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Good morning Democrats,

While House Republicans have been directed by Speaker Johnson to withhold from hosting in person town halls, Representative Mike Haridopolos is hosting another telephone town hall on Monday, April 28th at 5:30PM. Make sure you RSVP HERE ([link removed]) by April 27th to confirm your spot on the call!

The following four calls to action (CTA) were shared in our 100 Days of Action emails and may be helpful in preparing questions for the Congressman. We also want to flag that Brady has compiledthis list of questions ([link removed]) to help you engage your lawmakers on gun violence prevention.
CTA #1

House Republicans have introduced bill HR899 ([link removed]) to terminate the Departments of Education. Our Congressman, Mike Haridopolos has not yet joined the bill's 30 cosponsors. Urge him to withhold his support for HR899 "To terminate the Department of Education."
CTA #2

Here’s why USAID matters to Florida...
✅Helps keep Florida’s agricultural and seafood markets strong. USAID turns struggling countries into paying customers who buy American-grown oranges, seafood and other goods.
✅Prevents mass migration crises. When disasters strike or economies fail, people flee.
✅USAID stabilizes nations so we don’t have waves of migrants heading north.
✅Stops wars before they start. USAID has kept countless conflicts from escalating—which means fewer American troops in harm’s way and less taxpayer money spent on military intervention.
Demand our Congressman defend USAID.

"My name is ________ and I am a constituent living in zip code ______. I'm calling today to let you know USAID funding benefits Florida through increased trade, job creation, and international partnerships—and we don’t even have to send troops to get it done. I expect your office to resist to surrendering America’s leadership to our rivals. Will my legislator fight to defend USAID funding to put America first?"
CTA #3
Congressman Haridopolos is doing the bidding of the US arms industry by engaging in a full assault on public safety. Republicans have introduced a state concealed carry reciprocity bill in both the House and the Senate. This bill would infringe on states' rights to set their own gun laws and override all state large capacity magazine bans. Our Congressman Mike Haridopolos has already cosponsored the bill in the House. Haridopolos has also cosponsored bills to both abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and to repeal the National Firearms Act ([link removed]) . The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 imposed taxes, registration requirements, and restrictions on certain firearms, including short-barreled rifles and shotguns, machine guns, and silencers, with the primary goal of discouraging their circulation due to their association with violent crime. Urge him to rescind his support of HR221
([link removed]) to abolish the ATF, HR335 ([link removed]) to repeal the NFA and HR38 ([link removed]) for national concealed carry reciprocity. His support of these bill sdoes not reflect the will of his constituents.
CTA #4
House Republicans have introduced a bill ([link removed]) to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This Act saves older Americans billions in health care costs. As of now, our House Representative Mike Haridopolos ([link removed]) has not yet cosponsored this bill. Urge Rep. Haridopolos to withhold his support.

My name is ______. I live in zip code ________ and I urge my Representative to withhold support for HR191. This bill would significantly increase costs for millions of Americans. HR191 would overturn the cap on insulin costs and the $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket precrription drug copayments for millions of older Americans. Floridians simply cannot afford for this bil to pass or for our Congressman to support this bill. Can I count on the Congressman to vote NO on HR191?
Save the date! This year’s Leadership Blue Weekend will take place from June 20th-22nd at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.
For Event Updates Click Here ([link removed])
Clothe and Empower
Instead of focusing on overcrowded immigration detention centers, we can take action to support the farmworkers who help feed our communities. The Long Sleeve Relief Campaign, organized by the Farmworkers Association of Florida, is collecting new or gently used long-sleeved cotton shirts (up to XL) to protect workers from extreme weather, pesticides, and insects. They also accept children's clothing, toys, and select food items. To contribute, call 888-275-9953 or email . Donations can be dropped off at 29 S. Maple St. Unit A, Fellsmere (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM).
City's Financial Crisis: Beyond the Audit
Vero Beach is struggling with financial mismanagement, including bounced paychecks for police, delayed pension payments, and an incomplete audit for FY 2022-23. The Finance Director has left, and City Manager Monte Falls has remained silent as details of the issues unfold. Police pension checks have been delayed for months, and the city couldn’t secure financing for police vehicles due to missing financial statements. Additionally, the state is withholding funds over the city’s audit non-compliance, highlighting ongoing problems with city management.
Read More Here ([link removed])
Aid For Immigrants

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach is accepting donations to support immigrant farmworker families in Fellsmere with essential food and supplies. Collected items will be distributed by the Farmworker Association of Florida.

Needed Items:
* Food: Rice, Dry Beans, Sugar, Canola Oil, MASECA Flour
* Other Supplies: Sunscreen, Insect Repellent

Drop-off Location:
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach
1590 27th Avenue, Vero Beach | 772-778-5880

Donation Times:
* March 21-22: Inside front entrance
* March 23: Outside front entrance

Organized by the UUFVB Coalition for Racial Justice with support from the covenant group led by Mary Burke and Thomas Hamilton.
Help Tie the U.S. House
There are 218 Republicans and 215 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This narrow GOP majority can be eliminated and the House could be tied if Democrats win three upcoming special elections. Here are the multiple ways you can support these three key races.


FL-01: Gay Valimont is a dedicated mother, community advocate, and leader in Florida's 1st District.
* Donate to Gay Valimont’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])
* Sunday, March 23 3-5 PM ET phone bank with Everytown for Gun Safety Sign up Here ([link removed])
* Monday Online Phonebanks: [Sign up here] ([link removed])
* Tuesday Online Phonebanks: [Sign up here] ([link removed])

FL-06: Josh Weil is a single father and public school educator, is running to flip Florida’s 6th District.
* Donate to Josh Weil’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])
* Daily Online Phonebank Opportunities: [Click here to sign up] ([link removed])

NY-21: Blake Gendebien
* Donate to Blake Gendebien’s campaign: [Donate here] ([link removed])

Join Us at the Dem Office to Phone Bank for Gay Valimont!
Sign Up Here ([link removed])

Join our in person phone banking event every Wednesday to support Gay Valimont. We’ll provide training and scripts, whether you’re experienced or new to phone banking. Please bring your laptops and headphones, as we have a limited number available at the office. Refreshments will be provided.

This year, 2025, there are elections for City Council positions in Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach. We continue to seek candidates to run for office in Indian River, if interested contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call the office. Please also complete FDP's Run for Office Form ([link removed]) to be added to their candidate newsletter and resources.
RSVP for the National Fundraising Bootcamp hosted by the National Democratic Training Committee Sat, Mar 22 @ 11AM - 4PM EST. Fundraising is crucial to running a campaign! Join us for an intensive bootcamp on all things fundraising. If you are running for office or managing a campaign, this training is for you! Register Here
([link removed])

RSVP for an All Candidates Call Hosted By The Florida Democratic Party Mon, Mar 24 @ 7PM EST Join all Florida candidates running for office for special guest speakers, important updates, reminders, and announcements. Must be a registered Democrat in the state of Florida in order to attend.Register Here ([link removed])


Run for Office & Find Your District Here ([link removed])
Community Events
Indian River County wants your input as the MPO develops a long-range transportation plan. Attend a public meeting, complete the survey on our website, or contact Brian Freeman at (772) 226-1455. For special accommodations or translation services, contact Patti Johnson at (772) 226-1455 by March 28, 2025. Visit: www.indianriver.gov/mpo
DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Dr. David Moore, our Superintendent of Schools, will be the guest speaker at the Association’s April 4th Luncheon. He is a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award from The School Superintendent’s Association, following his recent recognition as Florida’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year. We look forward to his update on the School District of Indian River County and wish him success in the competition.
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
More Opportunities to Get Involved
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 5:15pm
Via Zoom

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 6pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Board Meeting
Tuesday, April, 8, 2025 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
TBD
Democratic Club Election Results

President: Clay Wild (re-elected)
Vice President: Elle Shaw (2nd year of 2-year term)
Secretary: Laura Richard (newly elected)
Treasurer: Charlie Berbick (2nd year of 2-year term)

New Board Members:
* Walter Janke
* Larry Zick
* Mark Jaffe
* David LeVine
* Teresa Cannady

Returning Board Members:
* Rhea McKenna (2nd year of 2-year term)
* Bonnie Olinger (2nd year of 2-year term)

Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) . Members, join our Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
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Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March, 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, April 26, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: ELIZABETH A. GASKIN, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS, IRSC Student Scholarships will be awarded.
Details to Follow
DWC Book Group Meeting
Thursday, March 27, 2025 2-4 p.m.
Brackett Library, Bjorkman room

Title: "Beneath a Ruthless Sun: A True Story of Violence, Race, and Justice Lost and Found"
Author: Gilbert King

For more information, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Environmental Committee Meeting Dates
* Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Environmental Committee Meeting
Date: May 6, 2025
Details: To be announced
* Democratic Women’s Club (DWC) Environmental Committee Meeting
Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Riverview Park, Sebastian

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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County
Find School Board meeting details here ([link removed]) .
2nd and 4th 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.

** General Suggestions Sheet ([link removed])
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.

Our email address is:
** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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