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Tampa’s Susan Valdés Secures Powerful Role as Vice Chair of House Budget Committee

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN)Florida State Representative Susan Valdés has been named Vice Chair of the powerful House Budget Committee, a prestigious leadership role that grants her significant influence over the state’s funding priorities. The announcement comes just days after Valdés’ stunning decision to switch her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

 

Susan Valdés Named Vice Chair of Florida’s Budget Committee After Party Switch

Valdés’ new position puts her at the heart of Florida’s budgetary process, giving her the authority to help decide which proposals the committee will hear and what initiatives will receive state funding. Her promotion marks a dramatic rise in influence for the Tampa lawmaker, who now holds one of the most powerful committee assignments in the Florida House of Representatives.

A Strategic Move That Pays Off

Valdés’ decision to switch parties has been met with sharp criticism from Democrats, including calls for her resignation. The shift came shortly after she was re-elected to her Tampa-based House District 64 seat as a Democrat. Valdés, however, defended her move, stating that Democratic leadership — she did not specify names, but House Democratic Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell was implied — pressured her to “ignore the needs” of her constituents.

Her gamble appears to have paid off. In addition to her appointment as Vice Chair of the Budget Committee, Valdés was also named to the Education and Employment Committee and assigned to key subcommittees, including Government Operations, Education Administration, Industries and Professional Activities, and Insurance and Banking. By comparison, most Democrats received far fewer committee assignments, and none were given leadership roles.

Impact on Tampa Constituents

With her new role, Valdés is uniquely positioned to champion projects that benefit her Tampa constituents. As Vice Chair of the Budget Committee, she will be instrumental in advocating for local infrastructure projects, educational funding, and community-based initiatives. Her additional roles on education and economic development committees will further enable her to influence policy and resource allocation that directly affects her district.

The move also gives Valdés a direct line to Republican leadership, which controls a supermajority in the Florida House. By aligning with the party in power, she’s now better equipped to advocate for her district’s priorities and push through critical funding requests.

Republicans Elevate Susan Valdés to Key Leadership Role in Florida’s State Budget

Valdés Among Tampa’s Most Influential Lawmakers

Valdés’ rapid rise to leadership makes her one of Tampa Bay’s most influential state lawmakers. Only Rep. Lawrence McClure, who represents House District 68 in East Hillsborough County, holds a higher-ranking role. McClure serves as Chair of the Budget Committee, with Valdés as his second-in-command.

While McClure’s senior role in budget discussions is significant, Valdés’ new position as Vice Chair offers her considerable leverage. Her voice will be heard in discussions that shape Florida’s multi-billion-dollar state budget, allowing her to direct attention and funding to issues that matter most to her district.

Backlash From Democrats

The backlash from Democrats has been fierce. Critics argue that Valdés’ switch was a betrayal of the voters who re-elected her as a Democrat. Calls for her resignation have grown louder, with some Democrats labeling her move as opportunistic. However, Valdés has remained steadfast, pointing to her enhanced ability to deliver results for her community under Republican leadership.

OTHER STORY

What’s Next for Susan Valdés?

With her new leadership role, Valdés’ next moves will be closely watched. As Vice Chair, she’ll be tasked with reviewing and prioritizing budget proposals that could have lasting impacts on Florida’s economy, education system, and public infrastructure. For Tampa’s House District 64, Valdés’ influence could mean faster approval for local projects, greater access to state resources, and more substantial advocacy for district needs.
________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Florida

Sen. Kristen Arrington and Rep. Dan Daley Push New $10,000 Tax Relief for Florida’s Disabled Veterans

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CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) – Florida State Senator Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee) and Representative Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs) have introduced a bipartisan effort to provide enhanced financial relief to disabled veterans and their families. The proposed bills, SB 218 and HB 39, aim to amend Florida law to increase the property tax exemption for disabled ex-servicemembers from $5,000 to $10,000, offering meaningful economic support.

The legislation, titled “Tax Exemption for Disabled Ex-servicemembers,” will take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed, and will enable disabled veterans to significantly reduce their property tax burdens.

Who Qualifies for the Tax Exemption?

To be eligible, an ex-servicemember must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Florida resident.
  • Have been discharged under honorable conditions.
  • Possess a disability rating of 10 percent or more, resulting from either wartime service or misfortune.

Eligible veterans must present proof of their disability by providing a certificate from either the United States Government or the Department of Veterans Affairs to their county property appraiser. Additionally, the bill preserves the current provision that extends the tax exemption to the unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled ex-servicemember.

Key Benefits and Impact

The bill would exempt $10,000 of a property’s assessed value from taxation, providing substantial financial relief for Florida’s disabled veterans. This increased exemption will ease the financial strain on these veterans and their families, particularly in the face of rising living costs.

  • Senator Kristen Arrington emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans’ sacrifices, stating:

    “Our servicemembers risk their lives to defend our country, and this expanded tax exemption offers much-needed financial relief to veterans and their surviving spouses, easing their burden and honoring their sacrifice.”

  • Representative Dan Daley highlighted the significance of this initiative, adding:

    “This legislation is about showing our gratitude to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. By doubling the property tax exemption for disabled ex-servicemembers, we are taking a meaningful step to ease their financial burden and honor their dedication. It’s our responsibility to ensure these heroes and their families receive the support they’ve earned.”

Broader Implications

This measure is expected to impact thousands of veterans and their families across Florida, reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting those who served. It also serves as an important step in addressing financial equity for veterans with disabilities.

 

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Florida

SBA Opens Additional Business Recovery Centers in Florida: Disaster Loans Available for Hurricane Relief

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ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will open Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Charlotte, Seminole and Volusia counties on Friday, Jan. 10 and Monday, Jan. 13 respectively, to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations who sustained economic losses from Hurricane Helene and Milton.

“SBA’s BRCs are a cornerstone of our support for business owners,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At the BRCs, business owners can meet face-to-face with specialists to apply for disaster loans and access a wide range of resources to guide them through their recovery.”

Customer Service Representatives at the BRCs will assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents for existing applications, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Disaster Recovery Center in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The centers will operate as indicated below.

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Charlotte County

Port Charlotte Town Center Mall 1441 Tamiami Trail

Unit 185

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Opening: Friday, Jan. 10, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Seminole County

Sanford Information Center 230 E 1st St

Sanford, FL 32771

Opening: Monday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC) Volusia County

Deltona Regional Library 2150 Eustace Ave.

Deltona, FL 32725

Opening: Monday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed: Sunday

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs offer working capital assistance for businesses impacted by the disaster, even if they did not sustain physical damage. Loan funds may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that would have been met if not for the disaster.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

SBA’s Disaster Loan Program funding was replenished via the American Relief Act, 2025, which was signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024. The SBA acted immediately and, within six hours of the Act being signed into law, issued more than 21,000 outstanding commitment letters (loan offers). The SBA will continue to issue new loan offers and ensure survivors quickly understand their loan options.

With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.

Do not wait on the decision for a FEMA grant; apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster.

Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury loan applications is June 30, 2025.

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Florida

Florida Civil Rights Association President statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter

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The Florida Civil Rights Association joins the nation and the world in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter, a visionary leader and tireless advocate for humanity.

President Carter championed civil liberties and human rights throughout his life. He courageously advocated for racial equality during a time of deep division in America, set global precedents for advancing democracy, and worked tirelessly to address affordable housing for families through his partnership with Habitat for Humanity. His profound belief in the dignity of every human being continues to inspire movements for equality and justice worldwide.

Florida Civil Rights Association President J. Willie David, III:

“President Jimmy Carter was not just a former president; he was a global icon for justice and compassion. His unwavering commitment to human rights and equality stood as a beacon of hope for generations. President Carter’s legacy of fighting for civil rights, eradicating poverty, and championing affordable housing aligns perfectly with the core values of the Florida Civil Rights Association.

He reminded us that ‘the bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.’ His tireless dedication to creating a better world, even in his post-presidency, is a testament to the power of selfless service.

We join the nation and the world in mourning his loss while celebrating the monumental impact of his life. President Carter’s legacy challenges us to continue the work he began—to lift others, to advocate for justice, and to remain relentless in the pursuit of a more equitable society. He will forever remain an inspiration to us all.”

Rest in peace, President Jimmy Carter. Your legacy of service and justice will guide generations to come.

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