The Melo Minute

April 9th, 2021 — Sprint to the Finish Edition

My Bills Heading to the Floor

Welcome back to the Melo Minute! I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter weekend with your families.

My team and I have been hard at work pushing forward legislation in the House. We’re now halfway through Session with some terrific bills that are ready to go to the House Floor!

HB 579 – Evidentiary Standards for Actions Arising During an Emergency
This bill works to protect businesses responding to declared emergencies from having specific civil causes of action put against them. It is similar to SB 72 which was recently signed into law by the Governor.

HB 1231 – Domestic Violence
This bill, should it be enacted, ensures that our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and fiscal management. It also reestablishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program in our State.

HB 1505 – Workforce Programs and Services
This bill mandates that CareerSource Florida and state agencies collaborate in creating a single Workforce Information System for consumers. It requires that the DOE reports data on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program participants’ earnings. Lastly, it makes it so that paid out-of-classroom work-based learning opportunities for students are prioritized within education.

HB 1507 – Workforce Related Programs and Services
This is a bill where Representative Clay Yarborough and I share primary sponsorship. It works in tandem with HB 1505 in streamlining workforce programs/services to bolster our economy, collect more data, and open more pathways for our students.

HB 1637 – Immokalee Water and Sewage District, Collier County
This bill provides clarity on how Immokalee’s District Board of Commissioners is constituted. As a result of eliminating any confusion about the Board’s make-up and its rules, the Immokalee Water and Sewage District can secure necessary federal funds to address local water and sewer issues.

Local Happenings

This Saturday, April 10th, the LaBelle Rotary is planning a Clean Up Day at the LaBelle Nature Park on Fraser Ave from 9AM to 12 noon. This nature park is one of LaBelle’s hidden gems and the Rotary proudly cares for it. They would appreciate anyone who can lend a hand. My District Secretary, Kathleen Elrod, will be out there helping out, too!

Events with Cars is holding an event at Hello Coffee this Sunday, April 11th, from 8AM to 11AM. You can grab a coffee and see cool cars on the second Sunday of every month at the same time. The event is located at 15495 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34110. For more information click here.


What We’re Reading…

FGCU Students Explore Medical Device Industry Through Arthrex Partnership

Annie Hubbell

Travel Industry Reviving in Southwest Florida

Joey Pellegrino

FL House Passes Bill… Guns at Churches that Share Locations with Schools

News Service of Florida

Vaccine Information

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-81 forbidding local governments and businesses from requiring individuals to have been vaccinated or have “vaccine passports.” Governor DeSantis: “It’s completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of vaccine to just simply participate in normal society.”

The City of Naples is scheduling and reserving Moderna vaccination appointments for those 18 years of age and older. Their reservation line is (239) 260-3087 and it’s only open at specific times. For more information on when they are scheduling appointments over the phone click here.
The only information a caller should provide is their full name and their call back number.


Check Out My Social Media!

The Vince Lombardi trophy made an appearance in the Florida House this week. Proud of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for bringing home the prize. Follow me on my social media to keep up to date with all of the latest happenings during session!

Q&A’s

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out.
If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov