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Dear Neighbor,
Last week, it was announced that Social Security recipients will get a 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to help keep pace with skyrocketing inflation. Unfortunately, due to the way the COLA is currently calculated, even this historic COLA is not sufficient to help seniors on a fixed income keep pace with the surging price of basic necessities. Food prices alone increased 11.2% over last year. I have filed legislation that would change the way the COLA is calculated to better reflect the realities seniors are facing!
Also, a staggering 90 percent of chief executive officers (CEO) recently reported their belief that there will be a worsening recession in the next year. Prompted by these recession fears, more than half of top job creators are considering layoffs. This is bad news for the American economy and a clear sign that we are headed down the wrong path. However, it is not too late to course-correct; which is why I am proud that my colleagues and I have a concrete plan for getting our country back on the right track. Please continue reading to learn more about our plans to do so and my work on your behalf last week.
Ensuring a Future that is Free
As part of our Commitment to America, we will ensure a future that is free by empowering parents with a voice in their children’s education, confronting Big Tech to advance free speech and promoting better, healthier and longer lives for all Americans!
In one example of embracing this promise, my colleagues and I are calling on the Biden Administration to reject California’s request for a Clean Air Act Waiver which would outlaw the sale of new cars with traditional combustible engines. All Americans should have the freedom to choose which vehicle makes the most sense for their particular circumstances and budgets. California’s proposal is another example of liberal elitists being detached from the real constraints on the energy grid and the average American consumer.
Unfortunately, American workers are facing the most severe pay cut that the middle class has seen in the past 25 years due to record inflation and the decline in real wages. In a recent survey, 71% of Americans said that their paychecks are not keeping pace with costs that continue to rise. To create a future that is free, we have to stop reckless government spending that is worsening these conditions and end the bureaucratic obstacles hindering growth! We must create an environment in which innovation can once again thrive.
Additionally, I am working to rein in Big Tech’s abuse of power, especially for censoring Americans online. The solutions being pushed by the Big Tech Task Force, which I help lead, will ensure Big Tech is no longer protected if it censors individuals or media outlets or removes factually correct content simply because it doesn’t fit the liberal narrative. We scrap Section 230 protections for Big Tech companies, strengthen options for people to challenge censorship decisions, and require more transparency about content moderation decisions.
The American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA), which I co-lead will also rein in Big Tech’s abusive practices and establish clear, robust privacy and data security protections for people, especially children. These are the strongest privacy protections to date in the U.S. and will prevent Big Tech from tracking, predicting, and manipulating people’s behaviors for profit without their consent. Further, under our national privacy standard, companies will face real consequences if they track kids’ data or use that information to exploit them for profit. This landmark legislation is critical for protecting our children and all Americans.
Protecting Seniors
Doing the right thing for Florida’s seniors is not a partisan issue. My colleagues and I have filed legislation to protect seniors from coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties under Medicare. Click here to learn more about our work. I’ll always continue doing everything in my power to ensure seniors are supported!
Fighting for our Nation’s Heroes
Last week, I was honored to be one of four federal lawmakers to be named Legislator of the Year by the Wounded Warrior Program. This wonderful organization does a tremendous job advocating for our nation’s heroes who have already sacrificed so much for our country and with providing direct support to those in need. I have had the great honor of employing three Wounded Warrior Fellows in my Congressional office and the experience has been outstanding for my team, my constituents, and I believe for the Fellows themselves. In fact, I am currently seeking to hire another Veteran who has recently separated from the military. To learn more about the qualifications or to apply, click here.
I also had the privilege of partnering with the Wounded Warrior Program and other Veterans Service Organizations when we worked to get the Ryan Kules Specialty Adaptive Housing Improvement Act signed into law in 2019. Ryan, an employee of the Wounded Warrior Program is a remarkable individual with such a vigorous passion for helping his fellow wounded Veterans. Along with his help, we were able to modernize this important program.
I’m currently partnering with the Wounded Warrior Program in support of my Major Richard Star Act which would remedy the injustice of concurrent receipt for more than 50k medically retired Veterans. We are optimistic that our tireless efforts, which have yielded more than 328 co-sponsors, will catapult the bill across the finish line by the end of the year. You can be assured that I won’t stop fighting until this issue is fixed for all Veterans. Continued advocacy on behalf of our nation’s heroes will always be my top priority in Congress!
Raising Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection saves lives. Don’t forget your regular self-examinations as well as annual check-ups and mammograms!
Also, last week marked World Mental Health Day. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 5 Americans experience an episode of mental illness each year. That means over 2.8 million Floridians are likely to struggle this year. World Mental Health Day offers us a reminder of the importance of checking in regularly with friends and family to assess any unmet needs and remind those who are struggling that help is available. Mental health is a key component of overall wellness. We must continue working to reduce the stigma around seeking treatment and remind those who are struggling that they are not alone! The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, which I co-sponsored, has passed the House and is awaiting approval in the Senate. It will help children who are struggling with stress, anxiety, and social isolation. It also helps people battling mental health crises and substance use disorders while keeping the federal government out of decision-making for treatment and targets resources to state and local communities through block grants. It is also part of our Commitment to America to create a future that is Free!
Supporting Small Businesses
Small Business is the backbone of our economy. Each week, I highlight newly opened or expanded businesses in our community that my team or I have visited. Congratulations to these hard-working entrepreneurs and best wishes for their continued success as they realize their American Dream!
Congratulations to Dr. Miguel A. Rivera, Dr. Ryan Thorwarth, and Dr. Emilee Canale on the opening of Florida ENT & Allergy in Trinity!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received the following message from a constituent.
I would like to thank you for helping my dad, Ralph Baker, get his much needed VA housing assistance since he now lives in an ALF. He received his first payment today. We are truly blessed to have you fighting for us!
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you! |
