Politics

Florida Congresswoman Val Demings Supports COVID Relief

Published

7 years ago

March 27, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) voted for, and the House passed, $2 trillion emergency relief legislation to support workers and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. Additional details on this legislation can be found below.

Said Rep. Demings, “While we sometimes forget it, we are one America—one nation, under God. In times of crisis, the ties that bind us to each other are strong, and we must do all that we can to safeguard our families, neighbors, and communities. Today Congress passed the third—and not the last—of our historic federal relief packages to protect the American people.

“The COVID-19 pandemic testing every system, both public and private, but more importantly it is testing our solidarity. I still believe that America can do incredible things when history demands it of us. This moment demands that we endure any burden to ensure that no one will be left behind, and that every one of us—and our hopes and dreams—can survive this moment.”

Key components of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act:

“Marshall Plan” surge of funding for hospitals and emergency medical and safety equipment, and for veterans’ health care
Requires free testing and preventative care
Massive expansion of unemployment, including to freelancers & gig workers
Loans and emergency grants for small businesses, with loan forgiveness for businesses who retain and pay workers
Aid for local municipalities and large employers, with strong new oversight
Assistance for nutrition, childcare, education (including freezing student loan payments and interest for six months), housing (including rental assistance and help for seniors and the homeless), and other vital needs
$1,200 checks to every American who makes less than $75,000 in annual income, plus $500 per child.

Expanded details on the legislation:

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

13 additional weeks of benefits, equaling full lost wages replacement up to an additional $600/week, in addition to other UI benefits
- This will increase Florida’s lost wages replacement from $275/week to $875/week.
- Temporarily extends (through 12/31) unemployment to cover part-time, self-employed, gig economy, and other workers.

Full federal funding for existing Short-Term Compensation (STC) programs, 50% federal funding for states beginning STC programs, and $100 million in grants to states through December 31, 2020

$360 million for worker training and support

Allows employers and self-employed individuals to receive an advance tax credit for paid leave expenses

Health Care Capacity

$100 billion for health care providers to cover coronavirus-related costs

$27 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund
- $16 billion for Strategic National Stockpile of pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment
- $3.5 billion to expand production of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics

$4.3 billion for federal, state, and local public health agencies

$1 billion to ramp of manufacture of medical supplies through Defense Production Act

Extends funding for Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Centers, and Special Diabetes Program through November 30, 2020

$1.32 billion in supplemental funding to Community Health Centers

$1.4 billion for coronavirus operations by Active, National Guard and Reserve service members

Additional $4.3 billion for CDC

Additional $945 million for NIH

Suspends Medicare cuts through sequestration through December 31, 2020

Expanded access to telemedicine

Establishes Ready Reserve Corps

Provides needed resources for the Medical Reserve Corps and flexibility

Small Businesses and Nonprofit Organizations

$350 billion for new Paycheck Protection Program to assist small businesses and nonprofits
- Forgivable loans for small businesses, with incentives to keep employees on the payroll, and an incentive for rehiring workers

$17 billion to provide relief from SBA loan payments for 6 months

$10 billion for SBA emergency grants for operating costs (up to $10,000)

Allows deferment of 7(a) loan payments for 6-12 months

Federal government covers 50% of unemployment compensation for nonprofits

Industry Aid

$500 billion in industry aid through Federal Reserve, including $25 billion for airlines, $4 billion for cargo carriers, and $17 billion for businesses important to national security , with conditions:
- Requires maintenance of at least 90% of employees as of March 24, 2020 through September 30, 2020
- Must be U.S.-based, with employees predominantly in the U.S.
- Bans stock buybacks and dividends until 1 year after aid ends
- No increase in executive compensation or severance pay more than double annual compensation
- Prohibits businesses controlled by President, Cabinet, and Members of Congress (or family members) from benefiting

Grants to nonprofits and businesses with 500-10,000 employees with conditions:
- Retain 90% of workforce with full compensation and benefits through September 30, 2020
- No outsourcing of offshoring until two years after loan term
- Respect for existing collective bargaining agreements until two years after loan term
- Neutrality in union organizing during loan term

$32 billion for air carrier workers with conditions:
- Exclusive use for wages, salaries, and benefits
- No furloughs or pay cuts until September 30, 2020
- Maintenance of necessary air service
- Government option for equity
- Executive compensation above $3 million cut by half

Creates Special Inspector General, Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, and Congressional Oversight Commission (with subpoena power) to provide oversight

Requires real-time reporting of aid transactions (they were originally going to be kept secret in the GOP bill).

Suspension of taxes on passengers, cargo, and aviation fuel

No $3 billion bailout for fossil fuel companies (in the original bill)

Income Assistance

A $1,200 one-time payment per adult (this will be sent to every American up to $75,000 in annual income, including those with no income), and $500 per child
- Rebate amount reduced as income increases, with complete phaseout at $99,000 for individuals.
$900 million for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Tax Benefits

Refundable payroll tax credit for 50% of wages paid to employees for employers that suspend operations or see over 50% drop in receipts

Deferred payment of the employer share of Social Security tax with full repayment by December 31, 2022

Allows businesses (including pass-throughs) to offset up to 100% of taxable income with “carry back” losses

Acceleration of corporate Alternative Minimum Tax credits

Increased deductions for business interest

Faster write-offs for business investments

Excise tax on distilled spirits waived for use in hand sanitizer

Above-the-line deduction for charitable contributions up to $300 and increase in limits on individual and corporate deductions for charitable contributions

Waives tax penalty for early withdrawal of retirement funds

Access to Testing and Treatment

Requires private insurers and Medicare to cover coronavirus treatment and prevention

Requires diagnostic test providers to make the price for the coronavirus test publicly available on the internet

Requires Medicare to allow fills and refills of prescription drugs for up to 3-month supply during the emergency

$15.85 billion for health care access for veterans

Frontline Worker Safety

No OSHA Emergency Temporary standard (i.e. no waivers of OSHA protections)

Childcare

$3.5 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants

$750 million for Head Start

Education

$30.75 billion for Education Stabilization Fund to support local school systems and higher education institution
- $13.5 billion for elementary and secondary education formula grants
- $3 billion for discretionary grants through states
- $14.25 billion for higher education

Student loan payments suspended for 6 months with no interest accrual

Income tax exclusion for employers to provide up to $5,250 for student loan repayment assistance

Flexibility for colleges and universities to continue operating

Flexibility for students whose program eligibility would be affected by coronavirus

Food Security

$15.8 billion in additional funding for SNAP

Emergency funding for other nutrition programs, including $8.8 billion for child nutrition programs and $450 million for food banks through TEFAP

Housing

$4 billion for Emergency Solutions Grants for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

$3 billion in rental assistance

120-day moratorium on evictions in properties receiving any federal assistance

60-day foreclosure moratorium on federally backed mortgages and up to 180 days of forbearance during emergency

Financial Protection

Suspends negative consumer credit reporting until 120 days after pandemic in the case of forbearance of payment modification

State and Local Government Aid

$150 billion for Coronavirus Relief Fund for states

$45 billion for FEMA Disaster Relief Fund for state, local, and tribal governments

$25 billion for transit agencies

$5 billion for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), $1.5 billion for Economic Development Administration, and $50 million for Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs

Federal government covers 50% of unemployment compensation for state, local, and tribal governments

Indian Country

$8 billion set-aside for tribal governments in Coronavirus Relief Fund

$1.032 billion for Indian Health Service (IHS)

$453 million in additional appropriations to tribal governments

$300 million for Indian Housing programs

$100 million for Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

$69 million for Bureau of Indian Education

Seniors and People with Disabilities

$955 million for nutrition programs, home and community-based services, support for family caregivers, and other programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities

$200 million to mitigate spread of coronavirus in nursing homes

$50 in housing for low-income seniors

$15 million for housing for people with disabilities

Immigrants

Prevents exclusion of sanctuary jurisdictions from Byrne Justice Assistance Grants
Prohibits transfer of funds to border wall

Incarcerated Populations

$100 million for Bureau of Prisons for coronavirus prevention, preparation and response
$850 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to law enforcement and jails for coronavirus, preparation and response, including PPE
Allows longer release to home confinement

Elections

$400 million for Election Administration Grants

Foreign Policy

$350 million for migration and refugee assistance
$258 million for international disaster assistance

Crimes and Courts

Florida Gambling Crackdown Earns International Award After 14000 Slot Machine Seizures

Published

6 days ago

October 28, 2026

FNN NEWS

The commission reports more than $24 million in gambling proceeds seized since July 2022, with international recognition highlighting its coordinated enforcement efforts.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Gaming Control Commission has won the 2026 Regulatory Excellence Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators, recognizing the agency’s coordinated efforts to combat illegal gambling.

The commission announced the award Oct. 26. The honor recognizes excellence in gaming policy, regulation, compliance and enforcement outcomes.

International Recognition for Coordinated Enforcement

IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally praised the commission’s collaboration with enforcement partners and its support for international efforts against illegal online gambling.

“The Florida Gaming Control Commission’s coordinated approach to combating illegal gambling has produced impressive results,” Mullally said. “Its strategy illustrates the power of collaboration.”

He also recognized the agency’s willingness to support IAGR’s international work targeting illegal online gambling.

Agency Reports 14,000 Illegal Slot Machines Seized

Since beginning operations in July 2022, the commission says it has seized more than 14,000 illegal slot machines and more than $24 million in illegal gambling proceeds.

In the past year, the agency reported shutting down 184 illegal gambling arcades and making 160 arrests.

According to the commission, its investigations have also helped authorities combat illegal narcotics, illegal firearms and dog betting rings connected to criminal gambling operations.

The enforcement figures describe seizures, closures and arrests reported by the agency; arrests do not establish guilt.

Commission Chair Credits Staff and State Support

Commission Chair Julie Brown said the award recognizes the agency’s employees and the support of Florida’s elected leaders.

“We are thrilled to receive such a tremendous honor for our very young agency,” Brown said.

Brown credited Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and Attorney General James Uthmeier for supporting the commission’s work.

Attorney General Calls for Tougher Penalties

Uthmeier said his office will continue working with the commission to investigate illegal gambling and pursue stronger criminal penalties.

“Illegal gambling operations pose a serious threat to public safety and jeopardize the integrity of gaming in our state,” Uthmeier said.

He said stronger penalties would help hold illegal gambling operators accountable and support law enforcement efforts.

Oversight Extends Beyond Illegal Gambling

The commission’s responsibilities also include regulating authorized gambling activities, including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms and slot machine facilities, along with overseeing the state’s gaming compacts. Its authority excludes the Florida Lottery.

Central Florida News

FBI Director Kash Patel Addresses Global Threats, Crime-Fighting Partnerships at International Police Conference in Orlando

Published

7 days ago

October 28, 2026

FNN NEWS

Kash Patel seated onstage in a gray suit and dark tie, speaking with one hand raised against a black and turquoise background.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — FBI Director Kash Patel discussed bureau priorities, violent crime and cooperation across jurisdictions during the 2026 International Association of Chiefs of Police conference at the Orange County Convention Center.

The annual conference and exposition, held Oct. 24-27, brought together law enforcement professionals from the United States and abroad for training, presentations and discussions about public safety.

Patel addressed the evolving global threat environment and the importance of partnerships among federal, state, local, territorial and international law enforcement agencies confronting violent crime and transnational threats.

FBI priorities and violent crime

Violent crime enforcement was among the priorities Patel discussed during his Orlando visit.

Published coverage of his weekly update from Orlando described a broader agenda encompassing cybercrime, fraud and other investigative responsibilities. The update also highlighted cooperation among the FBI, the Justice Department and state and local authorities.

The conference provided an opportunity for bureau leadership to discuss those priorities with police executives whose agencies work alongside federal investigators.

Photo by Florida National News

Cooperation across jurisdictions

Partnerships were a central theme of Patel’s appearance, including coordination among agencies at different levels of government and cooperation with international counterparts.

Transnational investigations can involve suspects, evidence and criminal activity spanning multiple jurisdictions, requiring agencies to work across geographic and institutional boundaries.

Published coverage of Patel’s visit also reported plans for meetings with the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the IACP Board of Directors.

Patel highlights partnerships in X post

“Great to be in Orlando visiting with our brilliant law enforcement partners,” Patel wrote in a post on X about the conference.

Patel described the gathering as drawing more than 20,000 law enforcement professionals, leaders and partners. He credited cooperation with the FBI for reductions in crime.

In the post, Patel cited a 20% reduction in the national murder rate and more than 54,000 FBI violent crime arrests, which he described as a 90% increase.

The post did not specify the reporting periods or underlying datasets for those figures. The statistics were not independently verified for this article..

Global threats and local policing

The changing threat environment was another focus of Patel’s remarks, connecting the FBI’s national responsibilities with challenges facing police departments and their international partners.

The gathering offered law enforcement leaders an opportunity to discuss shared concerns, exchange professional knowledge and strengthen relationships that support investigations.

IACP President David B. Rausch, left, gestures over an open notebook while FBI Director Kash Patel listens from a gray armchair onstage.

FBI Director Kash Patel, right, participates in a fireside chat with IACP President David B. Rausch during the Closing General Assembly of the 2026 International Association of Chiefs of Police conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Florida National News.

Training and professional development

Beyond executive presentations, the four-day conference featured educational sessions, networking opportunities and an exposition showcasing products and services for law enforcement.

Organizers identified training, networking and exhibit hall education as the conference’s three central components.

The Orlando event brought those activities together to help police leaders develop their agencies and exchange approaches to public safety.

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Florida National News Staff | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Broadcaster Ray Cruz Santiago Criticizes Samuel Vilchez Santiago With Communist Graphics, Puerto Rican Identity Claims

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

The commentator’s video pairs the Democrat’s image with Soviet-style imagery and references his grandfather’s communist beliefs; Vilchez Santiago has publicly rejected socialism.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Hispanic broadcaster Ray Cruz Santiago is targeting Florida House Democratic nominee Samuel Vilchez Santiago in a video that depicts the candidate in a Soviet-style military uniform and pairs his name with a hammer-and-sickle graphic.

The approximately two-minute video invokes Vilchez Santiago’s description of his grandfather as a communist while presenting images of the candidate, former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Republican opponent Jorge Malavet.

In separate Facebook posts, Cruz Santiago also accuses the Venezuelan-born Democrat of misleading Puerto Rican voters about his heritage. The material reviewed does not substantiate that allegation, and Vilchez Santiago has publicly rejected the socialist label.

Video visually links candidate to communism

The uploaded video shows an apparent composite depicting Vilchez Santiago in a military uniform and peaked cap. Another graphic places the name “Samuel Vilchez” beneath a red flag bearing a hammer and sickle.

An on-screen caption describes him, translated from Spanish, as a “Democratic candidate in District 43 with a communist grandfather.”

The sequence also juxtaposes footage of Chávez with an image of Vilchez Santiago draped in a Venezuelan flag. Later frames display Malavet and Vilchez Santiago alongside Puerto Rican and Venezuelan flag symbols, respectively.

Together, those visual choices suggest an association between the Democratic candidate and communism. They do not independently establish his political beliefs, affiliations or support for Venezuela’s government. The uniform depiction should be understood as an apparent composite, rather than documentary evidence that he wore such a uniform.

Grandfather’s statement includes family opposition to Chavismo

The reference to Vilchez Santiago’s grandfather has a documented source.

“My grandfather was a communist,” Vilchez Santiago said in a 2019 Princeton University profile. In the same discussion, he described his parents as politically active opponents of Venezuela’s Chavista government and discussed his family’s departure because of political persecution. pace.princeton.edu

That account describes an ideological divide within his family. His grandfather’s beliefs do not establish the candidate’s own ideology.

Candidate has rejected socialist label

Cruz Santiago’s supplied posts describe Vilchez Santiago as a socialist or democratic socialist, a characterization the candidate has disputed.

“I am not a socialist. I have never been a socialist,” Vilchez Santiago said in Spanish in an interview published Sept. 29 by La Prensa Florida.

He argued that proposals involving health care, Social Security and lower household expenses should not automatically be labeled socialist. His stated priorities included easing property tax increases for first-time homebuyers, reducing toll expenses and simplifying small-business registration. laprensafl.com

Separate posts question Puerto Rican campaign imagery

Cruz Santiago’s heritage criticism appears in separate Facebook posts alleging that Vilchez Santiago is presenting himself as Puerto Rican to attract voters. www.facebook.com

A screenshot of a campaign advertisement supplied to FNN shows a photograph of Vilchez Santiago holding a Puerto Rican flag alongside two women, with his campaign branding displayed over the image.

The photograph places a recognizable symbol of Puerto Rican identity within the campaign’s presentation of his personal story. Viewers unfamiliar with his Venezuelan background could interpret it as suggesting Puerto Rican heritage. The materials reviewed do not establish whether viewers reached that conclusion or whether the campaign intended it.

The screenshot contains no explicit claim of Puerto Rican ancestry. Vilchez Santiago’s Venezuelan background is publicly documented in the Princeton profile and a Venezuelan-American Caucus biography. pace.princeton.edu

Why the presentation matters to voters

The criticism combines two distinct subjects: the candidate’s heritage and his political beliefs.

For voters evaluating the material, the central distinction is between documented statements and associations created through editing. The grandfather’s communist beliefs are supported by the candidate’s published account. The uniform, hammer-and-sickle graphic and Chávez juxtaposition are elements of the video’s presentation, rather than proof of the candidate’s ideology.

Likewise, the Puerto Rican flag photograph documents the campaign’s use of cultural imagery without establishing a false claim of ancestry.

Broadcaster brings criticism into District 43 contest

Cruz Santiago hosts El Escándalo del Día on Miami’s Radio Mambí 710 AM, according to his professional profile. Salsoul’s official website also lists him among its personalities. www.linkedin.com

Readers can review his commentary on Facebook and visit his website.

Vilchez Santiago and Malavet are the Democratic and Republican candidates, respectively, in the Nov. 3 election for Florida House District 43, according to state election records. dos.elections.myflorida.com