Florida is setting an unapologetic pro-freedom, pro-parental rights, child-focused example in education for other states to follow.

“Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe and preserve order in the world as well as property…Horrid mischief would ensue were the law abiding deprived of the use of them.”

        ~Thomas Paine~

RPOF CHAIRMAN JOE GRUTERS' MESSAGE

Governor DeSantis Follows Through on Promise to Relocate Illegal Immigrants to Sanctuary Cities

Governor Ron DeSantis’ message to illegal immigrants who are illegally entering our country is clear: Florida is not a sanctuary state, and Florida will gladly facilitate the transport of illegal immigrants to sanctuary jurisdictions. President Biden needs to do his job and secure the border.

Governor DeSantis is making good on his promise to relocate illegal immigrants to places that welcome illegal immigration with open arms, such as sanctuary cities and states, and they can bear the strain on resources and to public safety that these open border policies bring.

Governor DeSantis requested funds in the state budget to transport illegal aliens to sanctuary states. It's paid for using interest from federal funds. Meanwhile, Biden used our tax dollars to pay contractors to smuggle thousands of illegal immigrants to our cities in the dead of night for months, and the federal government has completely lost control of the southern border.

 Florida Public Universities Ranked Among the Nation’s Best

Governor DeSantis announced that Florida public universities earned top spots in multiple categories in U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings.

• The University of Florida is ranked number 5;
• Florida State University is number 19;
• The University of South Florida was ranked among the top 50 public universities in the country at number 42; and
• The University of Central Florida and Florida International University came in at 64 and 72 respectively.

As of 2021, Florida has been ranked the number one state for higher education for five consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. 

“Florida schools are some of the best, in the nation, and these rankings show that our investments in higher education and our focus on providing an affordable, quality education are paying off,” Governor DeSantis said. “I am especially proud that we have not allowed tuition increases since I have been Governor, making higher education in Florida as affordable as virtually anywhere in the nation.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/09/14/florida-public-universities-ranked-among-the-nations-best/

Governor DeSantis Again Thanks Florida’s First Responders with $1,000 Bonus

Governor DeSantis met with members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department to deliver $1,000 bonuses that reward our first responders, recognizing them for their dedicated public service. 

“Florida supports our first responders because these men and women put on their uniforms every day to serve and protect,” Governor DeSantis said. “These bonuses are a token of our appreciation for the work that they do and the sacrifices they make to keep Florida safe.” 

Eligible recipients of the first responder recognition bonus payments are police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and firefighters employed by local governments throughout the state.

Learn more information about the First Responder Recognition Bonuses: www.FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment. 

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/09/12/governor-ron-desantis-awards-recognition-payments-for-floridas-first-responders/

Governor DeSantis Activates the Florida National Guard to Assist the Department of Corrections

Governor DeSantis activated the Florida National Guard to help the Florida Department of Corrections reduce overtime and provide relief for correctional officers on a temporary basis. 

During the 2022 Legislative Session, Governor DeSantis approved record pay increases to recruit and retain corrections officers. These historic pay increases and other incentives have shown early signs of success, with a net gain of nearly 640 officers since the conclusion of the 2022 session, compared to a net loss of more than 465 in the same amount of time prior.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/09/09/memorandum-executive-order-22-213-activating-florida-national-guard-to-assist-the-department-of-corrections/

CFO Patronis: “Not on My Watch.”

Releases Bill to Yank Licenses from IRS Vendors Who Discriminate

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis released draft legislation this week for the upcoming legislative session to take the licenses of IRS vendors who discriminate. The legislation would establish anti-discrimination provisions on state licensed debt collectors.

“With 87,000 new IRS personnel, there is absolutely no doubt that some of those new agents are going to target Floridians based on their political beliefs, and it’s likely they could hire state licensed debt collectors to go after you,” CFO Patronis said. “Not on my watch. If a debt collector wrongly discriminates against, or targets, Floridians based on their political affiliation, ideology, viewpoint or conduct, we’ll yank their license to do business in Florida.”

Read more: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/sitePages/newsroom/pressRelease.aspx?id=6268

LG Nuñez on Newsmax: A Pedophile is a Pedophile

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez told Newsmax this week that the push to rebrand pedophiles as "minor-attracted persons" is "disgusting" and Florida won’t stand for it.

"A pedophile is a pedophile and they're a pervert, and so that's what we need to refer to them as," she said. "There is no wokeism in our book that is going to allow a pedophile to be cast in a positive light.

Watch here: https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/jeanette-nunez-florida-pedophiles/2022/09/12/id/1087062/

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s unemployment rate remained strong at 2.7 percent, the lowest unemployment rate among the nation’s ten largest states and a full percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.7 percent in August 2022. Florida also leads the nation in new business formations with 1,534,221 new businesses, outpacing second place California by more than 250,000 new business formations since January 2020.

For 25 consecutive months, Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has either declined or remained unchanged, and for 21 consecutive months, since December 2020, Florida’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate. Florida’s labor force continues to see growth, increasing by 49,000, a 0.5 percent increase, over the month in August 2022. Florida’s private sector employment grew by 24,200 in August 2022, at a rate of 0.3 percent, 0.1 percentage point faster than the national growth rate of 0.2 percent.

“Florida has the lowest unemployment rate among the 10 most populous states and the highest number of new business formations because we have encouraged workforce development, kept the economy open, and put Florida families first,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. 

“Our economy is steady and resilient — proof that Governor DeSantis’ freedom first policies are working, despite the nation’s economic uncertainty,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “DEO is committed to supporting the Governor in advancing the economy by focusing on the state’s workforce, businesses, and communities. More people are moving to Florida than any other state in the nation. We are first in the nation for net migration because their families can thrive here.”    

Over the year, total private sector employment grew by 5.6 percent (439,300 jobs), 1.0 percentage point faster than the national rate of 4.6 percent. Florida employers have added jobs for 28 consecutive months in August 2022, and Florida’s over-the-year private sector job growth rate has exceeded the nation for 17 consecutive months since April 2021. In August 2022, Florida’s labor force grew by 308,000 (+3.0 percent) over the year, faster than the national rate of 2.0 percent by 1.0 percentage point. 

Data in the month of August continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with more than 500,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers. 

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS

Governor Ron DeSantis marked the 235^th anniversary of the signing of our nation’s Constitution, which was commemorated September 17^th. To download a video of his remarks courtesy Governor’s Press Office, click here.

“Hello, this is Governor Ron DeSantis, and I want to wish you a happy Constitution Day. 235 years ago, the Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia to answer a very simple question: Could we have a society based on the idea that we are a nation of laws, not a nation of men? Based on the idea that our rights come from our creator, not from the government? Or were we forever destined to live under various forms of despotism? And it was not easy. They had to compromise. They had to struggle. But, at the end of the day, they produced the best constitution that had ever been written. As the convention was coming to an end, and there were many times during the convention where they didn’t think they’d get a constitution at all, Benjamin Franklin looked to the front of the room where George Washington had sat. He pointed to the chair where Washington sat, and on that chair, on the back of it, was a sun that was only halfway visible, and Franklin said: For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out during this whole time, whether that was a rising sun or a setting sun. Well, now that we’ve agreed to this constitution, I know that that is a rising sun, signifying a great new dawn of Liberty, for our new nation. Have a happy Constitution Day, and don’t take for granted the fact that we have a strong, constitutional foundation.”

Celebration of the Constitution continues for a week through September 24^th.

Governor Ron DeSantis Celebrates Constitution Day (flgov.com)

Governor Announces Changes to CDL Training

Governor Ron DeSantis announced major expansion of Florida’s Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) training as well as the creation of new opportunities for apprenticeships in Florida. Governor DeSantis awarded $8.2 million to five state colleges to expand the capacity of CDL training programs by at least 1,200 students per year. Prior to 2019, there were less than 1,000 students a year enrolled in CDL training programs, and with this expansion, state institutions will have the capacity to train more than 3,500 students every year. To further support the Governor’s workforce development initiatives, the Governor also announced nearly $12 million to Florida school districts, colleges, state universities, and private training entities to start or expand registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the state through the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG).

“In Florida, over the past three years we have made significant investments into workforce education, with an emphasis on trucking and the entire transportation industry,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “With today’s announcements, we have now increased our CDL training capacity at state institutions from less than 1,000 prior to 2019 to more than 3,500. These investments are driving the growth of our rural communities and state as a whole.”

“We already know that a traditional university path is not for every student, and thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, students now have a variety of options to get on the road in a new career,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “With the Governor’s continued support, our state colleges are perfectly positioned to meet industry demand and advance Florida’s economic independence and prosperity.”

Florida Makes Strides towards Becoming First in the Nation for Workforce Education 

Governor Ron DeSantis announced that nearly $30 million will be dedicated to support workforce development in the Space Coast region as part of a groundbreaking, multi-agency initiative to support competitive industries in the area. The Department of Economic Opportunity, the Department of Education, CareerSource Florida, Enterprise Florida and Space Florida have partnered in this initiative to identify high demand industries and match them with workforce education opportunities in the Space Coast region. Industries that will benefit from these investments include aviation and aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and cybersecurity and information technology. For a summary of today’s announcement, click here.

“I set a goal to make Florida the best state in the nation for workforce education by 2030 — and we are doing that by making investments that expand opportunity and meet industry needs,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Currently there are over 91,000 manufacturing and aerospace technology-related jobs on the space coast and this $30 million investment will build more opportunities for Floridians.”

Investment highlights include:

The Governor’s Job Growth Grant Fund ($11.5 million) – to expand and support machining, welding, manufacturing, and avionics training programs at Eastern Florida State College, Daytona State College, and Indian River State College. The Governor’s Job Growth Grant Fund promotes public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) ($9.0 million) – to create the Florida Atlantic Workforce Alliance, a collaborative effort between workforce boards, educational institutions and school systems and aerospace, aviation, cybersecurity, and manufacturing employers from Flagler to Martin counties. WIOA creates a comprehensive workforce development system that aids job seekers and employers. 

The Florida Department of Education’s Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) program ($6.4 million) – to develop and expand machining and welding, aerospace, cybersecurity, and electrical apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs at Eastern Florida State College, Daytona State College, Indian River State College, and School Districts of Brevard, Indian River, and St. Lucie counties. and Brevard Public Schools. The PCOG program is appropriated under the state of Florida General Appropriations Act to establish or expand registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs.

• School District of Indian River County – to begin a 4,000-hour apprenticeship in the aviation industry to include welders. This program will teach students major welding processes and provide on the job training.
•  St. Lucie County School District – to introduce welding concepts and give high school students a path towards apprenticeship welding programs. Additionally, they will be implementing an 18-month pre-apprenticeship program to introduce students to supply chain and logistical technical instruction.
• Florida Makes ($1.16 million) – Florida Makes will serve as the Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor for an Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology course.

The Florida Department of Education’s Cyber/IT Pathways Grant program, ($3 million) – to develop, expand, and support cybersecurity programs at EFSC, DSC, and IRSC. The Cybersecurity and Information Technology Pathways (Cyber/IT Pathways) program is a joint endeavor of the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida) to inspire and prepare more students to pursue fulfilling and lucrative careers in cybersecurity/information technology (IT) while helping address a national skills shortage in these areas.

“Governor DeSantis continues to build on our success to develop a robust space economy across Florida,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Today’s announcement regarding our innovative funding partnership with our state colleges and workforce boards will position Florida as a leader in the aerospace industry. As Chair of Space Florida’s Board of Directors, I look forward to meeting the needs of future growth of space exploration and aviation technology in Florida.”

 ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHLEY MOODY

Attorney General Moody Leads Bipartisan Effort Calling on President Biden to Declare Fentanyl a Weapon of Mass Destruction

Attorney General Ashley Moody continues to obtain devastating evidence of President Joe Biden’s failed immigration policies. Through aggressive litigation efforts, AG Moody’s office obtained a memo outlining the federal government’s plan to simply mass-release immigrants into the United States once Title 42 is repealed.

During the Attorney General’s Office deposition of U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz, the chief testified that he had never before, during a 31-year career, seen or issued an order like the emergency memo. 

“The Biden administration’s failed immigration policies are disastrous. Expecting to be overrun, Biden’s Border Patrol drafted a plan to hunker down and allow inadmissible immigrants to flood into the country,” Attorney General Moody said. “But for the efforts of our office and other responsible-minded, public-safety oriented attorneys general, Title 42 would have been repealed and Biden would have released untold thousands of additional immigrants into the interior of our country — outrageous!” 

Read more: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/967FAEA6A500F3DC852588BC00535F64?Open&

Watch deposition comments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If6NtwjbtZU



Attorney General Moody Thanks Florida’s More Than 6,400 Highway Heroes During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing the Highway Heroes program during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Attorney General Moody partnered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to launch the Highway Heroes campaign in October 2020, training truck drivers to spot and report human trafficking. Since the launch, more than 6,400 drivers received anti-human trafficking training and are now better equipped to help keep an eye on Florida’s 12,000 miles of highways.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This week, we say thank you to all of Florida’s professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. Additionally, we show our gratitude to the more than 6,400 drivers who have gone the extra mile to receive expert training through our Highway Heroes program about how to effectively spot and report signs of human trafficking. Our state is a safer place because of these Highway Heroes.” More. 

SENATOR MARCO RUBIO

MARCO RUBIO: ‘THE RADICAL LEFT WILL DESTROY AMERICAIF WE DON’T STOP THEM.’

The Marco Rubio for Senate campaign released a new ad in which Marco warns about the dangers of electing Val Demings and shares why he’s fighting to make sure we don’t lose our country to the radical left.

Click HERE to watch the new ad, “Radical Left.”

 

Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make Distribution of Deadly Fentanyl Chargeable as Felony Murder

Illicit use of fentanyl is now the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, drug dealers are increasingly targeting children and young people with fentanyl pills made to look like candy.

In response to the rise of fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and into our communities, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act. The bill, which Rubio announced in a Fox News op-ed, makes the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death punishable by federal felony murder charges.

• “Fentanyl is killing Americans at a record high. This deadly drug is widespread throughout our country and has left no community untouched. This bill would make drug dealers pay the price for selling deadly fentanyl.” – Senator Rubio

U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.