The Melo Minute – March 19th, 2021

I Wrote an Op-Ed!

Guest Opinion: Legislative Accountability Leads to Better Environmental Outcomes

I had the pleasure of writing an opinion piece on my Green House Gas Emissions bill with my colleague Chris Hudson, Vice President of Government Affairs at Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The article highlights the need for the State Legislature to have a seat at the table when projects regulating green house gas emissions are put forward by the Executive Branch. Instead of unproductive, one-size-fits-all dictates from Washington that fail to produce better environmental outcomes, we believe a better policy would embrace bottom-up innovation, and empower people in their own communities to be conscientious stewards of the environment.

The Legislature is the people’s voice. Your voice, the citizens of Florida and those of you in my District, should be heard in matters that influence our economy and our environment.


How My Bills Are Progressing

HB 1505 – Workforce Programs and Services

This bill’s progress through the House is looking great. So far this bill has reported favorably in two committees with unanimous votes approving its passage. The bill is now on schedule to appear before the Appropriations Committee this coming Monday, 3/22, at 12:30pm.

HB 1231 – Domestic Violence

Thank you to the members of the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee for reporting on this bill favorably earlier today. As a result, my Domestic Violence bill has successfully passed through two committees with unanimous support. The bill will next appear before the Health and Human Services Committee for its third — and final — committee stop.

Co-sponsoring Home-based Businesses Bill

HB 403 – Home-based Businesses

This bill, by Representative Mike Giallombardo, works to ensure the prosperity of home-based businesses by providing an appropriate definition for home-based businesses and removing unnecessary regulations & fees.

I chose to co-sponsor this bill because we need to nourish, uplift, and incentivize these businesses. With all of the economic fallout from the pandemic, this kind of legislation is of utmost importance for helping entrepreneurs in our community and fostering economic opportunity for our State.

Other Bills I’m Co-sponsoring: HB 217, HB 219, HB 337, HB 1475

What We’re Reading

U.S. Sugar Helps Dedicate New Benches at Clewiston’s Harlem Community Tree Park

Ryan Nicol

DeSantis: Florida’s COVID Experience Confirms ‘Lockdown Approach is a Failed Approach’

Charles Creitz

Events & Happenings in the District

· The 45th Collier County Fair has just kicked off. If you’re looking to have some fun with your friends and family, you can attend the fair until it ends March 28th. For more information feel free to visit the fair’s website.

· The LaBelle Rotary club is having their annual Ham Shoot this Saturday. The event is from 10am-4pm and is located at SR 80 East of LaBelle on Forrey Drive — South on Forrey to the Sports Park. Bring your shotgun, but there’s no need to bring ammo as it will be provided for you at the event. My District Secretary Kathleen Elrod will be there representing Team Melo!

· The City of Clewiston is currently looking for a citizen to serve as a board member for their Board of Building Commissioners and their Library Advisory Board. If you are interested in serving your community in this capacity click here for more information.

· Need a job? Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee is currently hiring! More information about available positions and how to apply can be found by clicking here.


Check Out My Social Media!

I hope you all had a great St. Patrick’s Day! Be sure to keep up with my social media as my dog Moose will certainly be making plenty of appearances.

Q&A’s

Got a question you want The Melo Minute to answer? Feel free to ask it and send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80