FROM THE STATEHOUSE
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE By State Representative Robin Bartleman
n March, we con- Marcano, a Pembroke Pines teen who was cluded the 2022 killed in her Orlando college apartment. The Legislative Session alleged killer was a maintenance worker who and I want to share with gained access into her apartment through you a few pieces of leg- a master key. In response, this bill requires islation my office passed to support Floridians criminal background checks on all apartment across our state and to bring dollars back to employees, logs of employees who have District 104. I am excited to announce the access to units and when a unit was entered, following accomplishments that are headed increased notice before entering a tenant's unit, and a provision to curb human trafficking. to the Governor's desk for approval! My office passed three pieces of legislation One of the few constitutional obligations to improve Florida’s Medicaid program, harden of the Legislature is to design a well-balanced our flood management system, and protect budget. This year’s budget came in over $112 the well-being of Floridians. billion thanks in part to federal funds from the American Rescue Plan. The adopted budget HB 855 directs Florida’s Medicaid program provides needed fiscal relief for everyday to collect data by subgroups to address health Floridians as well as a punitive standard I care disparities. This will ensure that tax dollars opposed. I stood strong against a provision to are spent effectively and that patients' needs reduce $200 million of funding for school districts are better met. including Broward County that maintained mask CS/HB 513 creates a system of accountability mandates in the height of the pandemic. On to ensure South Florida’s critical flood control the other hand, the final budget appropriated system functions properly. This system protects over $337 million for affordable housing, fully 11 million residents, our aquifer, the Everglades, funded arts programs, a 5.38% state employee and 1/3 of Florida’s economy. I also secured pay raise, and a $15 minimum wage for state $2 million to implement this project. employees and contractors. The Legislature CS/SB 898 honors the memory of Miya
also cut over $600 million in taxes, most notably a one-month gas tax holiday in October to alleviate increasing gas prices. The budget has not yet been presented to the Governor at the time of writing this article, but I expect him to exercise his line-item veto authority once he receives it. I am proud to announce that my office secured nearly $4 million in appropriations in this year’s budget. These dollars will be used to improve our flooding infrastructure on all levels, enrich our schools, and build a new capital project in Pembroke Pines. We recognize Memorial Day in May to commemorate the armed service men and women who have died in the line of duty. I extend my gratitude to the millions of Americans who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms and to their families and loved ones they have left behind. Now that I am back home in District 104, I want to meet with you! I am eager to hear about what is important to you and how I can help. If you or a loved one are ever in need, please contact me at 954-668- 3662 or email me at Robin.Bartleman@myfloridahouse.gov.
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