RPOF Newsletter - Republican Men's Club of Collier County

Governor Ron DeSantis Vows to Make Protections from COVID Mandates Permanent
Legislation will Enact New Protections for Free Speech for Medical Practitioners

On Tuesday, January 17, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a common-sense legislative proposal to make permanent COVID-19 freedoms in Florida. This strong pro-freedom, anti-mandate action will permanently protect Floridians from losing their jobs due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, protects parents’ rights, and institutes additional protections that prevent discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccine status.

The proposal includes the permanent prohibition of mandates that are continuously proven ineffective, including:

Permanently prohibiting COVID-19 vaccine passports in Florida;
Permanently prohibiting COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements in all Florida schools;
Permanently prohibiting COVID-19 masking requirements at businesses; and
Permanently prohibiting employers from hiring or firing based on mRNA jabs.
Included in Governor DeSantis’ proposal are first amendment rights guarantees for medical professionals, ensuring no one loses their job or medical license for voicing their professional opinions in Florida. The legislation will safeguard medical professionals from discrimination based on their personal religious views.

Governor DeSantis remains committed to ensuring COVID freedoms are upheld in Florida and will fight against local governments, businesses, and corporations that attempt to impose authoritarian policies surrounding COVID.

To read the full proposal, click here.

Governor Ron DeSantis Further Prohibits Woke ESG Considerations from State Investments

At the Florida Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis and Trustees of the State Board of Administration (SBA) formally approved measures to protect Florida’s investments from woke environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG), ensuring that all investment decisions focus solely on maximizing the highest rate of return. This build on actions taken last year to clearly define the factors fiduciaries are to consider in investment decisions.

“Corporations across America continue to inject an ideological agenda through our economy rather than through the ballot box. Today’s actions reinforce that ESG considerations will not be tolerated here in Florida, and I look forward to extending these protections during this legislative session.”

– Governor Ron DeSantis, January 17, 2023

In addition, Governor DeSantis proposed legislation during the upcoming legislative session to codify the actions taken and rein in the use of discriminatory ESG practices throughout the financial sector by:

Prohibiting big banks, credit card companies and money transmitters from discriminating against consumers for their religious, political, or social beliefs.
Barring financial institutions from considering so called “ESG Credit Scores” in banking and lending practices to prevent Floridians from obtaining financial services like loans, lines of credit, and bank accounts.
Permanently prohibiting SBA fund managers from considering ESG factors when investing the state’s money.
Requiring SBA fund managers to only consider maximizing the return on investment on behalf of Florida’s retirees.
Read more here.

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet Invest Over $17.7 Million to Conserve 3,500 Acres in Florida

On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the investment of more than $17.7 million to conserve more than 3,500 acres across the state. The five properties stretch from Nassau County south to Charlotte County and protect or buffer lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a recently designated network of connected lands that is crucial for wildlife habitat. They also complete two Florida Forever projects.

“We will continue to prioritize protecting and restoring Florida’s natural resources for current and future generations.”

–Governor Ron DeSantis, January 18, 2023

Read the complete list of land investments here

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Award of $100 Million for Beach Recovery Following Hurricanes Ian and Nicole

Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of $100 million to support beach nourishment projects within 16 coastal counties impacted by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole. This award is in addition to the $20 million awarded in November to help several local governments immediately address erosion concerns while other assessments were ongoing to help inform long-term opportunities for assistance.

“I am pleased to announce another step to expedite recovery of our communities impacted by these historic storm events. This funding will support beach restoration needs, allowing us to rebuild and further enhance resilience.”

–Governor Ron DeSantis, January 18, 2023

The list of awards can be found here

RPOF’s Ben Gibson Named Managing Partner

Ben Gibson, Chief Legal Counsel to the Republican Party of Florida, has been named Managing Partner of the Tallahassee office of the Shutts & Bowen law firm. Gibson’s statewide practice focuses on representing corporate, political, and government clients in appellate, litigation and administrative matters as well as government affairs. He most recently served as general counsel to Governor Ron DeSantis’ successful re-election campaign for Governor and as general counsel to Governor DeSantis’ Transition Team. Gibson has also represented numerous state agencies, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Congratulations Ben!