Happy Monday!
We've been hard at work this week mostly with constituent services. We have had 5x more people reach out this month with unemployment and DEO issues than our average over the last few months which is to show how much need there is in our community right now.
My own business, a local tutoring company, was a good example of the frustration many are feeling. Under the wave of the Delta Variant, even my entirely vaccinated staff had to shut the doors for a few days because of direct COVID-19 exposures.
This is may be a good time to remind people of the costs of inaction. There is a cost to denying science and fighting masks, vaccines, and basic public health measures. The longer this lasts, the more businesses will fail, the more jobs lost, and the more families will suffer. Please get your shot, wear your mask, or stay home if you have to.
NEW Constituent Service Portal (beta)
With so many people reaching out for help, my state-run Outlook account is no longer up to the task (my inbox is embarrassingly overwhelmed). I've been working behind the scenes for months on developing a better solution but this past week expedited the need and I got it done (almost).
This simple app will help us manage request so no claim is ever lost, track issues via support tickets and provide timely updates, and ultimately help me ensure we're delivering the very best constituent services possible. We're testing it out and working through the kinks this week, but I'd love to hear your feedback:
COVID-19 UPDATE
I got a depressing update from our friends at Tampa General Hospital who are struggling under the surge of the Delta variant. This is copied straight from the CEO's e-mail: "Wear a mask when indoors, practice social distancing, but most importantly – please get vaccinated. It’s the only way we are going to be able to win this battle." The graph pictured represents the number of patients currently in the hospital.
Watch the video here.
ICYMI: The FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. “The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product.” Read more on the Pfizer vaccine here.
To find where you can get your vaccine click here. If you had reservations about getting the vaccine, I hope this approval will help because together, we can stop this Delta variant. Please continue to encourage those you know to mask up, follow current CDC guidelines, and wash your hands.
DISTRICT RESOURCES
We understand so many familes have been adversly affected in numerous ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we wanted to let you know that our office is here for you. We have compiled a list of some helpful local resources for you.
New Resources Available for Renters & Homeowners: recently, the Federal Government created a new program to help assist homeowners and renters. if you're a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs - or if you're a homeowner trying to stay afloat - help may be available. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to find out what this means and what you can do.
IN THE NEWS
Having won by the narrowest margin anywhere in the state in 2020, we've always known we would be a prime target for the Republicans in 2022. If you want to help us fight back please get involved by making a donation or click on the contribute button at the bottom of this email, volunteer with #TheATeam, and by signing our petition to get Andrew back on the ballot.
Make sure to stay in touch with us by following our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts!
FUTURE EVENTS
You're invited to join us virtually for our monthly Town Hall on September 9 at 7:00 as we get ready to leave for the first round of Committee Weeks in Tallahassee. We'll be livestreaming on our Facebook page, so be sure to follow to see it.
If you'd like to ask a question live, register for the Zoom link here. If you'd like to submit your question ahead of time, email [email protected].
Join us for our canned food drive benefiting ECHO of Riverview! We will be collecting various non perishable food items to distribute to families in need this holiday season. To see a list of their most requested items, click here. Donations can be dropped off at our District office anytime between 9:00-5:00 Monday-Friday. Help us help those that need it the most!
We're hosting another canvass to help get petitions signed for Andrew on Saturday, September 18 from 10:00-12:00. We will be following CDC guidelines during this event. All supplies will be provided. Can't make it and still want to sign a petition or print some out for your friends & family? Click here. Don't worry if you don't live in the District, since it's a redistricting year, ANYONE in the State can sign one!
GET INVOLVED
We value your support and we can't do this without you (literally)! You can get involed by making a donation or click on the contribute button at the bottom of this email, volunteer with #TheATeam, and by signing our petition to get Andrew back on the ballot.
Make sure to stay in touch with us by following our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts!
