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ICYMI: Florida is using a fraud-hunting tool used by the right to look for voters to remove from the rolls

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May 29, 2024

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ICYMI: Florida is using a fraud-hunting tool used by the right to look for voters to remove from the rolls

Tallahassee, FL — Earlier this week, NBC News reported that conservative activists sent a list of 10,000 Florida voters to state election officials, who directed Supervisors of Elections to use new laws for “list maintenance” to target voters for removal. The email came from “activists” with links to far-right groups behind EagleAI, a program built by Republicans to challenge voter registrations.

“Florida voters should be on high alert — Republicans are taking notes from a conservative AI program to wipe out voters from the rolls,” FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “This is even more proof that new election laws are being weaponized to remove voters from the rolls, masquerading as ‘list maintenance,’ to inflate their voter registration lead. Florida Democrats are actively working to educate voters about these new voter suppression tactics.”

Changes in laws surrounding list maintenance have led to more than 1 million voters being marked inactive in the last year. These purged voters are disproportionately Democrats, and even include a Democratic nominee for Congress. Concerned Floridians can visit flade.ms/checkstatus to confirm their status as an active voter.

Key excerpts from the article are below: 

NBC News: Florida is using a fraud-hunting tool used by the right to look for voters to remove from the rolls

  • “Florida wants local elections officials to use data collected by far-right activists, some of whom falsely believe the 2020 election was stolen, to potentially remove people from the state’s voter rolls, according to emails obtained by NBC News.”

  • “The network of activists has been collecting voter data in 24 states, and on May 3, one of them emailed the Florida-specific information to a top state election official. It included the names of roughly 10,000 voters from across the state the group insists should be examined for potential removal from the voter rolls, a process commonly referred to as list maintenance.”

  • “The “concerned citizen” who sent the May 3 email was Dan Heim, a longtime Florida-based activist who has made unfounded voter fraud claims across the state. He told Matthews in the email that he worked with a group that helped create a program called EagleAI (pronounced “Eagle Eye”), a database loaded with voter rolls and other records that promise to quickly churn through the data and find registrations that may be suspect based on other sources.”

  • “The left will hate this,” Mitchell said during an EagleAI demonstration to the Election Integrity Network last year. “They will hate it. But we love it.”

  • “The list was provided with no information about the source of data or methodology used to identify these voters,” read the letter, which was signed by a collection of voting rights groups. “It is a criminal offense in Florida to make frivolous challenges, which are subject to misdemeanor penalties for each voter challenged.”

  • When Matthews forwarded the email and its 10,000 voter names to local elections officials, she made no mention of the group’s partisan ties or Heim’s long history in the state of falsely pushing voter fraud claims.

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What They’re Saying: Reason for Optimism as Property Insurance Rate Reductions on the Horizon

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Contact: Jennifer Fennell

May 29, 2024

[email protected]

(850) 222-3767 

What They’re Saying: Reason for Optimism as Property Insurance Rate Reductions on the Horizon

Tallahassee, Fla. – As hurricane season quickly approaches, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation, elected officials and others are sharing reasons for optimism for the state’s property insurance market. Eight insurance companies have announced their intention to lower their rates, while an additional ten plan to keep rates the same.

While there remains much work to be done as Floridians continue to grapple with high rates, reforms enacted over the last few sessions by the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis have begun making a positive impact on the state’s property insurance market.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis: 

“We’re at 15 months right now and days like today are the good days in the process, where the legislature can look at our partners and the regulated industries like insurance and say thank you for helping us do the right thing for the policyholders of this state. Thank you to all of you that make a difference in making Florida the best place to live.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Commissioner Michael Yaworsky:

“As Insurance Commissioner, my top priority has been increasing protection for Florida’s consumers and today’s announcement demonstrates Governor DeSantis’ ongoing commitment to ensuring a strengthened and reliable insurance market for policyholders. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and bill sponsors Senator Trumbull and Representative Stevenson for their continued leadership and support as we work to regulate one of the most complex insurance markets in the world.” (Statement, 5/17/2024)

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo:

“We know the cost of property insurance is posing a major affordability problem for Florida homeowners. Fortunately, the reforms passed in recent years are working. We are seeing new insurers and new private capital enter Florida, while large companies recommit to our state, citing recent reforms.” (Memorandum, 5/16/2024)

State Senator Jim Boyd:

“The property insurance reform, coupled with tort reform, is going to make a massive difference in homeowners’ premium costs over the foreseeable future.” (Florida Seeing ‘Downward Trend’ in Insurance Rate Filings, State Says Stabilization is Here, Florida Voice, Owen Girard, 5/21/2024)

State Representative Adam Anderson:

“FINALLY some good news regarding our property insurance market! Rate filings for 2024 show a slight trend downward for the first time in years! 10 companies have filed a 0% increase and at least 8 companies have filed a rate decrease to take effect in 2024.” (Tweet, 5/20/2024)

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Stronger Safer Florida is a nonpartisan coalition comprised of businesses, consumer and environmental groups from throughout Florida. This diverse membership seeks to protect consumers before, during, and after catastrophic events impact Florida.

State Attorney Andrew Warren Launches Re-Election Bid with Extensive List of Regional Endorsements

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May 29, 2024
State Attorney Andrew Warren Launches Re-Election Bid with Extensive List of Regional Endorsements
Tampa, FL – State Attorney Andrew Warren’s campaign has released its initial set of endorsements, including Tampa Bay’s most influential former and current elected officials. Since his inauguration as Hillsborough’s chief law enforcement official, State Attorney Warren has worked tirelessly with law enforcement, local officials, and community organizations to improve the public safety of this community—a leading example of effective criminal justice policy across the nation.
This initial list of endorsements includes:
  • Congresswoman Kathy Castor
  • Hon. Alex Sink
  • Hon. Betty Castor
  • Hon. Arthenia Joyner
  • House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell
  • Public Defender Julianne Holt
  • Clerk of Courts Cindy Stuart
  • County Commissioner Harry Cohen
  • County Commissioner Pat Kemp
  • County Commissioner Gwen Myers
“I’m honored to have the support of so many community leaders who recognize the success I’ve had over the last eight years making Hillsborough County much safer, fighting for victims, and improving our criminal justice system—while also standing up to the governor’s attacks on the values and freedoms of all Floridians,” said State Attorney Andrew Warren.
State Attorney Warren announced his reelection campaign in April 2024 after a crucial court victory in his lawsuit against Governor DeSantis’ unconstitutional suspension from office in August 2022. Warren is currently awaiting reinstatement to complete the term voters elected him to serve.
During his six years in office, Warren’s accomplishments include:
  • Reducing crime in Hillsborough County by more than 30%
  • Making Hillsborough the safest large county in Florida, according to state statistics
  • Investing in safety by balancing accountability and punishment with prevention and rehabilitation, including addressing mental health and addiction
  • Targeting child predators, convicting an average of one predator every four days the courthouse was open
  • Creating and expanding civil citation programs, disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline
  • Establishing a Community Council and a Racial Justice Work Group
  • Becoming a national leader in transparency, launching a groundbreaking public Data Dashboard
  • Reducing the criminalization of poverty
  • Pursuing drunk drivers with aggressive sanctions to reduce repeat offenses
  • Adopting the Disarming Domestic Abusers policy to protect victims of domestic violence
  • Creating a Conviction Review Unit that exonerated a man wrongfully convicted for murder and charged the men actually responsible for that crime and another previously unsolved cold-case murder
First elected in 2016 by defeating a 16-year incumbent, State Attorney Warren is seeking re-election to a third term as State Attorney for Hillsborough County, Florida. Warren, a Democrat, points to his proven record of reduced crime, increased public safety, and improvements to the justice system.
For more information about the campaign, please visit AndrewWarrenFL.com
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Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Floridians to Take Advantage of Florida’s Two Disaster Sales Tax Holidays for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2024

CONTACT: FDEM Communications Team, [email protected] | (850) 815-4940

Florida Division of Emergency Management Encourages Floridians to Take Advantage of Florida’s Two Disaster Sales Tax Holidays for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

~The First Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will last two weeks, beginning June 1 through June 14 ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) encourages Floridians to purchase disaster preparedness items during the first of Florida’s two, 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays beginning June 1 through June 14. A second two-week disaster sales tax holiday will take place August 24 through September 6.

“I want to thank the Governor and the Florida Legislature for continuously taking action to support Floridians and providing them with cost-effective ways to be prepared,” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I urge all residents to prioritize preparedness during these tax-free holidays and make any necessary updates to their disaster supply kit and plans.”

“Disaster can strike at any time. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires are frequent threats to people and property. The beginning of hurricane season is a good time for Floridians to gather supplies they would need to stay safe during and after a disaster,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “I encourage consumers to learn about the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and save money on essentials to keep their families, homes and pets safe.”

House Bill 7073 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis to provide much-needed financial relief for families to prepare for hurricane season, in addition to a number of other tax holidays. This year, Floridians are expected to save millions on vital disaster preparedness supplies such as pet supplies, tarps, batteries, generators and flashlights, which are all included in the list of items eligible to be purchased tax-free.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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Florida Democrats Call Out Republican Hypocrisy on Cuba Visits

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May 24, 2024

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What They’re Saying: Florida Democrats Call Out Republican Hypocrisy on Cuba Visits

 

Miami, FL —  On Tuesday, Axios Miami first reported that the Transport Security Administration provided Cuban government officials a tour of Miami International Airport on May 20, a day that marks Cuban Independence Day.

According to reports, local authorities including Miami-Dade County officials and Congress were not notified of the visit, raising questions about protocols and sparking security concerns.

Florida Republicans including U.S. Senator Rick Scott and Rep. Carlos Giménez, who served mayor of Miami-Dade County from 2011 to 2020, were quick to respond with outrage claiming in a letter and recorded videos that this is the first time they have heard of the Cuban delegation visits but yesterday, the Miami-Herald reported that Cuban officials visited Miami’s airport in 2015 and 2011.

Excerpts from the Miami-Herald article are below:

  • Federal authorities brought Cuban aviation officials to tour Miami International Airport in 2011 and 2015, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed Wednesday, two days after the revelation of a similar visit launched a political storm in Miami.

  • Cuban groups also visited security operations at other U.S. airports under the administration of President Donald Trump. In 2018, three Cuban officials visited airports in Philadelphia; Arlington, Virginia; and Atlantic City, New Jersey, Howell said.

  • Giménez was mayor in 2015 and took office in the first half of 2011. In a videotaped question-and-answer session released by a spokesperson Wednesday afternoon, Gimenez said he wasn’t notified of any Cuban officials visiting MIA while he was overseeing the airport as mayor.

  • Federal authorities said the Cuba visits are part of a broader program to promote better security screening at foreign airports with direct flights to the United States.

In response, Florida Democrats called out the hypocrisy from Florida Republicans and coordinated with authorities to establish protocols and received an apology and commitment from the TSA to ensure transparency on visits in the future:

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried: “It is not the first time this has happened but the timing of the visit on Cuban Independence Day is a slap in the face to the Cuban American community in exile. While Florida Democrats are cooperating with authorities to demand answers and make sure this never happens again without full transparency, the hypocrisy from Florida Republicans is questionable. The first Cuban delegation visit to Miami airport happened when Giménez was mayor and Rick Scott was governor. Why didn’t they raise their concerns the first time? Spare us the spectacle.”

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25): “I immediately demanded an explanation from the Trump-appointed TSA director who let this unacceptable behind-the-scenes tour happen. I hope MAGA apologists bring the same energy against Putin or the other dictators they salivate over, who prop up Cuba’s despotic regime. Nobody has worked harder than President Biden and Florida Democrats to free political prisoners, assist Cuba’s democracy movement, and stand up to autocrats and their bootlicking admirers in Havana, Caracas, Moscow, and Mar-a-Lago.”

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: “Today, I met with the Department of Homeland Security, TSA and the State Department to share our community’s deep frustration about the visit of Cuban officials to MIA. The agencies apologized and committed to changing their protocols to ensure we are informed before any other foreign delegations tour our airport.”

Statement from President Biden on the Louisiana State Legislature Passing S.B. 276

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May 23, 2024

Statement from President Biden on the Louisiana State Legislature Passing S.B. 276

“Today, in 2024, millions of women across America cannot access critical health care, even in cases of rape or incest or when their lives are at risk. Doctors are being threatened with jail time simply for caring for their patients. Those desperate to start a family have seen their access to IVF treatment stopped. And just this afternoon, MAGA Republicans in Louisiana passed a bill that would criminalize the possession of safe and effective abortion medication, with penalties of several years in prison – it is outrageous.

“Donald Trump says that women should face some form of ‘punishment’ for accessing reproductive health care. We’re seeing that play out. This is a direct result of Trump overturning Roe v. Wade. Trump says the cruel laws endangering women’s lives are ‘working brilliantly.’ He thinks states like Louisiana should be able to prosecute women and monitor their bodies. Just this week, he said he is considering restricting access to contraception.

“This is a scary time for women across America. If Donald Trump regains power, he will try to make what is happening in states like Louisiana a reality nationwide. My message to those who are worried is this: Kamala and I are fighting like hell to get your freedoms back. And we won’t stop until we restore the protections of Roe v. Wade for all women in every state.”

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Florida Democrats Slam Sham Starbucks Investigation

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May 23, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

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FLORIDA DEMOCRATS SLAM SHAM STARBUCKS INVESTIGATION

Tallahassee, FL — Yesterday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody joined Ron DeSantis on his takeover of Sean Hannity’s radio show to announce an investigation into Starbucks for their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In response, the Florida Democratic Party has released the following statement:

“The Republican Party’s obsession with DEI is a sham, and so is Ashley’s investigation into Starbucks,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “The vast majority of business leaders — including 95% of conservative business leaders — know that diversity initiatives are strategically important for the economic health of their company. The fact that Republicans continue to attack businesses for making their own choices proves that the era of ‘free market Republicans’ is dead and gone.

“Florida Republicans are playing a dangerous and unconstitutional game in an effort to impress Donald Trump and stir up their base. Florida Democrats believe that the government has no business interfering with the practices of private corporations, and we plan to fight back against this extreme Republican overreach at the ballot box this November.”

To Haley Voters: There’s a Home For You on Team Biden-Harris

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May 23, 2024

To Haley Voters: There’s a Home For You on Team Biden-Harris

As the President himself has made clear, there’s a home on his campaign for the millions of Republican voters across the country who cast their ballots against Donald Trump in primaries this year – voters who care deeply about the future of our democracy, standing strong with our allies against foreign adversaries, and working across the aisle to get things done for the American people – while also rejecting the chaos, division, and violence that Donald Trump embodies.

While Trump and his team openly attack Nikki Haley and her supporters, Team Biden-Harris is putting in the work and investing in reaching these voters:

“While Trump has done absolutely nothing to gain the support of Haley voters and takes them for granted, Biden and his campaign are actively reaching out to build a coalition of Republicans and they know they need to earn their vote. We welcome their initial engagements and know they plan to do much more in the coming months.” — Robert Schwartz, Executive Director of Haley Voters Working Group

Long after Haley dropped out of the race, millions of voters in key battlegrounds have continued to reject Donald Trump, showing particular vulnerabilities in battleground states:

  • In Wisconsin, Trump struggled in the suburbs: The “WOW” counties (Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington) have key swing voters who are critical to winning statewide in November. Haley finished with 17% in Ozaukee, 12% in Washington, and 14% in Waukesha.
  • In Pennsylvania, over 155,000 Pennsylvania Republicans voted for Nikki Haley over Donald Trump in a closed primary, and Trump dramatically underperformed in critical “collar counties” – the suburbs surrounding Philadelphia.
  • In Georgia, Donald Trump put up a weak showing, losing over 77,000 votes to the ghost of Nikki Haley and was particularly weak in the Atlanta suburbs, including in DeKalb County where Haley got 40% of the vote, Cobb County where she received 23% of the vote, and Fulton County where she got 38%. As a reminder, President Biden defeated Donald Trump in Georgia by 11,800 votes in 2020.
  • In Michigan, Trump underperformed in suburban areas like Oakland and Washtenaw counties near Detroit and Ottawa and Kent counties near Grand Rapids.
  • In North Carolina, Haley overperformed in key suburban areas that put the state in play in November like Durham, Mecklenburg, Orange, and Wake counties.

Those protest voters aren’t going anywhere. Don’t just take it from us – listen to anti-Trump voters who previously supported Nikki Haley who said that Haley’s comments were “something that we expected” and that her voters have “entirely different calculations” than Haley herself on what’s best for the country.

Not only is Donald Trump not courting Nikki Haley and her voters – he is actively attacking and demeaning them:

  • While Haley was giving her suspension speech, Trump said he didn’t think he would “need” swing voters or those who voted for Haley.
  • Trump and his allies have said anyone who isn’t MAGA isn’t welcome in the Republican Party. That they have to get “rid” of moderate voters and kick them “out” of Trump’s Republican Party. That includes Haley and her supporters, who Trump has threatened, intimidated and vowed to blacklist from the party.
  • Trump has, for months, demeaned Nikki Haley herself, calling her “birdbrain,” promoting a racist birther lie about her, and mocking her name. He even attacked Haley for her husband being gone – Michael Haley is currently serving abroad on a National Guard mission.

Bottom line: While Donald Trump continues to attack moderate Republican and independent voters, the Biden campaign is investing to talk to these voters and working to earn their support.

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Team Biden-Harris Enters June Ahead of Trump with $192M War Chest

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May 20, 2024

Team Biden-Harris Enters June Ahead of Trump with $192M War Chest

$192 Million in Cash on Hand Outpaces Trump’s COH, Highest Total of Any Democratic Candidate in History at This Point in the Cycle

Trump Focuses on Billionaire Donors, While Team Biden-Harris Shows Consistent Strength With Grassroots Base

Fundraising Fueling Battleground State Operations, While Trump Absent On the Ground

Team Biden-Harris Raised More than $473 Million In Year Since Launch, $51 Million in April

Today, Team Biden-Harris announced a $192 million war chest, the highest total of any Democratic candidate in history at this point in the cycle. Team Biden-Harris raised more than $51 million in April 2024, continuing to build on the steady and historic work of the Team Biden-Harris fundraising operation. Team Biden-Harris’ April haul and war chest continues to outpace any Democratic candidate in history at this point in the cycle.

While Team Trump has focused nearly entirely on courting billionaire donors maxing out early in the cycle instead of building a durable grassroots fundraising program, Team Biden-Harris’ April haul was driven in large part by continued strength and durability in our grassroots network. A majority of April’s raise came from grassroots donors, and one million more supporters were added to our email list in the month alone. This fundraising is powering a growing battleground state operation and a historic paid media campaign focused on the voters who will decide this election. With six months until Election Day, the Biden-Harris campaign is driving ahead with the enthusiasm, strength, and historic resources needed to win a close election in November.

“April’s haul reflects strong, consistent grassroots enthusiasm for reelecting Joe and Kamala, and is giving us the resources necessary to invest in opening offices, hiring organizers and communicating across our battleground states in order to mobilize the coalition of voters who will decide this election,” said Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden-Harris 2024 Campaign Manager. “Trump’s operation continues to burn through cash and lag behind our growing and aggressive campaign, with no ground game and no demonstrable interest in talking to the voters they need to win. We’re taking nothing for granted, but only our campaign is doing the required work every single day to earn voters’ support this November.”

“Democrats across the country are fired up to re-elect President Biden and Vice President Harris – just look at the numbers: we have more cash on hand than any other Democratic candidate in history,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “Our grassroots donors understand the stakes of this election, they’re motivated to give and volunteer, and they look like America. It is their passion, their strength, and their belief in our country that will carry us over the finish line and lead us to victory this November.”

Let’s do a deeper dive on the numbers:

Team Biden-Harris’ grassroots operation in April reflects strength across the campaign, DNC, and its joint fundraising committees:

  • April was Team Biden-Harris’ strongest month for recurring donors to date – with recurring donors contributing over $5.5M in revenue in a single month.
  • Team Biden-Harris grew its active email list by another 1M subscribers from March to April continuing to build upon its universe, which is already the largest in the history of Democratic politics.
  • Since launch, 96% of all our donations were under $200 and 1.8 million donors have made nearly 4.9 million contributions.
  • Additionally, we now have more than 225,000 sustaining donors who have committed to donating every month – over 1.5 times the amount at this point in the 2020 cycle.
  • Donors hailed from all 50 states and all walks of life, with teachers and nurses as some of the most common occupations among donors.

Donald Trump’s campaign is selling the American people out to billionaire oil and gas executives to fund his campaign – and his other issues:

  • Donald Trump’s fundraising was fueled by his billionaire buddies donating max out checks.
  • Trump is personally begging donors to max out their contributions to his campaign and is effectively promising donors whatever policies they want if they donate to his campaign.
    • Last week the Washington Post reported Trump promising oil and gas executives  whatever they want in exchange for donations – including oil lobbyists writing executive orders for him to sign.
  • Trump is falling behind Joe Biden with small donors and has spent more than $75 million on personal issues, instead of talking to the voters who will decide this election.

Unlike Team Trump, Team Biden-Harris’ April haul is going toward the efforts needed to reach and win the voters who will decide this election:

  • More than 150 coordinated offices.
  • Over 500 coordinated staff in battleground states and increased organizing presence in the communities that will decide this election.
  • $14 million ad campaign targeting voters across battleground states during the month of May, including investments into African American and Hispanic media.

Donald Trump and the RNC have closed battleground state offices, they have no organizing programs, negligible battleground staff presence, and virtually zero ads.

President Biden’s 2020 campaign raised over $1 billion, the most money of any presidential campaign in history, which included $700 million online driven by small-dollar donations – also the most in history. With President Biden at the top of the ticket, ActBlue saw over 133 million separate donations in the 2020 cycle with 71% being first-time donors.

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Senators Torres and Stewart Call for Water Project Budget Security

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STATEMENT: Senators Torres and Stewart Call for Water Project Budget Security

Orlando, Fla. – The City of Orlando has recently announced an increase to stormwater fees for homeowners who are already dealing with a property insurance crisis. This recent announcement highlights why it is imperative that Governor DeSantis secures water project funding for Central Florida, an area which has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years.

“Homeowners are getting hit from all sides right now, for years we have proposed appropriation projects to help our Central Florida communities deal with storm water and sewer issues” said Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando). “We have walked through knee deep water in our communities, and seen firsthand how our population growth has affected our water system. Now we are calling for the Governor to step up and secure state support for our water projects such as the Whitted Neighborhood Water System project which would bring $1,450,000 to update the entire sewer system for a community struggling with flooding.”

“Securing funding for sewer and storm water projects for our communities has been an important priority of our Central Florida delegation. Having the state fund much needed renovations to our water systems will help reduce the financial burden placed on residents for these kinds of upgrades. One of my projects will allocate $750,000 to Belle Isle for storm water upgrades to help prevent flooding worsened by outdated drainage systems,” said Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando).