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Rep. Waldron: Bill Signed by Governor Will Bring Funding to Help Reverse the Stigma Surrounding Addiction and Mental Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 20, 2024

CONTACT

Roselle Gibbs

Office of Representative Katherine Waldron

[email protected]

850-717-5093

Rep. Waldron: Bill Signed by Governor Will Bring Funding to Help Reverse the Stigma Surrounding Addiction and Mental Health

GREENACRES, Fla. – Representative Katherine Waldron (D-Greenacres) announced HB 403 was recently signed into law by Governor DeSantis and becomes effective October 1, 2024. This bill will enable the Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma organization to create an “Overdose Awareness” specialty license plate. A portion of the annual use fees will go to help reverse the stigma of addiction and mental health through outreach and education.

“There is a growing mental health problem and substance use disorder in our  state and in our country,” said Representative Waldron. “Almost everyone has a family member, friend or colleague who has been impacted by this problem.”

Proceeds from the sales of these plates, will go towards the Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma organization. The organization was founded by a group of residents who gathered in their grief after having lost a loved one to addiction and mental health.

Rosemarie Aldred, Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, Board of Directors stated, “We are so excited that HB 403 passed for the Overdose Awareness Specialty License plate. We want to take this opportunity to thank The Honorable Representative Katherine Waldron for her support and efforts in sponsoring this initiative. Together we will all save lives!”

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Representative Katherine Waldron and Senator Gayle Harrell Announce They Secured Funding for Accessible Housing for Disabled Adults

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CONTACT

Roselle Gibbs

Office of Representative Katherine Waldron

[email protected]

(850)717-5093

 

Representative Katherine Waldron and Senator Gayle Harrel Announce They Secured Funding for Accessible Housing for Disabled Adults

 

GREENACRES, Fla. – In an effort to promote independent living and greater autonomy for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Representative Katherine Waldron (D-Greenacres) and Senator Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) secured $1,000,000 in appropriations for the IDDeal Place to help fund the construction of a new facility in Lake Worth.  

The IDDeal Place, in partnership with the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, is focused on providing safe, affordable, accessible housing for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.  This will be a model that can be replicated in the state. This will be a model that can be replicated in the state.

Representative Waldron said, “I am very proud to join with the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and the contributors to the IDDeal Place in making this project become a reality.”

Senator Harrell said, “The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and the IDDeal Place will be able to make independent living a reality for many that would not have been able to live independently. I am delighted to have been a small part of this endeavor and thankful that Governor DeSantis signed the budget including this project.”

Jeff Bookstein, Vice President of Development, Pulte Family Charitable Foundation stated, “The IDDeal Place will provide permanent housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This first of its kind in Palm Beach County, with the third largest population of I/DD residents in the State, will offer a safe and affordable home that will serve as a template for similar initiatives. In addition to a permanent home, the residents will be part of a nurturing environment that encourages growth and participation in the community. We are grateful to Representative Katherine Waldron (D-93), Senator Gayle Harrel (D-25), House and Senate Conferences, and all who have supported this urgent endeavor.”

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Rep. Gallop Franklin: FEMA Tornado Recovery Aid is Available Now

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CONTACT

Ryan Banfill

District Aide

Office of Rep. Gallop Franklin

[email protected]

850-717-5008

Rep. Gallop Franklin: FEMA Tornado Recovery Aid is Available Now

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) today announced that President Joe Biden has declared a Major Disaster in North Florida as a result of May 10th severe weather and string of tornadoes that hit the area last month.

Representative Franklin expressed his gratitude to President Biden and his administration for acting to bring badly needed assistance to North Florida residents impacted by May 10th tornadoes.

“I am sincerely thankful to President Biden for answering our community’s call for help. FEMA recovery aid is available now to help people in our area get back on their feet following last month’s severe weather,” said Representative Franklin. “Since May 10th’s devastating tornadoes, many families in our community have been living in severely damaged homes with holes in their roofs. People have had little-to-no money to pay for repairs or to replace food lost when the electricity and have with holes in their roofs. Thankfully, help from FEMA has arrived.”

Representative Franklin said that beginning today, Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Programs are up and running to serve people recovering in our area.

Assistance is available to individuals and households in need of financial and direct services who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Individual Assistance is available in Leon County. Individuals can apply in multiple ways, including:

Through the Public Assistance Grant Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance to State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations for the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. Public Assistance is available in Baker, Gadsden, Hamilton, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties.

For the latest information on Florida’s recovery from the May 2024 storms, visit FloridaDisaster.org/MayStorm and fema.gov/disaster/4794.

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Florida Forest Service Opens Applications for Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2024

Contact: Communications

850-617-7737

Florida Forest Service Opens Applications for Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program

Map

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program for non-industrial, private forest landowners. The program runs through July 26 and includes 44 northern Florida counties – the southern pine beetle’s known range.

“Pine forests are vital to Florida’s economy and our natural environment, and the southern pine beetle is one of the most economically devastating forest pests in the southeast” said Commissioner Simpson. “This program protects our important timber resources by assisting the small, private landowners who manage almost half of our state’s forest lands.”

First offered in 2005, the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program has been implemented on more than 210,000 acres and helped thousands of Florida landowners.

“Active and preventative forest management programs like this are the most effective way to prevent losses and outbreaks,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “These same management practices also benefit timber growth, wildfire prevention, and wildlife habitat.”

Previous outbreaks have destroyed thousands of acres of timber. Florida’s last major southern pine beetle outbreak caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres between 1999 and 2002.

The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the U.S. Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who have overstocked pine stands and need to conduct a first thinning. In addition, it offers partial cost reimbursement for activities that can mitigate southern pine beetle activity, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.

To obtain an application or to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, visit: FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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Representative Susan Valdés Opens Doors for Puerto Rican Citizens to Access Vital Documents in the Tampa Bay Area

Posted on

June 17, 2024

 

CONTACT

Sarah Foster

District Aide to Representative Susan L. Valdés

[email protected]

(813) 673-4673

Representative Susan Valdés Opens Doors for Puerto Rican Citizens to Access Vital Documents in the Tampa Bay Area

 

TAMPA, Fla. – Representative Susan L. Valdés (D- Tampa) is continuing an initiative aimed at easing access to essential government documents for Puerto Rican citizens residing in the Tampa Bay area. On June 24th, Representative Valdés will host the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) at her district office, continuing a temporary setup to provide constituent services to the Puerto Rican community in Tampa.

This marks the sixth event of a concerted effort between Representative Valdés and PRFAA. The PRFAA temporary office will offer assistance in obtaining vital documents, including birth, marriage, death, and Administration for Child Support (ASUME) certificates, as well as drivers records, and apostille services, streamlining the process for those in need. The Government of Puerto Rico invalidated all Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, and is replacing them with more secure versions.

Building on PRFAA’s commitment to serving Puerto Ricans across the United States, this collaboration echoes the recent establishment of their full-time office in Kissimmee, Florida. The initiative represents a significant step in extending these vital services to the Tampa Bay area.

The event is scheduled to be held at Representative Valdés‘ district office, located at 2221 N Himes Ave, Suite B, Tampa, FL 33607, on June 24th, 2024, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for placing orders. The orders will be processed and the official documents will be ready for pick up on June 28th. For more information regarding the services offered and to book an appointment please go the PRFAA’s website: https://prfaafl.simplybook.me/v2/ or by calling the district office at 813-673-4673.

 

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First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils Hope Florida Resources for Law Enforcement 

Posted on

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2024
Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, [email protected]

First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils Hope Florida Resources for Law Enforcement 

Florida law enforcement will be able to offer help and hope to Floridians through Hope Florida.

Hope Card 1 Hope Card 2

Click here to view additional Hope Florida resources.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a meeting with over 100 sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement officials from across the state to highlight new resources for officers to utilize to direct individuals to Hope Florida. This summer, law enforcement agencies, departments, and offices will also receive personnel training on connecting those in need with a Hope Florida Navigator through the Hope Line.

“Florida law enforcement work tirelessly to protect Floridians,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Today, we are equipping them with resources to do even more good by referring those in need to Hope Florida.”

“A common denominator among many who answered the call to become a law enforcement officer is a strong desire to help people,” said Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Dave Kerner. “We at the Florida Highway Patrol are honored to work directly with First Lady Casey DeSantis, through Hope Florida, to amplify our community and faith institutions and uplift those in need. Through the distribution of the Hope Florida resource cards, law enforcement officers across the state will have the ability to bridge this gap by connecting those in need of hope to resources through the help of Hope Navigators.”

Hope Florida utilizes Hope Navigators to guide Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity and economic independence by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, faith-based communities, nonprofits, and government entities. This first-of-its-kind program brings together different parts of the community to maximize support and uncover new opportunities for those going through difficult times. Hope Navigators help individuals identify their needs, develop long-term goals, map out a path forward, and work to ensure all sectors of the community have a ‘seat at the table’ to be part of a lasting solution.

Since Hope Florida’s launch, nearly 30,000 Floridians have reduced or are no longer reliant on government assistance, which is estimated to save the State of Florida nearly $800 million over 10 years. Hope Florida serves families, foster youth, veterans, individuals with unique abilities, vulnerable women, those facing crisis, and other Floridians in need.

“Law enforcement officers encounter individuals and families in some of their most challenging moments,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Under the leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis, we are thrilled to be able to provide officers with additional resources that they can use to help connect individuals to the Hope Florida program. Our Hope Navigators stand ready to assist and provide support as individuals and families work to overcome barriers to success.”

Floridians who need support can connect with Hope Florida by visiting www.HopeFlorida.com or calling the Hope Line (850-300-HOPE).

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Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights Water Safety for Floridians

Posted on

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2024
Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, [email protected]

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Highlights Water Safety for Floridians

ORMOND BEACH, Fla.—Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Shevaun Harris, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, and Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch highlighted resources, education, and tips for water safety and drowning prevention.

“Governor Ron DeSantis and I know that Florida is the best place to be year-round, but especially in the summer,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “As Floridians and their families go outdoors to enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer, we want to make sure they do it in a way that is safe and enjoyable. As a result, it’s important that we bring awareness to water safety and share things that families can do to prevent drowning and water-related injuries.”

“The Department of Children and Families is committed to ensuring the well-being of all children and families and as we kick off a fun summer season, it is vital that children, parents, and caregivers exercise safe swimming practices,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “Sadly, we continue to see an increase in the number of preventable drownings across our state, and this summer and all year long, DCF is encouraging all Floridians to ensure that water safety measures are in place near any bodies of water.”

Drowning can be prevented. The State of Florida collaborates with numerous state and local partners to provide education, tips, and resources on water safety and drowning prevention.

Here are some important steps you can take to ensure safety around the water:

  • Always supervise children in and around water.
  • Consider participating in swim lessons.
  • Learn CPR and first aid.
  • Ensure that pool barriers and gates meet state law requirements.
  • Follow life jacket laws and make sure life jackets are properly fitted.
  • Check local conditions, such as weather, rip tides, and marine life before heading out to the water.

“Drowning can be silent and happen in the amount of time it takes to check a text on your phone,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “By designating a Water Watcher and using barriers such as a fence, you can protect your children while safely enjoying activities at the pool and beach this summer.”

“Florida’s natural climate creates many enjoyable recreational opportunities centered around water, and that is why today’s event is critical to amplifying the message of water safety for all Floridians,” said Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch. “Some individuals with disabilities, such as those with autism spectrum disorder, are attracted to water’s sensory impact. Therefore, it’s critical to share proven steps that we can all take to promote water safety, minimize risk, and encourage enjoyable experiences.”

In 2024, 46 children have tragically drowned in Florida. The majority of these incidents occurred in swimming pools, with 76.3% happening during non-swim times when a child is not expected to be in or near water. Let’s work together to raise awareness about water safety and prevent such heartbreaking accidents.

For more information on water safety tips, please visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-and-family-well-being/summer-safety-tips/water-safety/water-safety-kids. 

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Traffic Advisory: Traffic on State Road 535 under I-4 Shifting June 6

Posted on

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2024

Contact: Public Information Office
386-943-5593

[email protected]

Traffic Advisory: Traffic on State Road 535 under I-4 Shifting June 6

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Motorists should be advised that a yearlong traffic shift is scheduled to begin Thursday, June 6, in both directions of State Road (S.R.) 535 (Apopka-Vineland Road) under the Interstate 4 (I-4) overpass.

Single- and double-lane closures are scheduled to occur nightly on northbound and southbound S.R. 535 from Vineland Avenue to Hotel Plaza Boulevard from Tuesday, June 4, through Thursday, June 6, beginning as early as 10:30 p.m. each night and reopening by 7:30 a.m. the following morning. These closures are necessary to shift traffic to the outside shoulder.

Beginning as early as 12:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6, traffic on southbound S.R. 535 from Hotel Plaza Boulevard to the eastbound I-4 on ramp will be shifted over one lane to the outside. As early as 10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, traffic on northbound S.R. 535 from Vineland Avenue to the westbound I-4 off ramp will be shifted one lane to the outside. These traffic shifts are anticipated to be in place until spring 2025 and will provide space for crews to conduct bridge work for the westbound I-4 Express extension and new westbound I-4 on ramp.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises motorists to follow all posted signs. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Please continue to use caution while driving through active construction zones. Remember to always be alert while riding or driving.

For more information on the planned improvements on the I-4 and Apopka-Vineland Road project, visit the project website at I4Beyond.com/535.

Media inquiries should be directed to the FDOT Public Information Office at [email protected] or by phone at 386-943-5593.

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Governor DeSantis Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2024

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

ICYMI: Governor DeSantis Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday

~Governor also awards $7.5 million to continue Hurricane Ian recovery~ 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Concurrent to the start of the 2024 hurricane season, Governor Ron DeSantis today urged residents to take advantage of the 14-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparation supplies. Governor DeSantis also encouraged Floridians to have a plan in place for their families if disaster strikes their area and to put together a disaster readiness kit at home.

Governor DeSantis also announced a $7.5 million award to Lee County through Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund to help rebuild and enhance the shrimp dock, which was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, at San Carolos Maritime Park. This dual-purpose facility will serve as an emergency operations site to launch barges, provide a place for shrimp vessels to dock, and transfer product to distribution trucks.

“With hurricane season underway, now is the time to get prepared and ensure you have a disaster plan in place,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I encourage all Floridians to use the sales tax holiday to stock up on the necessary emergency supplies and assemble a disaster preparedness kit.”

“Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state has all the resources necessary to support Florida communities in the event a storm does strike this hurricane season,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “I’ve spent the last month traveling around the state to meet with county emergency managers to ensure preparedness and coordination at all levels. Now, I encourage Floridians to finalize their preparedness plans for their homes and businesses, because it only takes one storm to severely impact a community.” 
Right now, through June 14, the first of two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays is happening, which means many disaster preparation items can be purchased tax-free, including:
  • Water
  • Shelf-stable canned food
  • Batteries
  • Flashlights
  • Reusable ice
  • Pet items
  • Toys
  • Portable power banks and more
Other important items that are tax-free include:
  • Portable generators
  • Tarps or other waterproof sheeting
  • Smoke detectors and alarms
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Portable radios less than $50
And since pets are part of the family, too, several items such as pet leashes, beds, wet and dry food, and over-the-counter pet medications can also be purchased tax-free through June 14. For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.
Preparedness efforts and resources include:
Get Educated, Get Informed
  • Learn about community disaster plans and community warning systems. Every household is encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
  • Register to receive life-saving emergency weather alerts at FloridaDisaster.org/AlertFlorida.
Make a Plan
  • Make a list of personal household needs and resources for meeting them in a disaster environment.
  • Include all members of the family, including children, in the disaster preparedness planning process, so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
  • Pets are part of the family, too – identify a safe place to take pets if you cannot bring them with you during an evacuation. Never leave household pets behind during a hurricane or tropical storm.
  • Make a family plan at FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare, and make a business plan at Business.FloridaDisaster.org.
Inventory Home Possessions
  • Make a record of your possessions – in writing or video – to help claim reimbursement in case of loss or damage.
Reduce Home Hazards
  • Have defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections repaired.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Have cracks in ceilings and foundations repaired.
  • Make landscaping hurricane-resistant by trimming trees and plants down and putting any items inside that may turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
  • Every household should have a fully stocked disaster supply kit with at least seven days of items for each household member, including consideration of children, pets and seniors. 
  • Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday began June 1, and provides residents with the opportunity to purchase supplies tax-free during one of two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays.
  • For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.
Safeguard Important Records and Documents
  • Keep copies of important family records and other documents (birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards, passports, wills, deeds, insurance cards, etc.) in a safe deposit box or other waterproof location.
Know Your Zone, Know Your Home
  • Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to learn if you live in an evacuation zone or low-lying flood-prone area.
  • Know your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
  • Follow all evacuation orders issued by local county emergency management officials.
If You’re Halfway Full, You’re Halfway There
  • During hurricane season, vehicles should always have at least half a tank of gas or be halfway charged to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm.
Evacuate Tens of Miles, Not Hundreds of Miles
  • Evacuations do not have to be hundreds of miles away – they can typically be tens of miles inland to a location that can withstand hurricane-force winds and remain out of reach from life-threatening storm surge.
2024 Florida Hurricane Season Guide
For more preparedness content, follow the Division on Instagram, X and Facebook.
     
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Electric Scooters Join Tax Free Holiday in July

Posted on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2024

CONTACT: Travis Flinn, 407-893-2422

 

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS JOIN TAX FREE HOLIDAY IN JULY

Orlando, FL – Beginning July 1st as part of the month long Freedom Summer Sales Tax holiday personal electric scooters will be sales tax free. The provision exempting scooters was added by Senator Linda Stewart (D- Orlando) and would eliminate sales tax collected on scooters retailing for $500 or less.

“This tax exemption can help personal autonomy in transportation, reduce our overall emissions, and help close the transportation access gaps experienced by many Floridians,” said Stewart. “There are countless examples I could give where one of these devises could transform someone’s life and unlock opportunities in employment, education, and access to greater transportation resources.”

These personal mobility devices join the long list of other items aimed to help Floridians enjoy the summer months. Other sales tax exempt goods include fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, and admissions to state parks and museums sales.

To qualify for the exemption the electric scooter must be a vehicle having two or fewer wheels, with or without a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, which is equipped to be propelled by an electric motor and which weighs less than 75 pounds, is less than 2 feet wide, and is designed for a maximum speed of less than 35 miles per hour, with a sales price of $500 or less.

“By providing this sales tax break over the course of a month we give people the chance to save a good amount of money on these sometimes expensive purchases and grant them greater access to opportunities through expanding their mobility,” said Stewart.

 

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