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Lauren’s Kids Named Winner Of Alliance For Women In Media 2024 Gracie Award

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CONTACT:

Kayla Lott | 845.476.4560

[email protected]

Lauren’s Kids Named Winner Of Alliance For Women In Media 2024 Gracie Award

Yesterday, Senator Lauren Book and Lauren’s Kids, an organization that works to combat childhood sexual abuse through awareness and education, was presented with a 2024 Gracie Award in the original online programming, standalone video category for their Safer, Smarter Kids Think, Feel, Act (TFA) safety video. Senator Book, Lauren’s Kids CEO & Founder, accepted the award at the Gracie’s Gala held on May 21, 2024, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California.

“We are so honored to receive a Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media,” Senator Lauren Book, founder, and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, said. “Child sexual abuse knows no bounds, with 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys being abused before graduating high school, and 1 in 5 children who touch a computer being sexually solicited online. Armed with the knowledge that 95% of this abuse is preventable through education and awareness, we are  empowering and teaching children personal safety from a place of fun, not fear.”

The Alliance for Women in Media was formed in 1951, initially as American Women in Radio and Television. Nearly 25 years later, the annual award program was created to recognize individuals in the media who reflected women’s changing roles, issues, and concerns. This year marks the organization’s 49th anniversary of the Gracie Awards. The Gracies recognize individual achievement and exemplary programming created by, for, and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.

Last month during National Sexual Abuse Awareness Month, Senator Lauren Book and the Lauren’s Kids Foundation walked 1,500 miles for child safety as part of their annual “Walk in My Shoes”  event. Senator Book stopped at numerous school’s along her 1500-mile trek and taught lessons on personal safety from the EMMY Award-winning Lauren’s Kids Safer, Smarter Kids and Safer, Smarter Teens curriculum. The Walk in My Shoes began in 2010; since that time, tens of thousands of participants have joined to walk across the state raisinge awareness about child sexual abuse prevention and honoring the 42 million survivors living in the U.S.

Armed with the knowledge that 95% of child sexual abuse and exploitation is preventable through awareness and education, visit www.laurenskids.org today to learn how to keep children and communities safe.

To join the celebration, follow the hashtag #TheGracies and @Allwomeninmedia.

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About Lauren’s Kids

Lauren Book, M.S. ED, founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, is an internationally recognized child protection advocate, best-selling author and Florida State Senator who works every day to protect childhood.  She is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, suffered at the hands of a trusted caretaker from the time she was 10 until the age of 16. Armed with the knowledge that 95 percent of sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness, Lauren has worked to turn her horrific personal experience into a vehicle to prevent childhood sexual abuse and help other survivors heal.

An official 501(c)(3) since 2007, Lauren’s Kids educates adults and children about sexual abuse prevention through in-school curricula, ADDY and EMMY Award-winning public awareness campaigns and speaking engagements around the country and the world.  The organization provides more than 8 million direct mail education and awareness materials statewide. The foundation has helped advocate for the passage of nearly two dozen laws to support survivors and protect children from predators. For more information, please visit www.laurenskids.org.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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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Paid for by Biden for President

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).

Florida Democrats Commemorate Cuban Independence Day

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2024

CONTACT:
[email protected]

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS COMMEMORATE CUBAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

Tallahassee, FL — May 20th is Cuban Independence Day. As Cuban Americans in Florida and all over the world commemorate their Independence Day, the Florida Democratic Party released the following statement:

“In 1902, Cubans fought to secure independence and gave birth to a Republic. On Cuban Independence Day, we extend our support and solidarity with the Cuban people to continue the fight for a free Cuba,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried.

“Sadly, Fidel Castro and the Communist Cuban regime stole the liberty of every Cuban and Cuba is no longer free. Today, an authoritarian regime under the heavy hands of Raul Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel still oppresses its people and denies them their right to a dignified life.

“Today, we honor the people of Cuba and the political prisoners in the island by remembering the words of Cuban independence hero, Jose Marti: ‘When there are many men without decorum, there are always others who themselves possess the decorum of many men. These are the ones who rebel with terrible strength against those who rob nations of their liberty, which is to rob men of their decorum. Embodied in those men are thousands of men, a whole people, human dignity.’

“The Cuban people deserve a government that peacefully upholds liberties, religious freedoms, human rights, and democratic values, and the Florida Democrats support the Cuban people’s quest to achieve that vision.”

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Jimmy Patronis: Firefighter Safety Will Always Be a Priority

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Floridians,
This week, I was honored to announce that my office has started rulemaking to develop new standards of safety for managing lithium-ion battery fires in devices such as electric vehicles (EVs), scooters and golf carts. Lithium-ion batteries are an amazing technology, but there are serious drawbacks that can be very dangerous. During Hurricane Ian, we witnessed about 20 EV fires, and saltwater intrusion played a role in some of these fires. Once these fires begin, they can spread quickly and can be extremely difficult for firefighters to put out. The danger is known, it is real, and the time to act is now.
On Tuesday, I announced the arrest of four individuals in Miami who were involved in an alleged Personal Injury Protection (PIP) fraud scheme. The four allegedly had the intention to defraud United Auto Insurance Company, Responsive Insurance, and Infinity Automobile Insurance Company by exploiting PIP benefits associated with their auto policies for financial gain. PIP Fraud drives up auto premiums. It’s stealing from us all, and as Florida’s CFO, I have made it my top priority to tackle insurance fraud and ensure that fraudsters like this are put behind bars.
We also continued helping policyholders impacted by the storms and tornadoes that hit Tallahassee. Remember, don’t sign anything. Before you do, call your insurance agent, your carrier or my office at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236).
Lastly, this Saturday is Armed Forces Day. May this day serve as an encouragement for all of us to show our appreciation for these heroes. They sacrifice so much so that we can live safely and freely. Please, seek out a veteran, thank them for their service, make them know that we don’t take them for granted. God bless all of our service men and women.
Sincerely,

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New Home Health Care Services Law Sponsored by Rep. Gallop Franklin to Help Improve Health Outcomes in Florida

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CONTACT

Ryan Banfill

District Aide

Office of Rep. Gallop Franklin

[email protected]

850-717-5008

New Home Health Care Services Law Sponsored by Rep. Gallop Franklin to Help Improve Health Outcomes in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Home health care services will receive a substantial boost under legislation signed last Friday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The legislation (CS/CS/HB 935) sponsored by  Representative Gallop Franklin (D-Tallahassee) and  Senator Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City)  allows advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to order medically necessary home health care services.

“Home is the best place for healing and recovery for many patients. This new law to strengthen home health services promotes independence, enhances Florida’s quality of life, and reduces health care costs by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations,” said Representative Franklin. “Thanks to Sen. Trumbull’s incredible work carrying the bill in the Senate, the unanimous support from the Florida Legislature, and with Gov. DeSantis’ signature, Florida will improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.”

Under the new law set to take effect July 1, 2024, health care services offered in the home may include:

  • Doctor care;
  • Nursing care;
  • Physical, occupational, respiratory, or speech therapy;
  • Home health aide services;
  • Medical social services; and
  • Homemaker/companion services.

The new law ensures better health outcomes for Floridians by better aligning Florida’s Medicaid safety net for low-income residents with Medicare and private insurers to pay for home health care services ordered by advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.

Representative Franklin noted the new law is a compassionate, and cost-saving framework to provide patients with a care plan that is tailored to their specific needs.

Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus on Antisemitic Sermon Given by Miami Dentist

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CONTACT
Office of Representative Michael Gottlieb
[email protected]
(954) 655-5498

 

Miami, FL – The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus calls for the suspension of Dr. Fadi Kablawi’s dental license after he made inflammatory and violent, antisemitic remarks.

During a sermon on April 26th, Kablawi called for the murder of Jews and also called the current Israeli regime “worse than the Nazis.”  Kablawi is an imam at Masjid As Sunnah An Nabawiyyah.

Former State Representative Joe Geller from North Miami states that “This alarming and hateful speech is unacceptable and frightening.  Calling for the annihilation of an ethnic group amounts to genocide.  Patients deserve to be protected from this violent and dangerous individual.  This cannot be tolerated in a civilized society.”

North Miami, the area where Dr. Kablawi practices, is home to an expansive and diverse Jewish population.  The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus is deeply concerned with Dr. Kablawi’s incendiary rhetoric and the potential danger it poses to his patients.  All Floridians deserve to feel safe when seeking medical care.  We ask that the Florida Board of Dentistry review our concerns and take necessary action to revoke Dr. Kablawi’s license and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens.

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Representative Michael Gottlieb, Chair

Senators

Senator Lori Berman

Senator Lauren Book

Senator Tina Polsky

Representatives

Representative Michael Caruso

Representative Hillary Cassel

Representative Randy Fine

Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman

Representative Rita Harris

Representative Michelle Salzman

Representative David Silvers

Representative Kelly Skidmore

Representative Allison Tant