| Help is Here |
Dear Neighbor,
We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. America has had the fastest vaccine rollout in the world. During President Biden’s first 100 days, we have saved lives, saved small businesses, cut child poverty in half, kept first responders working, and with your help we can rebuild our nation and create broad prosperity for all in the years ahead.
We must remain vigilant. Almost 600,000 Americans have died during this pandemic. I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy, staying safe, getting vaccinated, and continuing to wear masks indoors and around unvaccinated individuals.
Working with President Biden, we are working to build back better, creating millions of new jobs and ensuring that every American can look forward to a safe and prosperous future.
First, we passed the American Rescue Plan to get shots into arms, money into pockets, people into jobs, children safely back in the classroom. This rescue effort was supported by 75% of Americans. Despite the economic crash caused by the pandemic, this critical support actually meant that the U.S. poverty rate decreased last year. As of the start of this year, our economy is growing at a massive rate, while countries in Europe that provided less support are seeing a recession.
We are following up on this tremendous success with the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan, bold legislation which puts all of our chips on middle class prosperity. I believe that when we invest in ordinary people, our country will prosper. Americans agree: the plans are supported by more than two in three people of both parties.
Sick of crumbling highways and bridges? Here in Florida, there are thousands of miles of them. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 11.6%. The American Jobs Plan will be an historic investment to repair our infrastructure.
These plans are a Americans-first strategy to supercharge our economy, creating millions of new jobs, revitalize American manufacturing, retrofit everything from schools to VA hospitals, replace every lead pipe that poisons our children, lower the cost of health care, ensure that families can access affordable child care, transform caregiving for our seniors, make preschool and community college accessible to all, continue our historic work to end child poverty in America, and more.
These investments will not only save lives and create millions of jobs, they will come with real standard of life improvements for Floridians. For example, over half of Floridians live in an area with only one internet provider. This lack of competition drives up costs and makes service worse. The American Jobs Plan will invest $100 billion to bring our broadband into the 21st century.
These historic investments in the American middle class will be fully funded by making sure that multinational corporations and the richest Americans pay their fair share in taxes.
As President Biden said in his remarks to Congress, "while 20 million Americans lost their jobs in the pandemic...650 billionaires in America saw their net worth increase by more than $1 trillion. Trickle-down economics has never worked. It is time to grow the economy from the bottom and the middle out."
55 of the largest corporations in America paid no taxes last year. Zero. That’s wrong. By asking these corporations and others to simply pay their fair share, we can invest in America’s future. And no one making less than $400,000 will see their taxes go up. Our economy should reward work, not wealth.
Vaccines are now available at local drug stores and community vaccination sites, including at Valencia College. All people over the age of 16 are eligible for all of the vaccines. Get vaccinated! You can text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) to immediately get information on the more convenient vaccine locations near you.
As one of my constituents told us,
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“I went to one of the FEMA pop-up sites and hopped in line, and it was very efficient. After my second shot I felt liberated! This week we went for the first time to a restaurant, it is wonderful to get back out into our community. We’ve already bought tickets for concerts later in the year, and can’t wait to travel, cruise, and get back to normal, safely.
"We are finally able to see people who are more vulnerable like my mother, who is 73, and my parents in law who are 87 and 82. We hadn’t seen them in more than a year so that was a big deal for us. It is such a relief for everybody. It takes away a burden from your mind – it’s liberating. Why would you choose to get the virus instead of the vaccine? I really would encourage everybody to do it—it’s our only way out.”
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This has been a tough year. But I believe that we are capable of anything we put our minds to.
The American middle class created the greatest wealth, prosperity, and innovation we have ever seen. It’s time to reinvest and rebuild our middle class, with once in a generation investments in infrastructure, education, health care, and caregiving.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Please continue to care for one another and stay safe.
Sincerely,
U.S. Rep. Val Demings
| Important Resources for our Community |
To end this pandemic, it is vital that all of us get vaccinated. Due to orders from President Biden, vaccines are available at local pharmacies as well as community vaccination sites.
For information about vaccination in Orange County, Florida,
You can schedule appointments at local pharmacies here: Walmart; Sam’s Club; Publix; Winn Dixie; Walgreens; CVS; Fresco y Más.
Following an order from President Biden, there is a FEMA vaccination site open in the 10th District, at Valencia College West Campus in Orlando.
Get vaccinated!
President Biden has extended the eviction moratorium for renters in federally-backed housing. Additionally, rental assistance is being distributed by the Treasury Department. More information can be found here.
If you have been a victim of identity theft related to unemployment insurance, the IRS has a new website, here, to report the crime. Remember—for your taxes, only report your authentic income. You should also report the fraud here.
If you lost a loved one to COVID, financial assistance of up to $9,000 for funerals is available starting in April.
You will need:
- A death certificate showing COVID-19
- Funeral expenses documents
- Documentation of other funds being used
More info can be found here.
| Ending Gun Violence in America |
For the 49 killed at Pulse. For the 60 killed in Las Vegas. 32 at Virginia Tech. 27 at Sandy Hook. 26 at Sutherland Springs. 17 at Parkland.
For the 43,543 Americans who were killed by guns last year alone. We will act, we will not give up, we will not be deterred.
We will not rest as long as thousands of Americans continued to be needlessly gunned down in our country.
President Biden has called for Congress to take action to hold gun manufacturers accountable, close the outrageous holes in our background check system, and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.
As a former 27-year law enforcement officer and gun owner, I strongly support these common-sense efforts, which will save innocent lives with little impact on lawful gun owners.
I will also continue to push for action on my new legislation to ban concealable assault weapons which frequently kill law enforcement officers and civilians across the country.
I know that with the passionate advocacy of the American people, we can get this done.
| George Floyd and Justice in Policing |
Every person deserves to live in safety, and to be treated with dignity and respect.
Last month, a jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts for the murder of George Floyd last year.
Justice has prevailed. But this was not a happy day, because it never should have happened. George Floyd’s life mattered, and but for the tragic actions of Derek Chauvin, Mr. Floyd would be alive.
Law enforcement exists to uphold a sacred trust. I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands who remember their oath and do the job well every day. As we heal as a nation we must not rest. We must continue to have a sense of urgency to come together and work together with one purpose in mind: to do better.
Last month's verdict signals that we can be the America we are supposed to be. I hope that the Senate sees today as a springboard to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
We deserve it, good law enforcement officers deserve it, America deserves it.
Last month one of the United States Capitol Police Officers who protect us every day at the Capitol was killed in a violent attack. Officer Billy Evans lost his life in defense of our democracy. Please keep his children, family, and the USCP in your prayers.
We recently lost a Florida icon. U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings served his constituents as a civil rights attorney, judge, and Dean of our Congressional delegation.
As a Congressman, Florida's first Black federal judge, and first Black Democratic Senate candidate, he changed the face of politics in Florida.
I spoke in honor of his legacy on the House floor. You can watch here.
Rep. Hastings brought passion and unwavering dedication to the fight for justice.
Someone will take his space, but I don't believe that anyone can take his place. We are forever grateful for a life well lived.
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During this tough time, I want to assure you that my staff and I are still working and ready to assist you. If you need help, please let us know. You can contact us here.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Please continue to care for one another and stay safe. I know that we can get through this together.
Sincerely,
U.S. Rep. Val Demings
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WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
217 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2176
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ORLANDO OFFICE
2295 S Hiawassee Rd, Suite 301
Orlando, FL 32835
Phone: 321-388-9808
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