The Melo Minute May 7th, 2021

Subscribe and Tell Your Friends!

The Melo Minute’s goal is to keep you all up-to-date on local happenings and local politics. Be sure to share our newsletter with your friends and family and have them subscribe so they can stay informed!

There’s No Place Like Home!

It is great to be back in District 80! My team and I are excited to see and update you all on our success in Tallahassee. Again, thank you for the continuous support in our efforts to #BeMoreDoMore for District 80.

On May 7th, Senator Passidomo, Representative Borrero, and I provided a legislative update during the Collier Republican Men’s Club Legislative Breakfast. We discussed what it’s like to be freshmen Representatives in the House, the lessons learned, and the monumental legislation we were honored to vote on and pass.

Next week, I will be attending the Clewiston Rotary Club on May 10th at noon and the Greater Naples Chamber’s Pints & Politics event on May 11th at 5PM.

A Question and an Answer

From one of our constituents this week:

Q: “How do you feel your experience as a business owner helped you in passing bills?”

A: “As a business owner I know what it’s like to pour your blood, sweat, and tears into a dream that can either make you or break you. I know what it’s like to be told no over and over again only to keep trying until you receive a yes. As a business owner, you have to be detail oriented and confident with your customers. My career has allowed me to cultivate an uncanny ability to problem solve and reach the best possible outcomes. There is little difference in the realm of politics. As legislators, each bill is a labor of love. We work as hard as we can to deliver the best legislation possible for our constituents back home. My experience as a business owner has had a tremendous impact on my ability to legislate. It has made me a better Representative by allowing me to understand the issues and serves as reminder as to why I chose to run for office in the first place: to keep Southwest Florida a great place to live, work, and play.”

Thank you to the reader for your question! Feel free to send in more questions to Team Melo on important topics or current events affecting our local communities, our state, and our great nation!

Seeking Signature

Just a quick recap on the bills we managed to pass that are seeking the Governor’s signature!

HB 1505 & HB 1507- Workforce Bills

· These bills streamline workforce programs and services and open more pathways for our students so they can have successful futures. To see Rep. Yarborough and I describe how the bills work click here!

HB 1231 – Domestic Violence

· This bill ensures that our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and it re-establishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program.

HB 1637 – Immokalee Water and Sewage District, Collier County

· This bill provides clarity on how Immokalee’s District Board of Commissioners is constituted which will help Immokalee get more federal funding for water projects.

HB 491 – The Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board

· This bill adjusts the composition of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board to accurately represent the public.

Vaccine Information

· Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacy locations in Florida are accepting walk-in COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Customers can still schedule appointments and do paperwork ahead of time. To schedule an appointment or get more information, you can go to the Walmart or Sam’s Club websites.

· Hendry County will be providing walk-in COVID-19 vaccination appointments throughout May. The Hendry County Health Department is located 1140 Pratt Blvd, LaBelle. Here are the dates and times: May 9th from 8:30AM-10:30AM, May 16th from 8:30AM-1PM, and May 23rd from 1PM-3:30PM.

The Song of the Week!

This week’s song is Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys are Back in Town” because we are, in fact, back in town!

Fun fact: When picking out the ten songs that would appear on their Jailbreak album, the band did not want “The Boys are Back in Town” to be included — but when management heard the song they decided that it needed to be on the album.

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!

We Appreciate Our Educators

With an 86% high school graduation rate, Florida education ranks among the best in no small part due to the hard work and dedication of our teachers. Be sure to thank a teacher for all they do and for inspiring our children to #BeMoreDoMore during this Teacher Appreciation week!

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

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80