florida Senate, I am pleased to share with you that I have requested over $42.1 million for local funding projects. The line items below remain subject to the Governor’s consideration.

If you have an interest in any of the appropriations below, now is the time to reach out with your message of support to Governor DeSantis:

  • Send your email directly to the Governor’s office here.
  • Mail your letter to the Governor’s Office: State of Florida / Executive Office of the Governor / The Capitol / 400 S. Monroe Street / Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

If you require any assistance with these appropriations items or information on how to send your message, please reach out to my office at 321-409-2025.

Agriculture, Environment, and General Government:

  • Brevard County Port St. John Regional Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase Two: $1,250,000
  • Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase One: $2,500,000
  • Satellite Beach – Grand Canal and Finger Canals Muck Dredging: $3,000,000
  • Treasure Coast Food Bank: $1,250,000
  • Brevard County Eau Gallie NE Environmental Dredging and Interstitial Water Treatment: $1,500,000
  • Cocoa Beach Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation: $1,000,000
  • Melbourne Lead and Copper Service Line Replacement: $250,000
  • Brevard County Merritt Island Lift Stations Replacement: $1,000,000
  • Palm Bay Indian River Lagoon Baffle Boxes Project: $750,000
  • Brevard County Merritt Island Sewer and Manhole Lining Phase 2: $1,000,000
  • Brevard County IRL Septic Upgrades to Advanced Treatment Units: $450,000
  • Brevard County IRL Quick Connect to Sewer: $450,000
  • West Melbourne Flood Risk Reduction – Connect Canal 70 to Canal 63: $400,000
  • West Melbourne Flood Risk Reduction – Technology Drive: $150,000
  • Palm Bay Indian River Lagoon Water Quality Improvement Project – Baseflow and Pond Improvements: $550,000
  • Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida-Sebastian River Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration Project Phase 1: $1,100,000

Health and Human Services:

  • Veteran Housing and Homelessness Intervention Program: $250.000
  • Who We Play For – Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention: $975,000
  • Lifetime Counseling Center – Thrive Within Program: $650,000
  • Medal of Honor Tribute Merritt Island Veterans Memorial Park: $600,000

Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development:

  • Ellis Road Widening Project Pre-construction Activities: $5,769,432
  • Melbourne Orlando International Airport Operations Center: $5,000,000
  • Cape Canaveral Light Station Reconstruction – Phase 2: $650,000
  • Brevard County SW Public Safety Complex and Emergency Operations Center: $588,000

Education:

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Bigs – Inspiring Scholastic Success: $1,250,000
  • Eastern Florida State College Advanced Technologies Center: $10,000,000

Statewide Update

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Third Annual Spring 2024 Florida Space Art Contest for K–5 Students

Winning artwork will be launched into space on an upcoming mission

Last week, LG Nuñez announced the launch of the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest. Students in grades K–5 are encouraged to create an art piece inspired by the theme: Suit Up! Florida’s Space Suit of the Future.

“I am thrilled to announce the launch of the Third Annual Lieutenant Governor’s Space Art Contest. Over the last two years, with more than 4,000 original art submissions, Florida’s students have shown their overwhelming support and excitement for this art contest,” said LG Nuñez. “This year’s theme gives students creative control to engineer the space suit of tomorrow. I am excited to see the innovative and futuristic designs our young artists will bring to life.”

Space Art Contest Details:

  • Open to all K–5 grade students in Florida.
  • Each student will submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Submissions will be broken down into two categories: K–2 and 3–5.
  • Six art pieces from each group (12 total) will be selected as finalists.
  • Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
  • Two lucky grand prize winners, one selected from each group, will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming mission!

All entries must be received by Friday, May 24th at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, forms and guidelines, click here.

Florida Reaches Milestone of 40 Months of Economic Success

Last week, Governor DeSantis announced a milestone in Florida’s continuing economic success citing that the state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national unemployment rate for 40 consecutive months. 

The national unemployment rate rose to 3.9% for February 2024, Florida’s rate of 3.1% did not rise and and continues to outperform the national rate by 0.8%.

While Florida’s private sector job growth rate increased by 2.3% (+194,200 jobs) over the year in February 2024, the national rate grew by only 1.6% over the same period.

“Florida continues to outperform the nation,” said Governor DeSantis. “We have proven that bold, conservative leadership across the board produces booming economic results–more jobs, lower taxes, less regulation, and fiscal security.”

The education and health services sector gained the most jobs among all major industries, adding 57,500 jobs over the year. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector performed second best, adding 48,300 jobs. And importantly, leisure and hospitality (tourism) added 35,000 jobs.

To review the full announcement from the Governor’s office, click here.

Constituent of the Week

Our Constituent of the Week is Kathryn Rudloff.

Kathryn Rudloff has served as the Executive Director of weVENTURE Women’s Business Center (WBC) at the Bisk College of Business at Florida Institute of Technology since 2020. 

The weVENTURE WBC program is an established Small Business Administration resource partner which provides low and no-cost business education and mentorship to female entrepreneurs. As Executive Director, Ms. Rudloff manages a team of business coaches that serve over 900 unique small business clients a year. 

Her leadership extends beyond FIT University as she also serves on the board of the Association of Women’s Business Centers and is active on the advocacy committee.

Before joining FIT, Ms. Rudloff held positions as Executive Director for a local pro-business non-partisan small business advocacy organization and as District Director for the Congressman from FL-08. 

In her early career she worked in strategic messaging and communications for political committees and campaigns in Washington DC, California, and Florida. She has worked on campaigns at every level – local, state, federal, and even a 2007 presidential campaign as Florida Director of Field Operations. 

Ms. Rudloff holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from The Ohio State University, a Masters in Political Management from George Washington University, and is a candidate for a Doctor of Business Administration at Florida Institute of Technology. 

Her dissertation research looks at the impact state-level family policies have on female labor force participation and entrepreneurship. Ms. Rudloff is also a certified facilitator for Athena International and holds the license for TEDxFloridaTechWomen.

She is passionate about her work in women’s economic empowerment and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions, including the 2017 “4 under 40” award from LEAD Brevard.

She and her husband, Alex Rudloff, have three sons and enjoy all things Disney. 

SD 19 is grateful for Ms. Rudloff and her ongoing mission to advance entrepreneurial opportunities for nearly 1,000 women on the Space Coast while she continues to promote female entrepreneurs seeking the same path to economic success and leadership.

District Highlights

 Women Who Rock!

Last week, I attended the weVenture Women Who Rock event hosted by the Florida Institute of Technology and the Women’s Business Center at FIT’s Bisk College of Business.

The weVenture event honors and elevates women leaders in our community who are making measurable contributions in their professions.

The winners by category are:

Small Business Owner of the Year — Ms. Rebekah Coates / Owner, Fit4Mom

  • Ms. Coates is the Owner of Fit4Mom and she is a beacon of support and community building in Brevard County. Fit4Mom employs approximately 8-12 coaches who lead classes daily, creating a haven for mothers offering fitness, friendship, and support. Ms. Coates is dedicated to maternal health and wellness.

Executive of the Year — Heather Jenkins / Director of Operations and Finance, Premier Plastic Surgery Group

  • Ms. Jenkins has made significant contributions to Premier Plastic Surgery Partners, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a commitment to fostering the success of her entire team. She has worked with Clevens Face and Body Specialists since 2012 where she serves as controller and director of operations. She recently helped a lead a merger of three renowned plastic surgery groups across the country from Boston, San Francisco, and Melbourne. She played an instrumental role in the integration of the three practices and now oversees a staff of 100.

Excellence in Mentorship — Kodey Bogart / CEO of KB Solutions, LLC

  • Ms. Bogart is the CEO of KB Solutions, LLC and founder of the Space Coast Women in Aviation Alliance. She inspires young women to follow their passion for aviation and mentors them on a wide range of opportunities that await them. In addition she volunteers to promote aviation careers and organizes educational events like “Girls in Aviation Days.”

Women Trending in Tech — Kimberly Alkire / Chief Information Security Officer, Health First

  • Ms. Alkire leverages her extensive experience in healthcare, financial, and government industries to develop and implement technology and cybersecurity strategies that reduce risk to Health First and the patients it serves Se developed a mentoring program, specifically for women in tech and also founded the ISC2 Space Coat Chapter, a local affiliate of the world’s leading association for cybersecurity professionals.

Excellence in Caregiving — Jennifer Barton / CEO, Seniors Helping Seniors Brevard

  • Ms. Barton’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the well-being of seniors have contributed to her remarkable success. Seniors Helping Seniors has been a source of meaningful employment for 98 seniors, empowering them to valuable contributions to society. Under Ms. Barton’s management, Seniors Helping Seniors has become a cornerstone at the Senior Resource Center.

Zonta Yellow rose Award for Excellence in Community Service — Juanita Jackson / President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Omega Omicron Zeta Chapter

  • As president of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Ms. Jackson spearheaded numerous initiatives benefiting organizations including the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and Women Veterans Rock. Under her leadership, the chapter awarded over 10,000 scholarships to high school girls and organized empowering events like the Women and Girls Empowerment Summit.

Congratulations to all of these amazing nominees and award recipients for your leadership and service right here in Brevard County.

Upcoming Events

Local Easter Events

BREVARD COUNTY:

Flashlight Egg Hunt in Satellite Beach

Date/Time: Thursday, March 28th at 7:45 p.m.

Location: DeSoto Park (497 DeSoto Parkway) in Satellite Beach

Cost: $10 for Satellite Beach residents, $11 for non-residents

To register: Visit playsatellitebeach.org or facebook.com/events/718260526925992

Details: Event is for children grades 1st thru 6th. Participants should bring their own flashlights. Bags will be provided for eggs.

Spring Family Fun Fest in Melbourne

Date/Time: Friday, March 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Location: Wickham Park Pavilion (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne

Cost: $25 for all-inclusive tickets

To register: Visit facebook.com/events/749308016842056

Details: Activities include bounce houses, bungee trampolines, pony rides, a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, character meet and greets, an egg hunt every 30 minutes and more.

Easter Brunch at Brevard Zoo

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Location: Brevard Zoo (8225 N. Wickham Road) in the Nyami Nyami River Lodge

Cost: $50 for adults (includes one adult beverage ticket), $45 for children 3 to 11, free for age two and younger

For Tickets: Click here

Details: The brunch buffet a variety of options including a waffle-making station and gluten-free and vegan options. Activities such as exploring sustainable Easter practices, creating enrichment items for animals, lawn games, and photo opportunities will be available. Zoo admission is not included with the brunch. 

Easter Bonnet Competition at Surfside Playhouse

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th at 2:00 p.m.

Location: Surfside Playhouse (301 Ramp Road) in Cocoa Beach

Cost: $5

For Tickets: Click here

Details: Contestants will create original hats and compete for prizes including most innovative, best Easter theme, most avant garde, all recycled materials and best in show. Proceeds will benefit the Brevard Cultural Alliance..

Underwater Eggsplosion in Rockledge

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: McLarty Park Aquatic Center (790 Barton Boulevard) in Rockledge

Cost: $6 for egg hunters, $2 for adults

To register: Call 321-302-1658

Details: Kids ages 4 to 16 are invited to hunt for eggs in the pool. Goodie bags and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and Easter Chicken will be available. Attendees should bring a waterproof basket and towel.  

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY:

City of Sebastian and Sebastian Police Department Easter Celebration

Date/Time: Friday, March 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Between the twin piers on Indian River Drive.

Cost: Free of charge

To register: Call 772-228-7054 or email [email protected]

Details: Children will be able to take photos with the Easter Bunny followed by the an Easter Egg hunt and an outdoor movie featuring “Peter Rabbit 2, The Run Away” including free popcorn and snow cones.

Easter Egg Hunt at Community Baptist Church

Date/Time: Saturday, March 30th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Community Baptist Church (12534 Roseland Road) in Sebastian

Cost: Free of charge

To register: Click here

Details: Lunch will be provided to all families free of charge. Children are welcome to meet the Easter bunny and collect candy-filled eggs..

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and visit my Senate website

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Contact Information

Melbourne Office 

900 East Strawbridge Avenue

Melbourne, FL 32901

(321) 409-2025

Tallahassee Office

400 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

(850) 487-5019

Staff:

Yvette Campbell

Kelli Lane

Ian Nolan

Samantha Scaringe

US Senator Marco Rubio Newsletter 03/22/24

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THIS WEEK IN THE OFFICE OF SENATOR MARCO RUBIO
March 18-22, 2024

 
 

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Rubio on Air
  • Senator Rubio joined America Reports to discuss the recent protests in Cuba, Americans stuck in Haiti, and TikTok.
  • Senator Rubio joined Hannity to discuss illegal immigration and Congress’s effort to sever TikTok from ByteDance. 
  • Senator Rubio joined The Glenn Beck Show to discuss why China’s control over TikTok endangers our national security. 
Countering the Venezuelan Narco-Regime
  • Senator Rubio and Representative María Salazar (R-FL) celebrated the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ passage of the Venezuela Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance, and Development (VERDAD) Reauthorization Act, which would sanction Maduro regime officials in Venezuela. 
Statements
  • Senator Rubio placed holds on four Biden Administration nominees for U.S. Department of State positions.
  • Senator Rubio condemned the Hong Kong Parliament’s passage of the Article 23 legislation, which places Hong Kong under stricter national security laws from China. 
Industrial Policy, Right and Wrong
  • Senator Rubio published an article in National Affairs exposing the flaws in the Biden Administration’s industrial policy and charting a course for improvement.
Legislation 
  • Senator Rubio introduced the CCP Lobbying Divestment Act, which would prohibit contractors who work for the U.S. Department of Defense from hiring lobbyists who have other clients connected to the Chinese Communist Party. 
  • Senator Rubio introduced the Mandatory Review of Performance Improvement Plans at State Act to require Performance Reviews be a part of considerations for promotion at the U.S. Department of State.
  • Senator Rubio introduced a bill to ensure the American flag remains the primary and most visible symbol at American embassies across the world. 
In the News
“Rubio Introduces Bill to Make Lobbyists Choose Between the US and Chinese Communist Party” (The Epoch Times, 3/20/2024) 

“Sen. Marco Rubio Debuts Bill Banning Embassies from Flying Non-U.S. Flags Larger and Higher than Stars and Stripes” (Breitbart, 3/21/2024)

“GOP Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio demanded in a letter to know President Joe Biden’s plan to prevent “mass migration” and to screen and track U.S. entrants. They tied their concerns to those at the southern border, where at least 8 million people have arrived since Biden took office.” (Florida Republicans press Biden for answers on Haiti, Politico, 3/18/2024)
 
“Rubio to GOP: Don’t ‘Shy Away’ From Exposing Democratic Abortion Extremism” (The Daily Signal, 3/19/2024)

“This is an important thing that we’re doing because it has commercial implications too, so I want us to make sure it’s the best bill possible, I think it benefits from having a committee hearing and things like that, but what that process looks like, as long as we get it done, that’s what I care about.” (Congress Moves Cautiously Closer to TikTok Crackdown, Newsweek, 3/20/2024)

“This type of rhetoric has flourished on X, as well as other internet forums, since the House passed its version of the TikTok ban last week. The legislation is now in the Senate. Its chief Republican backer, Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), says the rhetoric is evidence that the Chinese Communist Party is using TikTok to foment unrest in American and promote inflammatory propaganda.” (TikTok Supporters Blame Jews for Congressional Ban, The Washington Free Beacon, 3/18/2024)

“There is no U.S. food embargo on Cuba,” Rubio reiterated Tuesday on X. “Last year Cuba imported over $300 million in food and commodities from the U.S.” (Cuba protesters demand food, electricity as Rubio says nation on ‘verge of collapse’ from Marxist policies, Fox News, 3/21/2024)

Keep up with Senator Rubio on Facebook , Twitter ,and Instagram.