District 82 Updates

State Budget Signed

Next to me were Representative Massulo, Representative Tuck, Representative Trabulsy, and Dr. Devin Stephenson, NWF State College President/CEO.

Earlier this week, I attended the Southern Regional Education Board conference in Atlanta.

The Florida House education chairs showcased what Florida is doing to stay number 1 in education.

The conference was a consortium of all legislative members from many different states, sharing their policies and successes in their individual state.

Women In Real Estate Conference

What an honor to be a speaker at the WIRE “Women In Real Estate” conference.

I have attended many of these and always admired the strong, uplifting female speakers.

Thank you, Florida Realtors, for including me.

I want to give special thanks to PJ Smith, Paula Angelopoulos Urbinati, and Marcie Roggow who carpooled with me to Orlando to support me!

WANTED

Burmese Pythons

VETERANS CORNER

8th Annual Veterans Recognition Day Event

Shy Wolf Sanctuary and Home Base Florida

Shy Wolf Sanctuary rescues wild animals that have been abandoned or neglected and gives them a home.

They partner with Home Base to help veterans connect with their resident animals.

For more information on Sabine and the other dogs up for adoption, click here!

For more information on Shy Wolf Sanctuary, click here!

For more information on Home Base Florida, click here!

Connect With Me!

Social Media

Follow our social media pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

@LaurenMeloFL

Have Any Suggestions?

We are always ready to help!

If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute, send us an email:

Lauren.Melo@myfloridahouse.gov

It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. My team and I will continue to listen, work, and legislate on your behalf as we look to the future. God bless you all, and God bless the great state of Florida!

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The post The Melo Minute appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

August 6th, 2021 – Critical Race Theory Edition

Preventing CRT in CCPS

On Tuesday, August 3rd, I attended a press conference in front of Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) where Congressman Donalds, Representative Rommel, and Commissioner McDaniel discussed the dangers of Critical Race Theory (CRT).

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with CRT, it is essentially a social theory which reasons that much of society’s construction and functioning is as a result of race and racism. It is an academic lens derived from critical theory — which borrows from Marxist thinking — and views all social institutions, programs, laws, distribution of power/resources, and relationships through the prism of race and racism.

I disagree with the notion of examining all social interactions through the prism of race. I believe doing so is dishonest and misleading. The idea that American history and the successes of others is a result of racism belittles the amazing principles of our country’s founding and the positive progress our nation has made in race relations. It is a narrow means of thinking about issues that are often much more nuanced than being solely about race. Racism has been an important issue in our nation’s history and it should be discussed in modern times, but to have it be the defining medium in which one views the world is, in my opinion, narrowminded and lazy.

I was proud to show my support and respect to my colleagues and fellow patriots on Tuesday as we all conversed about how this theory could negatively impact the education of our kids. Rest assured that your local leaders will not tolerate CRT being taught in our public schools now or ever. We must stay vigilant and ensure that our students learn how to treat each other, not based upon the color of skin, but by the content of one’s character.

It should be noted that the CCPS school board and the superintendent have said that they do not support teaching CRT in our schools. Furthermore, the Florida State Board of Education unanimously voted to ban the theory being taught in Florida schools on June 10th, 2021.

Governor’s Executive Order

Last Friday, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 21-175 which ensures parents’ freedom to choose whether or not their children should wear masks in schools. The Governor issued the order to push back on the increasing desire among school districts to reinstitute mask mandates in schools as there is little evidence to show children or schools being high risk for COVID-19 — for either spreading it or being medically hazardous. This executive order is in line with a bill I voted favorably on that passed last Session — HB 241 Parents’ Bill of Rights — as it is the right of all parents to make healthcare decisions for their minor children.

What We’re Reading

Joe Biden to Ron DeSantis: ‘If you aren’t going to help, at least get out of the way’

Renzo Downey

Jennifer Bradley, Travis Hutson… endorse Clay Yarborough

A.G. Gancarski

Congressman Byron Donalds Says Critical Race Theory Does Not Belong in Schools

Rachel Cox-Rosen

The Song of the Week!

Have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week? Let us know!
This week’s song is “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd. While everyone does need education, our students certainly should not be taught ideologies — like CRT — as fact. We don’t need politically skewed narratives masquerading as truth in our schools — we don’t need that kind of “education.”

Fun fact: The band’s producer came up with the idea to use a choir of kids in this song because it fit another song he worked on so well: Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.”

Sales Tax Holiday

There’s a sales tax holiday for the next three days up until August 9th. Be sure to capitalize on this opportunity and buy all of the school supplies your kids need for the upcoming school year!

Q&A’s

We are always ready to help out!
If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute, feel free to send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov


Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

Contact Us

Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

The post The Melo Minute appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

Nevertheless, upon discovering these developments at home and in the office we took the necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. We’ve had our Collier office fumigated, all of us are working from home, and no one is coming back to work until they have a negative test result. Luckily, those I know who have been impacted by this virus are fighting it with no issues, but not everyone has been as fortunate. What’s most important is that we remain aware of this surge and do what is best for our families. We must do our due diligence in reducing the spread, making smart choices, and supporting those who are still being negatively impacted by this harrowing disease.

As this new surge begins to permeate, questions about mask mandates and mandatory vaccinations have begun to resurface. I want to reiterate that choosing to vaccinate or mask up is your choice — the government, in my opinion, should not have the right to enforce any health decisions upon you. I will continue to fight for your right to make your own choices as your Representative! Just be smart, stay safe, and take care of the people around you.

Governor DeSantis in Cape Coral

Governor DeSantis visited SWFL this Friday at Two Meatballs in the Kitchen in Cape Coral. While there he discussed the spread of the Delta variant, vaccinations, ensuring that there won’t be any lockdowns, getting folks back to work, and preserving the personal freedoms individuals have over their own medical decisions.

The highlight of the Governor’s conference were his comments on the state of education in Florida amidst the pandemic. He showed that Florida schools have preformed better than most other States because we followed the science as it evolved and found that schools were a low risk setting for spread. Florida, under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, got our kids back in school swiftly which allowed them more opportunities for academic success when everywhere else was shutting down. It also served to support their social-emotional development rather than stifle it through illogically shutting down these critical centers for learning and growth.

Now, as the next school year begins to approach us, questions are stirring about the return of masks in our schools. Fortunately, the State has left it up for local jurisdictions to decide if they will be having mask mandates in schools. The school districts in HD80 have chosen to allow individuals to make their own decisions on whether or not to wear a mask.

What We’re Reading

Masks Optional in Collier County Upcoming School Year

Lowenstein & Cox-Rosen

Rubio: China’s Reputation… ‘as low as it’s been since Tiananmen Square’

Jesse Scheckner

The Song of the Week!

Have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week? Let us know!
This week’s song is “Takin Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive. This song is the anthem to getting up and getting work done — which is quite fitting as the we all get back to work and continue to take care of business while navigating this virus.

Fun fact: Bachman, who sang for this track, had a sore throat and a head cold when recording it.

Environment Event

I had a wonderful time at the Environmental Permitting Summer School last week! It was quite educating to converse with Floridians across the state who care about our water and our environment.

Q&A’s

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


Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

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Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

The post The Melo Minute appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: New Laws!

Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis for signing HB1507 Thursday morning in Tampa! It was an honor to stand next to Speaker Chris Sprowls, Representative Clay Yarborough , Senator Kelli Stargel, Secretary Richard Corcoran, Secretary Dane Eagle, Representatives Toledo, Zika, Tuck, Harding, and others to witness this historic moment for the future of Florida’s workforce. HB1507 will reform Florida’s workforce systems to provide Floridians greater opportunity in the marketplace, prepare students and jobseekers for future employment, and increase access to the American dream. #BeMoreDoMore

HB 491

Signed by Governor DeSantis last Wednesday, 6/16.

This law was substituted for the identical Senate Bill 346. This legislation serves to adjust the composition of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB) in an effort to provide a more equitable distribution of industry representation. It decreases the number of members who represent the appraisal management industry and increases the number of board members who represent the general public.
HB 1231

Signed by Governor DeSantis on Monday, 6/21.

This law ensures that our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and fiscal management. For example, it allows certified domestic violence centers to carry up to 8% of their funding from one fiscal year to the next — whereas their funds had to be reabsorbed previously. It also reestablishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program in our State.
HB 1507

Signed by Governor DeSantis on Thursday, 6/24.

Representative Clay Yarborough and I collaborated in the creation of this legislation that will streamline workforce programs and services. In addition, HB1507 will open more pathways for our students so they can have bigger and better opportunities in the future. All in all, this system will ensure equity and access to jobs that promote upward mobility for our citizens.

Quotes on the Workforce Legislation

Speaker Sprowls: “No longer will Floridians be trapped in the vestiges of an antiquated, one-size-fits-all workforce system that forces them into a bureaucratic maze of hoops to jump through… We’ve worked with educators, employers, and industry leaders to provide a 21st century solution for job seekers. It shouldn’t be so hard to find work – and won’t be any longer. On behalf of Florida’s students, workers, job seekers and taxpayers, thank you to Governor DeSantis, Representatives Yarborough and Melo, Senate President Simpson and our Senate partners for making the difficult job search process easier.”

Representative Melo: “HB1507 is a promise made and a promise kept to the people of Florida. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for signing this historic legislation and thank you to Speaker Sprowls for the opportunity to sponsor this bill in partnership with Representative Yarborough. Our goal is to make Florida the best state in the union to find a job, raise a family, and do business. HB1507 will transform Florida’s workforce systems to provide jobseekers better access to the marketplace and prepare our citizens for future employment in a business environment where new technologies are beginning to take precedent. Today, with HB1507 signed into law, we have taken a great step in accomplishing our goal and we are excited to witness the positive impacts this bill will have on Floridians in their pursuit of the American dream.”

In and Around the Town!

Collier County Mosquito Control District

This Friday I had the pleasure of visiting the Collier County Mosquito Control District. The district is looking to put forward legislation to roughly double its size. The proposed expansion would primarily be towards the Northeastern portion of Collier County — District 80. The desire to extend their boundaries is so that they may perform additional research, enhance their ability to control the mosquito population, and uncover any diseases being carried that may be potentially harmful to humans.

Where I’m Heading Next!

· NCH “Wall of Honor” ceremony at 9AM on Wednesday June 30th.

What We’re Reading

Test Scores Down in SWFL After Unusual School Year

Gail Levy & Jackie Winchester

DeSantis… Florida Will… Teach ‘Evils’ of Communism

Brendan Farrington

Pray for Surfside
Our hearts and prayers are with all those impacted by the Surfside building collapse and their families. We are also praying for all the first responders in their recovery efforts.

The Song of the Week!

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

This week’s song is “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder because we’ve just got three of our bills signed, and they are soon to be delivered to law books across the state!
I could not have done it without the support from all of you in the District. It is truly an honor to serve as your State Representative as we worked to get these great bills signed, sealed, and delivered for the benefit of our state.

Fun fact: Stevie Wonder credited the title and chorus of the song to his mother who came up with the words after hearing the melody.

FL Chamber Report Card

Proud to have received an A rating from the Florida Chamber of Commerce! We worked hard during Session to make Florida the best state in the union to do business.

Q&A’s

My team is always ready to help out!
If you have a question you would like us to address within The Melo Minute send an email to:
HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov


Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

Florida House District 80 | 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

The post The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

June 4th, 2021 – Melo on the Move

In and Around the Town 

Americans for Prosperity (6/1)

This event was hosted by AFP President Tim Phillips and discussed the question “Can the Federal Government Spend the USA into Prosperity?” This inquiry points to the different economic philosophies of the Democrat party and the Republican party — it makes for riveting conversations.

Southwest Florida Chamber of Commerce (6/1)

This was a post-legislative luncheon, hosted at Crowne Plaza at the Bell Tower Shops, where myself and many other elected officials discussed this year’s legislative session.

It was great to see all of our friends: Senator Kathleen Passidomo, Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, Representative Spencer Roach, Representative Mike Giallombardo, and Representative Bob Rommel!

Visiting Yo Gusto (6/3)

Yo Gusto is a terrific Florida company that produces its dairy products in Clewiston. Yo Gusto was kind enough to provide my fellow House Members with some of their delicious drinkable yogurts as District 80’s Session gift. I had a great time visiting them this week and I am thankful for their hospitality. Be sure to grab some of their products and give them a try!

Where I’m Heading Next!

Next Tuesday (6/8) at 12PM I will be going to the LaBelle Rotary Club to give a legislative update.

Education Information

· The recently passed 2021-2022 Florida budget allocated $22.8 billion for K-12 education in our state. The budget expands school choice options, raises teachers minimum base salaries, and expands mental health services in our schools.

· The breakdown: $24.7B in overall commitment, $12.9B for the Florida Education Finance Program for K-12, $550M to increase teachers minimum base salary and salary increases for veteran teachers, $216M in disaster relief, $120M in mental health programs, and much more.

The Foundation for Florida’s Future recently sent out a report card grading me on my work to improve education last Session. Proud to report to you all that I’m an A+ student this year! My team and I worked hard by putting forward legislation that benefits our students. HB 1505 & HB 1507 – Workforce Bills, and HB 1279 – Florida Talent Development Council (PTech), all work to provide our kids with best opportunity to excel. I’m excited to shoot for another A+ next year!

What We’re Reading

Gov. DeSantis Approves National Guard Expansion in New Budget

Jason Delgado

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” everything’s getting better than before as more and more Floridians are being vaccinated and participating in the economy. With at least 62% of Collier County’s population and 40% of Hendry County’s population being fully vaccinated (source) — and the local economy bouncing back so well — we surely are looking forward to a brighter tomorrow!

Fun fact: The hit “Rumours” album was almost called “Yesterday’s Gone” after the line used in “Don’t Stop.”

You Go, Yo Gusto!

Thank you to the founder and CEO of Yo Gusto, Gustavo Perez, for the amazing tour of your facilities. I’m looking forward to seeing this Florida based business continue to thrive in the best climate for business in the union!

Be sure to follow my social media to keep up to date on what I’m up to!

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

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The post The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

May 28th, 2021 – Memorial Day Edition

Lake Okeechobee Trip

Water is the lifeblood of South Florida and Lake Okeechobee is at its heart pumping freshwater out to our local communities and keeping our agriculture, our citizens, and our environment strong and vibrant. It is important that we as a state continue to fund projects north of the Lake in order to ensure access to clean, drinkable water for current and future Floridians.

This week I had a great time visiting Lake O with Congressmen Byron Donalds, Mario Diaz-Balart, Greg Steube, Congresswomen Maria Salazar and Kat Cammack, State Representative Toby Overdorf, Hendry County Commissioner Ramon Iglesias, and other stakeholders.

Thank you to Mike Elfenbein, Williamson Cattle Company, and all our guides for giving us the grand tour of Florida’s crown jewel and for reminding us how vital Lake Okeechobee is to sustaining a healthy ecosystem in South Florida.

We owe it to ourselves and to our future generations to preserve and protect Florida’s beautiful and unique environment. I look forward to working with our local, state, and federal leaders to develop solutions that will help us make Lake O great again!

Hurricane & Tax Information

· The Florida Legislature has green-lit three tax-free holidays so that citizens can stock up on plenty of supplies in preparation for hurricane season (June 1st — November 30th).

· The first tax-free holiday is the Disaster Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday. It is on May 28th and ends on June 6th.

· Some of the supplies that will be tax-free include portable light sources, portable radios, tarps, certain battery packs, coolers, portable generators (under $1K), and more!

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is The Doobie Brothers’ “Black Water” as our ode to Lake O. This song perfectly captures the joyful and harmonious feeling of being out on the water.

Whether it’s Lake Okeechobee or the Caloosahatchee, this Doobie Brothers hit will surely have you whistling on the waves.

Fun Fact: “Black Water” wasn’t seen as having the potential to be a hit and was delegated to the B-side of “Another Park, Another Sunday” when it released in 1974.

Click the Image Above to Learn More About the Tax Holiday

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


If you’re new to The Melo Minute and would like to subscribe, click here!

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

The post The Melo Minute – Representative Lauren Melo appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

This new compact on gaming with the Seminole Indian Tribe is guaranteed to result in $500 million a year in tax revenue for the State of Florida over the next five years and is estimated to bring in an additional $20 billion over the next 30 years.

Since the Governor brokered the deal with the Seminole Indian Tribe he is likely to sign the bills into law soon!

COVID-19 Information

This week the CDC updated their recommendations on the use of masks. The recommendation that fully vaccinated individuals should wear masks has been dropped. Businesses may still implement their own rules.

According to FDOH’s May 17th vaccination report, Collier County had 201,030 (about 62%) of eligible individuals receive at least one dose of the vaccine. Hendry County has had 11,995 (about 40%). The State as a whole has vaccinated over half of those who are eligible.

What We’re Reading

Growing The Ag Workforce, A Classroom At A Time

SPW Staff

Florida Legislature Approves Seminole Compact by Historic Margins

Governor’s Staff

The Song of the Week!

If you have a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!
This week’s song is Kenny Rogers’s “The Gambler.” I bet you can guess why! This legislative Session has certainly raised the stakes by working out how to best serve the interests of Floridians with this gambling deal. We were certainly hit with a rough hand, but we went all in and made out with a sweet pot for all parties involved.

Fun Fact: This famous song was actually a cover. The song was written by Don Schlitz. It is about his relationship with his father — a non-gambler — and the life lessons he learned from him.

Thanking Our First Responders

Happy EMS Week! May God bless all of our first responders who put their lives on the line to save ours. Thank you for your service!

Follow my social media to know the latest happenings in our District!

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

If you’re new to The Melo Minute and would like to subscribe, click here!

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

The post The Melo Minute – May 21. 2021 appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

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

The post The Melo Minute May 7th, 2021 appeared first on Republican Men's Club of Collier County.

April 23rd, 2021 — Sine Die and Sayonara!

Thank You!

I want to open this edition of The Melo Minute with a thank you to everyone who has made this session such a boon for our community and our State.

To our readers, The Melo Minute is made for you. You are what allows for not only the success of this letter, but for the success of my first year as a Representative. I thank you for being active citizens diligently working to keep yourselves informed. I thank you for expressing your opinions on Legislative matters to me so that I can best represent you. I thank you for working with me to keep our District great!

To the businesses, government offices, legislative peers, and organizations that have guided my team throughout this process, I thank you. As we worked to present Legislation that was best for business and the functioning of our State, you all contributed valuable resources and knowledge to cultivate the best Legislative outcomes for the residents of District 80 and beyond.

It was an honor to serve as your freshman Representative. My team and I will continue to listen to you, work with you, and legislate for you as we move forward.

Now, to highlight all the bills that we worked together to have passed now that the 2021 Legislative Session has officially ended! Besides the upcoming Special Session on the week of May 17th, but that’s besides the point!

Seeking Signature

We were able to accomplish an incredible amount this year despite all of the struggles and fallout from the pandemic. Here are all of the fantastic bills that have been passed by the House and Senate 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.
Appropriations Bills

HB 3761 – Collier County Golden Gate Senior Center Expansion

· $250,000 from the Department of Elder Affairs to fully fund the expansion of the Collier County Golden Gate Senior Center.

HB 3777 – Hendry County Port LaBelle Utility System Gravity Sewer Repairs

· $200,000 in non-recurring funds to repair LaBelle’s sewers and utilities.

HB 3779 – Hendry County Port LaBelle Utility System Water Treatment Plant Expansion

· $600,000 to assist in the expansion of LaBelle’s Water Treatment Plant.

HB 3781 – C-21 Bridge Canal Crossing – City of Clewiston

· $3.6M for the creation of a bridge in Clewiston that will be bolster the local economy.

HB 3775 – Hendry County Connecting Airglades Airport & Clewiston Utilities

· $1M to construct a force main between the Airglades Airport and the City of Clewiston’s existing wastewater treatment plant.

SB 2500 – Appropriations

· Within the Senate’s appropriations budget $25M is being allocated to the National Guard for the creation of a 2/54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade Readiness Center in Immokalee. This readiness center will be of great benefit to our district and Southwest Florida.

What We’re Reading

House Backs Social-Media Crackdown

News Service of Florida

The Florida House, and Chris Sprowls, Are Having a Very Good Week

Peter Schorsch

Introducing a New Segment of The Melo Minute: The Song of the Week!

This week’s song, and our first song of the week, is Europe’s “The Final Countdown” — because it’s the end of Session, get it?

Fun fact: This song was once listed #1 on VH1’s “40 Most Awesomely Bad Metal Songs”.

If you’ve got a suggestion for the next Song of the Week, let us know!

Check Out My Social Media!

Above is a photo of me with Michael Wickersheim and the team at DCF who helped me pass HB 1231 through the Florida House and the Senate!

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

Representative Lauren Melo
Florida House District 80

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