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Good morning Democrats,

The Florida House and Senate recently passed the TRUMP Act, which includes controversial measures affecting immigration policies, such as repealing tuition fairness for Dreamers and incentivizing local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried has strongly criticized the bill, calling it a political stunt with harmful consequences.

On the national stage, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has made it clear that Democrats will push back against far-right extremism and focus on tackling the high cost of living for everyday Americans. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s actions continue to raise concerns about the dismantling of federal institutions, particularly regarding marginalized communities and the influence of billionaire Elon Musk on federal budgets.

As we look ahead, there are upcoming elections for school board members and city commissioners in 2026, with a call for more people to run for office and impact local issues. Additionally, the Indian River County Environmental Committee is working on local conservation efforts, with an upcoming meeting focused on key environmental issues and community collaboration. More details below.
Were you among the more than 3 million Floridians who voted by mail in the November election? In 2021, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill requirement that mail voters must request a mail ballot every general election cycle. As a result, you are no longer signed-up to vote by mail in Florida’s next election unless you re-enroll with your county Supervisor of Elections.
Request Your Mail In Ballot HERE ([link removed])
Florida Democrats React to the Passage of the Trump Act
Last Tuesday night, the Florida House and Senate passed the TRUMP Act (Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Immigration Policy), sending it to the governor for approval. In response, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized the legislation, calling it a political stunt that will have harmful consequences for immigrants in the state. She argued that the bill, which would force Dreamers out of college and incentivize local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE on deportations, is a reckless misuse of power. Fried also expressed frustration with the rushed nature of the bill, stating that Floridians deserve real solutions to the immigration system rather than harmful, hastily-crafted policies. She was dismissive about the governor's decision saying that "it would be a moment of shame if he signs the bill into law."

If it becomes law, the Tacking and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy (TRUMP) Act will, among other things:
* Repeal Florida’s tuition fairness law, which passed in 2014 with bipartisan support and provides in-state tuition rates to Dreamers who graduated high school in Florida.
* Mandate the death penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of capital offenses.
* Put in place measures to try to force local governments to comply with federal immigration enforcement.
* Further criminalize the voting process, even criminalizing honest mistakes.

Read More HERE ([link removed])
Trump Tariff's Hurt Americans
This week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, made it clear that House Democrats will push back against far-right extremism whenever necessary and we will not participate in Republican efforts to Rip Off hardworking American taxpayers. They are ready tol work with anyone to make life better for the American people, particularly as it relates to driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans.

This tax increase on middle-class families will raise costs for families and it goes beyond groceries. Hundreds of thousands of American workers could lose their jobs. At the grocery store, fruit, vegetable, beer, liquor, potato and grain prices will increase. Car prices will see a $3,000 increase as automakers respond to tariffs and vehicle oil changes and gasoline will cost more. According to the Tax Foundation ([link removed]) , as a result of the Trump trade war, the average household will see an increase of $670 in 2025 taxes when tariffs are implemented.

The full press conference can be watched here. ([link removed])
Heather Cox Richardson: Trump’s Efforts to Dismantle the Federal Government

In February 2025, the Trump administration is increasingly dismantling the federal government, driven by three factions with shared goals of undermining legal accountability and government institutions. These factions include loyalists purging the FBI, federal prosecutors, and civil servants, and implementing policies to erase protections for marginalized groups, like transgender individuals and immigrants. Trump's administration also embraces authoritarian measures, including restrictions on gender-related research, discriminatory immigration policies, and the rollback of U.S. humanitarian aid. Additionally, billionaire Elon Musk is influencing federal budgets and payment systems, with concerns about national security and conflicts of interest. These efforts align with a broader agenda to weaken democratic institutions and further consolidate power, all while creating chaos and ambiguity to avoid legal consequences.
Read More Here ([link removed])
Run for Political Office & Make a Difference

This year, 2025, there are elections for City Council positions in Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach. Running for office is a powerful way to impact your community on local issues like environment, development and in Vero Beach, Three Corners. Many local positions are nonpartisan and offer an opportunity to ensure diverse voices are represented. County positions for the commissioner and school board are open in 2026, but it is not too early to get started.

Get Involved If you’re passionate about making a change, consider stepping into the political arena. Contact the Indian River Candidate Committee at [email protected] for support in your journey.

If you are interested in running for office in 2025, 2026, or beyond, please complete also FDP's Run for Office form ([link removed]) to be added to their candidate newsletter and resources.
DWC & DEC: Powering Environmental Progress

In January, the Democratic Women's Club’s Environmental Committee enjoyed a guided walk through the North Sebastian Conservation Area, exploring recently burned scrub-jay habitat and oak-pine woods. Their guide, Olivia Roddenberry, an environmental education coordinator, shared insights on the area’s native plants and wildlife, including edible species and the recovering palmettos.

The next Committee meeting will be held on February 24th at 10:30 AM at Humiston Park. An agenda will be sent out a week prior. The meeting will focus on discussing the following key questions:
* What are the most significant environmental issues of common interest in our community?
* What are the appropriate positions/policies to be espoused by DEC members?
* What other environmental and civic organizations might we collaborate with?

All Indian River County Democrats are welcome to join the discussion.
Open Local Committee & Board Positions
Democrats across Indian River County are encouraged to apply for the committee boards they desire to serve on, whether there is or is not a vacancy posted for that committee. Please apply ASAP.

Committee List ([link removed])
Committee Vacancies ([link removed])
Committee Application ([link removed])
Meet Your Local Democrats: Candidates Running for Florida's House

Three Democrats are running for the Florida House and need your help. Here's how you can take action:
1. Volunteer: Phone banking, text banking, or door knocking to reach voters.
2. Donate: Help fund campaign efforts and outreach.
3. Spread the Word: Share on social media and talk to others about the candidates.
4. Attend Events: Join rallies and town halls to show support.

Your involvement can make a big impact!
Info below on how to help:


Gay Valimont ([link removed])
Josh Weil ([link removed])
Community Events

Join Sustainable Sebastian and the Pelican Island Audubon Society for The Great Air Potato Round-Up at Sebastian’s Stormwater Park on February 8, 2025.

Volunteers can participate in any or all of the following shifts: 9am-11am, 11am-1pm or 1pm-3pm
Find More Info Here ([link removed])
Education Champions is a grassroots organization whose mission is to be a positive, proactive force for addressing public education issues on the local, state and national levels.

Education Champions Monthly Meeting
2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Flip Matt Gaetz' Seat BLUE

Gay Valimont was the ONLY Democrat to qualify for the special election to replace House Representative Matt Gaetz. Volunteer virtually with Team Valimont for a Weekly Phone Bank on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6-8pm.
RSVP for Monday Phone Banks ([link removed])
RSVP for Tuesday Phone Banks ([link removed])
More Opportunities to Get Involved
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5pm
Via Zoom

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Board Meeting
Tuesday, February, 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
Thursday, February, 20, 2025 6-7:30pm
NEW LOCATION: The Riverhouse
Inside MacWilliam Park, 305 Acacia Rd, Vero Beach, FL 32963
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .

The Dem Club invites all interested individuals to consider candidacy for the following board positions:
* President
* Secretary
* Two Dem Club Board Members

Elections will take place in March and each position has a term of service lasting 2 years. If you are passionate about leading and contributing to the growth of the Dem Club, we encourage you to submit your candidacy. If you are interested please contact Elle Shaw at [email protected]
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Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February, 26, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Democratic Headquarters 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
You can find YDIR on Facebook ([link removed]) , Discord ([link removed]) ,Twitter ([link removed]) and TikTok. ([link removed])
View Events Calendar & Linktree HERE ([link removed])
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Join the club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse
Saturday February 8, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: Susan Adams, County Commissioner, District 1
“State Of The County”

Valet parking available from 11:15 AM to 1:30 PM and at departure from 1:30 to 2:15 PM. An optional food drive for the Fellsmere Food Pantry will accept non-perishable items. You can also submit your 2025 dues with a $60 check.
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday February 28, 2025 2-4 p.m.
Brackett Library, Bjorkman room

,We will be discussing
“The Art of Power: My Story As America’s First Woman Speaker of the House
Author: Nancy Pelosi

For more information, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County
Find School Board meeting details here ([link removed]) .
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Watch livehere ([link removed]) .
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Town of Indian River Shores
Find Town Council meeting details here ([link removed]) .
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
City of Sebastian
Find Regular City Council Meeting Details here ([link removed]) .

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We value your input and would love to hear your ideas and suggestions for improving the office, DEC,and events. Please share your thoughts.

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Indian River Democrats Office Location
2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7
Vero Beach 32960

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm

(772) 226-5267
Copyright © *2023* *Democrats of Indian River All rights reserved.

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