THE WHITE HOUSE – Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an historic Executive Order that protects the civil rights of all Americans and expands individual opportunity by terminating radical DEI preferencing in federal contracting and directing federal agencies to relentlessly combat private sector discrimination. It enforces long-standing federal statutes and faithfully advances the Constitution’s promise of colorblind equality before the law. This comprehensive order is the most important federal civil rights measure in decades:

• It terminates “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) discrimination in the federal workforce, and in federal contracting and spending.
  • Federal hiring, promotions, and performance reviews will reward individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work and not, under any circumstances, DEI-related factors, goals, policies, mandates, or requirements.
• The order requires OMB to streamline the federal contracting process to enhance speed and efficiency, reduce costs, and require Federal contractors and subcontractors to comply with our civil rights laws.
  • It revokes Executive Order 11246 contracting criteria mandating affirmative action
  • It bars the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs from pushing contractors to balance their workforce based on race, sex, gender identity, sexual preference, or religion.
  • It requires simple and unmistakable affirmation that contractors will not engage in illegal discrimination, including illegal DEI.
• It directs all departments and agencies to take strong action to end private sector DEI discrimination, including civil compliance investigations.
• It mandates the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education issue joint guidance regarding the measures and practices required to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.

RESTORING THE VALUES OF INDIVIDUAL DIGNITY, HARD WORK, AND EXCELLENCE: Individual dignity, hard work, and excellence are fundamental to American greatness. This Executive Order reaffirms these values by ending the Biden-Harris Administration’s anti-constitutional and deeply demeaning “equity” mandates, terminating DEI, and protecting civil rights:

• Reversing the progress made in the decades since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 toward a colorblind and competence-based workplace, radical DEI has dangerously tainted many of our critical businesses and influential institutions, including the federal government.
• In the private sector, many corporations and universities use DEI as an excuse for biased and unlawful employment practices and illegal admissions preferences, ignoring the fact that DEI’s foundational rhetoric and ideas foster intergroup hostility and authoritarianism.
  • Billions of dollars are spent annually on DEI, but rather than reducing bias and promoting inclusion, DEI creates and then amplifies prejudicial hostility and exacerbates interpersonal conflict.

PRESIDENT TRUMP PROMISED AND DELIVERED: President Trump promised to terminate DEI in the federal government, protect equal opportunity, and force schools to end discriminatory admissions policies, and he delivered.

• Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work, individual initiative, and competence can take them. In America, excellence, grit, and determination is our strength.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The streets of Downtown Orlando were alive with celebration as the 41st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade unfolded along Orange Avenue. Among the procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups, Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Monique Worrell stood out as a beloved figure, earning cheers and adoration from attendees.

State Attorney Monique Worrell visibly moved by community support at the 41st Orlando MLK Parade, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

Worrell’s appearance at the parade felt like a victory walk as she received enthusiastic applause, countless handshakes, and heartfelt hugs from parade-goers. Many described her as “the people’s State Attorney,” a sentiment visibly etched on Worrell’s face as she smiled and engaged with the community.

MLK Parade attendees gathered in Downtown Orlando on Saturday, January 18, 2025, to support Monique Worrell’s return as State Attorney. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III.

The outpouring of support came on the heels of Worrell’s remarkable political comeback. In the 2024 election, Worrell defeated Andrew Bain, who was appointed as State Attorney by Governor Ron DeSantis after her controversial suspension in 2023. Worrell’s re-election was a powerful statement from voters who stood by her leadership. She was officially sworn in on January 7, 2025, reclaiming her role with renewed determination.

State Attorney Monique Worrell’s Chief of Staff, Keisha Mulfort, smiles during the 2025 MLK Parade as the duo returns to the State Attorney’s Office to ensure the safety of Orange and Osceola County citizens on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III.

Worrell’s presence at the MLK Parade carried a symbolic resonance. The event, held in honor of Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equality, paralleled Worrell’s fight to return to office and her commitment to justice for all. Her supporters praised her resilience and unwavering dedication to the community.

“Monique Worrell represents what leadership should look like,” said one attendee. “She stands up for the people and fights for what’s right, no matter the obstacles.”

The MLK Parade served not only as a celebration of Dr. King’s impact but also as a moment of triumph and unity for Worrell and her constituents.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – State Senator Barbara Sharief (D-Broward) has introduced SB 306, titled “Managed Care Plan Network Access,” to address significant barriers faced by Medicaid enrollees using managed care plans. The bill seeks to ensure Medicaid recipients can receive medical care in a timely and accessible manner, even from providers not under contract with their managed care plan.

Currently, Medicaid enrollees are restricted to specific providers within their managed care network, regardless of long wait times or geographic challenges. This often leaves patients, particularly in rural areas, struggling to access vital medical services or forced to delay treatments due to transportation barriers.

Key Provisions of SB 306

If passed, the bill would:

• Allow Medicaid enrollees to seek care from non-contracted Medicaid providers when a participating provider is geographically inaccessible or cannot provide care in a timely manner.
• Benefit rural communities where geographic barriers to healthcare are most significant.
• Improve access to care for patients with chronic symptoms who require faster relief or urgent treatments.

Impact on Floridians

This legislation could have a transformative impact on the healthcare system in Florida:

• Rural Areas: Residents in rural regions with few participating Medicaid providers would have access to care closer to home, reducing transportation issues.
• Timely Treatments: Patients with time-sensitive medical needs, such as chronic illnesses or urgent care situations, would experience shorter wait times for necessary treatments.
• Healthcare Equity: By removing network limitations, Medicaid enrollees in underserved areas gain access to higher-quality care and improved health outcomes.

If approved, SB 306 would significantly improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations across Florida, reducing disparities in care and improving patient outcomes.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com