Dear Friends,
We are two weeks into the 2016 Legislative Session and so far I believe it has been very productive. With bipartisan support, the Florida House passed three major bills last week. Below you will find a brief update of what has been accomplished as well as legislation I am delighted to sponsor.
I am looking forward to making a real difference for the people of our district.
It is truly an honor to serve as your Representative. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns regarding legislative issues.
Regards,
Holly Raschein
State
Representative, District 120
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Comprehensive Water Policy Bill Passes Legislature
Last week, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 552 with strong bi-partisan support to address Florida's water quality and supply challenges in a comprehensive, statewide manner. This bill modernizes our existing water policies to reflect the progress we have made and focuses our efforts on the water supply and quality challenges that we continue to face through the use of scientifically sound, responsible solutions. Through a combination of sound policy and smart investments, we can protect the he alth of our waterways and develop greater access to clean water for Floridians.
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Educational Options. (SB 672/ HB 7011)
This bill increases educational opportunities for children with unique abilities to help them achieve more successful outcomes. One of my favorite components of this bill is the Florida Personal Learning Scholarship Account (PLSA) program, which gives parents the flexibility and freedom to provide their children with a high-quality, individualized education.
Individuals with Disabilities (CS/HB 7003)
House Bill 7003, which passed the House with unanimous support, strengthens pathways to economic independence for persons with disabilities. The legislation creates the Financial Literacy Program for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities to provide information and outreach to individuals with disabilities to assist them in establishing economic independence. In addition, the bill creates the Employment First Act and the Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program, which I believe will ultimately help those with disabilities find stable employment. In my view, these programs are a great starting point to help individuals with disabilities achieve economic independence.
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At-Risk Vessels
(HB 7025)
This week I presented the At-risk Vessels bill in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. This bill gives our law enforcement tools to address vessels on the water that are at risk of becoming derelict. The idea is to try to identify and prevent them from becoming environmental or navigational hazards in the first place, so our local governments aren't stuck with the much more costly task of removing a derelict vessel.
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Florida Keys Stewardship Act (HB 447)
The purpose of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act is to address the Florida Keys' most significant environmental needs - nearshore water quality, restoration and protection through wastewater, stormwater and canal restoration; water resource protection; and land investment for critical habitat protection, public safety in case of an evacuation, property rights and military base protection.
This act would invest $25 million per year for 10 years in water quality protection and land in order to protect and preserve the high-value environment of the Florida Keys, which is the basis of our revenue generating tourism, military, and commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Making this investment now will ensure that the Keys' three most valuable industries continue to be the economic engines that they are, delivering high profits for the state. I presented this bill in its first committee, where it passed with unanimous support.
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District Offices:
(305) 453-1202 phone
(305) 453-1204 fax
99198 Overseas Highway, Suite 10
Key Largo, FL 33037
OR
(305) 242-2485 phone
43 North Krome Avenue, Suite 202
Homestead, FL 33030
Capitol Office:
(850) 717-5120 phone
319 The Capitol
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Fl 32399
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Our Staff
Erin Muir
Legislative Assistant Kate DeLoach District Aide Jesika Davis District Aide |
Dade Days will be held on February 8 & 9, 2016 in Tallahassee, FL.
For more information contact:
Florida Keys Day
will be held on February 17, 2016 in Tallahassee, FL.
For more information contact:
These days of advocacy will provide the people of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties
the chance to get up close and personal with lawmakers and staff who shape the policies that affect all organizations in both counties.
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