“Being charged with leading a state with so much promise, all I can promise is the sweat off my brow, a full heart, my best judgment and the courage of my convictions. I will not be a rudderless vessel in this endeavor.” - Governor Ron DeSantis, Inaugural Speech Gov. DeSantis Sworn InLast week marked the first interim committee week of January, but the focus in Tallahassee was on the executive branch as Governor Ron DeSantis and the other elected members of the Governor’s Cabinet were officially sworn in on Tuesday. In addition to Governor DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried also took their oaths of office Tuesday morning. You can watch Governor DeSantis’ full address here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCy-xUgkv6c Sen. President Galvano Toasts Gov. DeSantis with Florida OJ Following the inauguration, Gov. DeSantis hosted a joint luncheon with the Legislature, remarking, “You guys have important jobs to do – you are not a subordinate branch to the executive, you are an equal branch to the executive, and you should exercise your power accordingly.” Sen. President Bill Galvano described the mood at the Capitol best, saying, “It’s very appropriate that today was such a sunshine-filled day, because that’s how it feels in the Capitol.” Sen. Passidomo Joined Gov. DeSantis to Announce $2.5 Billion to Tackle Florida’s Water CrisisOn Thursday, Senator Passidomo joined Governor Ron DeSantis to announce an additional $1 billion to address Florida’s water crisis. The order calls for: ● $2.5 Billion for Everglades restoration and protection of water resources (a $1 Billion increase over 4 years). ● The Establishment of a Blue-Green Algae Task Force. ● Acceleration of the Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir Project. Funding Approved for Safer Schools The Senate Education Committee viewed a presentation from the Office of Safe Schools on the implementation of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act. Some topics of discussion included threat assessments, compliance guidelines, Fortify FL, and mental health awareness training. The Office of Safe Schools also reported that grants have been made available to local governments for hardening portions of a school, depending on results of mandated threat assessments. Septic Tanks Discussed On Thursday, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government viewed a presentation on nutrient loads from septic tanks by Dr. Brian E. Lapointe of Florida Atlantic University. Septic tanks are a major source of nitrogen, which is a key nutrient for blue-green algae blooms, and as Florida’s population rises, have become a larger percentage of nutrient sources in the environment. Dr. Lapointe recommends that Florida follow advanced wastewater treatment models that target nitrogen and other nutrients. Gov. DeSantis Appoints Conservatives Lagoa and Luck to Florida Supreme Court Since taking the oath of office Tuesday, Gov. DeSantis has appointed two conservatives to the Florida Supreme Court: Judge Barbara Lagoa of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal in Miami and Judge Robert Luck of the 3rd District Court of Appeal in Miami. $1.4 Billion in Damages to Florida Agriculture from Hurricane Michael ● The top five counties impacted were Jackson ($51 M), Gadsden ($15 M), Suwannee ($14 M), Calhoun ($11 M) and Santa Rosa ($6 M). ● A total of 2.8 million acres of forest land area were damaged, valued at $1.289 billion. In the News 100th birthday party for Herb Savage becomes Marco Island pioneer's celebration of life Hendry County Sheriff’s Office provided one special shopping experience Editorial: Septic systems merit attention, action by the Florida Legislature Military veterans help build a Habitat for Humanity home for one of their own Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons stopped by for a visit while he was in town for the inauguration. A brilliant group of high school students from Southwest Florida came to visit the Capitol to learn more about our state government. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance. Kathleen C. Passidomo Naples Office: 3299 East Tamiami Trail LaBelle Office: 25 East Hickpochee Avenue Tallahassee Office: 330 Senate Office Building Not paid for at taxpayer expense. |