Florida State House District 4 |
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Florida Defense Support Taskforce
I am honored to have been appointed to the Florida Defense Support Task Force by Speaker Renner. I am excited to participate alongside Okaloosa County's own Kay Rasmussen, Associate Director of One Okaloosa Economic Development Council. This appointment is a boon to the residents of Okaloosa County and Northwest Florida, as a whole, as our goal is to make Florida the most military friendly state in the Union. I look forward to serving my constituents in the Florida House, as well helping protect and expand the mission with which our servicemembers are charged.
Click the picture for a full view of the appointment letter.
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The Florida Defense Support Task Force is a legislatively mandated council whose mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance Florida’s military missions and installations.
THE FLORIDA DEFENSE SUPPORT TASK FORCE IS CHARGED WITH:
- Working with Florida’s Base Commanders to prevent encroachment from impacting mission capabilities for military forces based in Florida
- Maintaining and expanding the missions of Florida’s military installations
- Improving transportation access to Florida’s military installations
- Assisting installations in meeting DOD renewable energy goals
- Strengthening state support for military families and veterans with a focus on education, health care, employment and family programs"
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I want to thank my friends at Film Florida, and their President, Gail Morgan, for presenting me with the Legislative Star Award. Film sets and the myriad of economic opportunities they bring to a community are something to celebrate and encourage.
As you already know, our beautiful beaches and multiple military bases make Northwest Florida a desirable location to shoot movies. In fact, the region has played host to many film sets over the years including Jaws 2 and two Academy Award-winning films: Twelve O'Clock High and 30 Seconds Over Tokyo.
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One of the many reasons I love representing House District 4 is that I am constantly learning more about the community. Earlier this past month, I had the opportunity to visit the One Hopeful Place shelter located in the NW corner of Fort Walton and was blown away by the services we are providing to our homeless population. The shelter provides a place to wash their clothes, grab a hot meal, take a shower, and get a decent night's sleep. Some residents walk or ride bikes to their jobs. One Hopeful Place also provides a cold night shelter when temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
Thanks to the FWB Chamber and Bridgeway Center for providing this essential service to our community. Learn more about the program or want to get involved yourself, visit their site HERE.
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I was honored to attend the senior assembly at Choctawhatchee High School and witness the awards presentation to students Chi Anchors Medina and Blake Garland. Chi received the Taylor Reid Haugen Award, the namesake of which passed away in 2008 from an injury sustained while playing football for Niceville High School.
The Taylor Haugen Foundation aims to cultivate youth leaders in youth sports as well as raise awareness and education for youth contact sports. The award is bestowed to an area athlete who best demonstrates a similar balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and faith
All award winners will be recognized at the All Sports Awards Award Banquet on February 24th at the Fort Walton Beach-Destin Convention Center.
Share my Facebook post HERE about the event and learn more about the Taylor Haugen Foundation HERE.
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Okaloosa County Legislative Delegation Meeting |
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On January 11th, we hosted the annual Okaloosa County Legislative Delegation meeting with all four members of the Florida Legislature who represent Okaloosa County. Almost 100 local citizens came out to share their thoughts and ideas with the delegation. We heard policy and budget presentations by representatives of the local municipalities and the county.
With active civic participation like this, and a tremendous group of legislators representing Okaloosa County, I am confident that we stand in a position of strength moving into this new year. I want to thank the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners for the use of their facilities and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department for providing security.
Read and share my Facebook post HERE.
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Crestview Opioid Overdose Summit
On January 18th, Crestview Mayor Whitten hosted an Overdose Summit, specifically focused on the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. There were multiple speakers including law enforcement, advocates, and individuals that have struggled with addiction or that have been touched by addiction in one form or another.
There was tremendous turn out from the community with mental health providers, representatives from treatment facilities, and community leaders all partaking and making their voices heard.
Mayor Whitten released the following video demonstrating his eagerness to follow through and continue the fight against addiction in our community and communities throughout the state. It is the Mayor's intent to start a task force involving various stakeholders throughout the county to help combat the crisis.
Watch Mayor Whitten's video HERE and view a recording of the entire summit HERE.
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House Bill 73 (Termination of Agreements by a Servicemember) - With the help of leadership in the House, I am proud to announce that HB 73 unanimously passed its first hearing in the Civil Justice Subcommittee. The purpose of HB 73 is to allow servicemembers to keep their security deposits when making the transition from off-base housing to government housing on a military installation. Click HERE for the Florida Politics article on HB 73.
House Bill 1 (School Choice) - On January 19th, House leadership announced the filing of House Bill 1 entitled School Choice. A priority for this Legislative Session, HB 1 expands state scholarship opportunities for students to attend private schools as well as increasing scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities. Click HERE to read the statement from Speaker Renner and HERE to read more about HB 1.
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Click the picture for a full-page view. |
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House Bill 73 - HB 73 is expected to be heard in the Local Administration, Federal Affairs, and Special Districts Subcommittee in the following weeks. If it is voted upon favorably, it will then be heard in the Judiciary Committee.
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House Bill 71 (Violent Offenses Committed Against Criminal Defense Attorneys) and House Bill 201 (Criminal Defendents Adjudicated Incompetent to Proceed) have yet to be heard in the Civil Justice and Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittees, respectively.
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"Thank you for allowing me to represent you. It is truly an honor to serve you and the State of Florida." - Representative Patt Maney |
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