September saw our friends in Puerto Rico once again devastated by a hurricane. Hurricane Fiona slammed into small island on September 18th and most residents were out of power in the days that followed. Flooding, caused by the wet Category 1 Fiona, inundated areas still trying to recuperate from Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Closer to home, we watched as Hurricane Ian hit the west coast of our state as a Category 4 Hurricane. The storm surge and rain from Ian flooded much of Collier and Lee counties. It will be a long and difficult recovery for those impacted.
To that end, I spent this past Monday in Fort Myers bringing hot meals, thanks to Dutch Pot and Burger King and toiletries and school supplies, thanks to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Rho Omega Chapter. I was able to assess the needs of the Dunbar community and reach out to get information on the needs of the Harlem Heights community. I will be returning to those communities later this week with additional supplies.
I will keep you informed of additional trips over to Fort Myers in the weeks to follow.
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In October, I will be hosting three important forums on topics important to our district. Each of these forums will be online and run from 6pm to 7:30pm.
Please make plans to attend and don't forget to register!
Monday, October 10th - Reproductive Justice: What happens after the fall of Roe v Wade? Click here to register.
Monday, October 17th - Hate Crimes: Click here to register
Monday, October 24th - Human Trafficking in Our Community: Click here to register.
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I believe in being inclusive of all people, especially those who are often thought less of and marginalized with our country.
Native Americans make up approximately 2% of the population in America today and yet when Christopher Columbus and others arrived on this continent, the tribes here had a thriving culture and trade system that stretched across the whole continent of North America.
It was only with the arrival of Europeans and people from across the seas that the native peoples were diminished by warfare, disease and laws that punished them for who they were and stole their lands from them. With each new law or tribe that was killed by the "white man", a bit of the rich tapestry of Native American history and potential future was lost to us all.
Hundreds of years later, Native Americans are still trying to find a way back from the demoralizing and systemic dismantling of their culture. That is why I choose to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day which is Monday, October 10th and to share this day with you all.
To learn more about Indigenous Peoples' Day, click here.
Knowledge is power and each of us has the power to educate ourselves on other cultures and ideas. It is then a choice to share what you have learned with others.
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Did you know there is a program for your high schooler to learn about the State government up close and in person?
The Senate Page Program give high school students a unique opportunity to learn about state government first hand by spending a week in Tallahassee participating in the Legislative process. This program is for high school students (private, public, home school, or virtual school) with an interest in state government and who meet the age requirements. Participating students must be 15 to 18 years old by the first day of their assigned week. Students will receive a stipend or 40 community service hours for attending.
Applications are currently being accepted until November 30th, 2022 for the 2023 Legislative Session, which starts on March 7, 2023.
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My office is already starting to look at bills for the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session. I have some bill drafts already in line and am looking at other ideas from the meeting I have participated in since becoming your Senator.
One of the issues I am getting a lot of emails and letters about is association boards.
I will be hosting an in person Listening Tour regarding Condominium and Homeowner Association Issues on December 7th from 6 to 8 so please save the date. I will send additional information in the November Newsletter.
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CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH |
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I could not miss the opportunity to recognize October 9th as Clergy Appreciation Day and the month of October as the month dedicated to recognizing the work and dedication of pastors, ministers and other religious workers in our community. Many times we take it for granted that these dedicated souls are ready and available to do things for the good of all. October is the time to thank them and acknowledge all their hard work.
Thank you for everything that you do!
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GENERAL ELECTION DAY INFORMATION |
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The General Election is right around the corner!
For those who have requested a mail in ballot, they should hit your mail box starting in a week and a half. If you prefer to Early Vote, the polls will be open Monday, October 24, 2022 through Sunday November 6, 2022 from 7am to 7pm. During Early Voting you can vote at any early voting site in the county you are registered in. You can also drop off your mail in ballot instead of mailing it if you choose to. For a list of the early voting sites, click the image to the left.
On Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th, you must vote at your assigned precinct. Early Voting sites will not be opened that day. Additionally, if you have not mailed your mail in ballot back and want to drop if off, you must go to the Supervisor's Office. There will be no drop off boxes on Election Day.
Please make sure to check out a sample ballot by clicking here. There are a number of state constitutional amendments, proposed changes to municipal charters, and judicial retention questions along with the state, county and local candidates you will be voting on, depending on where you live. Looking at the sample ballot, especially if you don't request a mail in ballot, helps prepare you for voting.
How ever you vote, just make sure to do it! Then make sure your family and friends also vote.
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OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH |
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According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's (NCADV) website, "Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues. Over the past 30+ years, much progress has been made to support domestic violence victims and survivors, to hold abusers accountable, and to create and update legislation to further those goals."
To learn more about NCADV and resources available to help victims of domestic violence, please click here.
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As always, thank you for your interest in what's happening in your District. Staying informed and involved is the key to our partnership!
Warm Regards,
Rosalind Osgood
Rosalind Osgood, DPA
Senator, District 33
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