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Virus Bill Blocked in Senate as Prospects Dim for New Relief

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats scuttled a scaled-back GOP coronavirus rescue package on Thursday as the parties argued to a standstill over the size and scope of the aid, likely ending hopes for coronavirus relief before the November election.

The mostly party-line vote capped weeks of wrangling that gave way to election-season political combat and name-calling over a fifth relief bill that all sides say they want but are unable to deliver. The bipartisan spirit that powered earlier aid measures is all but gone.

Democrats said the measure shortchanged too many pressing needs. Republicans argued it was targeted to areas of widespread agreement, but the 52-47 vote fell well short of what was needed to overcome a filibuster. All the present Democrats opposed it, while conservative Rand Paul, R-Ky., cast the only GOP “nay” vote. The Democratic vice presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, was campaigning in Miami and missed the vote.

“It’s a sort of a dead end street, and very unfortunate,” said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan. “But it is what it is.”

The $650 billion measure is significantly smaller than legislation promoted by Republican leaders this summer. But that version was too big for most conservatives, so the GOP bill was instead stripped back to focus on school aid, jobless benefits and help for small businesses. That maximized Republican support even as it alienated Democrats, who say such a piecemeal approach would leave out far too many vulnerable people.

The result was a predictable impasse and partisan tit-for tat as the congressional session limps to its pre-election close. The panicked atmosphere that drove passage of the $2 trillion landmark CARES Act in March has dissipated as the nation powers through the pandemic with partial reopenings of businesses and schools, though the economy lags and the virus continues to badly disrupt life in the U.S.

It’s becoming plain that all Congress will do before the Nov. 3 election is pass legislation to avert a government shutdown. The outcome of the election promises to have an outsize impact on what might be possible in a postelection lame-duck session, with Democrats sure to press for a better deal if Democrat Joe Biden unseats President Donald Trump.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., predicted that Thursday’s GOP defeat would prompt Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., back to the negotiating table, as an earlier filibuster in March helped make the $2 trillion rescue bill more generous.

“But (Thursday’s) bill is not going to happen because it is so emaciated, so filled with poison pills, so partisanly designed,” Schumer said.

McConnell crafted the measure to permit his GOP colleagues to go on record in favor of popular provisions such as another round of “paycheck protection” help for smaller businesses, help for schools to reopen and supplemental jobless benefits. He again blasted Democrats on Thursday, saying they are still pushing a liberal wish list and are willing to scuttle provisions with widespread backing to deny Trump a victory.

“Today every senator will either say they want to send families the relief we can agree to or they can send families nothing,” McConnell said.

There’s no indication yet that bipartisan talks that crumbled last month will restart. Top lawmakers and aides offered glum assessments both publicly and privately.

Veteran Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley said it’s “sad” there will be no virus aid deal, though he also said the outlook for the economy may not be as bleak as he once thought.

“If you’d asked me, two or three weeks ago I’d say very, very negative,” Grassley said. But with the job market improving and “the whole world kind of getting out of this pandemic, depression, we’re in” Grassley said, there’s “a lot less of an impact than I would have thought two weeks ago.”

The stalemate is politically risky for all sides heading into the fall election, and both sides accused the other of acting primarily with political calculations in mind. Democrats said GOP senators need to “check a box” and vote on any kind of relief bill before exiting Washington to campaign while Republicans said Democrats were intent on denying Republicans a political win.

“What is of overwhelming importance to Democrats is keeping coronavirus alive as a political issue,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. “They’d rather have no bill, zero funding and a political weapon than have a bill and allow Republicans to say that we helped Americans.”

All that’s left — barring a breakthrough that looks unlikely now — is to pass a government-wide short-term spending measure that would avert a shutdown at month’s end and set up a postelection lame-duck session to deal with any unfinished Capitol Hill legislation, which could include coronavirus relief.

The scaled-back GOP virus plan is roughly one-seventh the size of a whopping Democratic package that passed the house in May and about one-fourth of the $2.2 trillion set by Pelosi last month. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin mentioned a $1.5 trillion figure in testimony last week.

The failed measure would have provide $105 billion to help schools reopen, created a scaled-back $300-per-week supplemental jobless benefit, and devoted $258 billion for a second round of paycheck protection subsidies for smaller businesses. Lesser amounts would have furthered vaccine research and development and funded the Postal Service, farmers, and child care.

It did not contain a new round of $1,200 direct payments to Americans, and the new $300 weekly jobless benefit would expire just after Christmas, on Dec. 27. The GOP bill also lacked money for election costs that lawmakers from both parties have supported to accommodate a huge influx of mail-in ballots.

Official estimates of the measure’s cost were unavailable, but a GOP legislative aide said the cost is about $650 billion, with about half of the price tag offset by repurposing prior COVID funds.

 

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Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children

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Representatives from Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools, the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and Junior Achievement of Central Florida participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces children as young as 4 to saving, needs versus wants and other basic money concepts through classroom activities and take-home resources.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Addition Financial Credit Union is expanding its ADDing FUNdamentals community impact program through a new partnership with Rosen Preschools, bringing financial literacy education to children as young as 4 while providing resources designed to extend those lessons into their homes.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Developed through a partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, the program uses Junior Achievement’s JA Ourselves curriculum to teach children foundational concepts including making choices, distinguishing needs from wants and saving money.

Rosen Preschools is participating in the program for the first time, expanding the initiative’s reach to more children and families in Central Florida.

Community partners and preschool students gather around an Addition Financial playhouse during an ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program event at Rosen Preschools.

Addition Financial Credit Union, Rosen Preschools and community partners celebrate the expansion of the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program, which introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through hands-on learning and imaginative play.

Financial Lessons Extend Beyond the Classroom

As part of the initiative, volunteers from Addition Financial, Junior Achievement and Rosen Hotels & Resorts assembled backpacks filled with educational resources designed to help children follow along with classroom lessons and continue learning at home with their families.

A portion of the backpacks will be distributed to Rosen Tangelo Park Preschool and Rosen Preschool in Parramore.

Addition Financial is also providing playhouses modeled after miniature credit unions, giving students an opportunity to practice basic money-management concepts through imaginative play.

The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and take-home materials is designed to reinforce financial concepts while encouraging families to continue conversations about money outside the classroom.

Rosen CEO: Financial Literacy Is a Critical Life Skill

Frank Santos, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, said his professional background in finance has made financial literacy an issue he strongly supports.

“We are very proud to partner with Addition Financial to bring the ADDing FUNdamentals program to the Rosen Preschools,” Santos said. “Having spent a majority of my career in finance, I am a big advocate for financial literacy.”

Santos called financial literacy a critical life skill and said introducing foundational lessons early, while also sending educational materials home to families, can help prepare children for long-term success.

Addition Financial Focuses on Starting Financial Education Early

Kevin Dougherty, chief operations officer at Addition Financial Credit Union, said the partnership with Rosen expands the program’s ability to introduce financial concepts during children’s formative years.

“We are incredibly grateful to have an organization of Rosen’s caliber become a part of the ADDing FUNdamentals program,” Dougherty said. “The students at Rosen Preschools will now get a jump start on developing key skills many of us take for granted — understanding and managing money.”

Dougherty said the response to the program since its launch demonstrates interest in providing financial education at an early age.

“The positive response and success we’ve seen since launching the program speaks to the need of fostering financial education at an early age,” Dougherty said.


Building Financial Skills Through Community Partnerships

The collaboration brings together a credit union, hospitality organization and education-focused community partners around a shared effort to introduce financial concepts to children early in life.

Rather than limiting the experience to classroom instruction, ADDing FUNdamentals combines curriculum, interactive play and educational materials that children can take home and share with their families.

The addition of Rosen Preschools in the program’s fourth year further expands its presence in Central Florida and brings the financial literacy initiative into the Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.

Through lessons on saving, choices and needs versus wants, participating children receive an early introduction to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives.

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FNN News Expands National Event Coverage With Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas Plans

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Florida National News invites businesses and brands to explore partnership opportunities as FNN Sports Zone prepares special programming and on-location coverage

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News is expanding its national news and sports presence with plans for special event coverage from Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029, creating new opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with FNN audiences across multiple platforms.

The multiyear initiative will focus on coverage surrounding one of the biggest weeks in American sports, with FNN journalists and content teams covering stories beyond the field, including sports, entertainment, travel and tourism, business, culture and community impact.

The expansion is part of FNN’s broader strategy to grow from its Florida-based reporting operation into a digital news network with an increased presence at major events and media markets across the country.

FNN Sports Zone Goes National

A major component of the initiative will be the FNN Sports Zone Podcast Show Live, featuring special programming, interviews, analysis, digital content and planned on-location coverage.

FNN Sports Zone’s national event programming is designed to provide audiences with coverage throughout major sports weeks, including conversations with athletes, sports personalities, business leaders, community representatives and other newsmakers when available.

The programming will be distributed across FNN’s digital and social media platforms as the network continues expanding its sports audience and original video content.

Opportunities for Businesses and Brands

Florida National News is also inviting businesses, brands, organizations and community partners to explore opportunities to support FNN’s independent national news and sports coverage.

Potential opportunities include FNN program sponsorships, brand partnerships, digital and social media campaigns, content collaborations, community partnerships and authorized on-site activations.

The initiative is centered on a simple message:

“Your Brand. Three Cities. One National Platform.”

Rather than limiting coverage to what happens on the field, FNN plans to highlight the economic and cultural activity surrounding major sports events — from hospitality and tourism to entertainment, local businesses and community stories.

Three Major Markets

The national coverage initiative is scheduled to spotlight Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029.

Each market provides FNN with opportunities to produce original reporting and programming while developing relationships with businesses, tourism organizations, community leaders, sports professionals and other potential news sources.

The initiative also supports FNN’s long-term expansion of its national reporting footprint while maintaining its Florida news operations.

Partner With FNN News

Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about FNN News national coverage and partnership opportunities can contact:

Social@FloridaNationalNews.com

FloridaNationalNews.com | FNNNews.com

REAL NEWS. REAL PEOPLE. REAL FLORIDA. REAL IMPACT.

Florida National News/FNN News is an independent news organization. FNN is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the National Football League, its member clubs or event venues. On-site activities and coverage are subject to applicable credentials, permissions and venue or event requirements.

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Experience Kissimmee CEO DT Minich Inducted Into Florida Tourism Hall of Fame

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DT Minich with Bryan Griffin and Chip Wile following Minich's 2026 induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in West Palm Beach.
From left, VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin, Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich and NASCAR Driver Advisory Council Chair Chip Wile following Minich's induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame during the 2026 Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich receives statewide recognition after a career leading destination marketing organizations in Southwest Florida, St. Pete-Clearwater and Kissimmee.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich has been inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, recognizing more than three decades of leadership in Florida’s tourism and destination marketing industry.

Minich was recognized during the 2026 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Sept. 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

Presented on behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped shape the state’s tourism industry.

Three Florida Destinations, More Than Three Decades

According to Experience Kissimmee, Minich is the only tourism executive to have led three Florida destination marketing organizations.

His career includes leadership positions with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and Experience Kissimmee.

“This recognition represents every community, partner and tourism professional I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career,” Minich said.

“We are here not only to welcome visitors, but also to strengthen our communities, create opportunities for residents, and protect what makes Florida such a special place.”

From Southwest Florida to St. Pete-Clearwater

Minich began his destination marketing career in the Fort Myers area, where Southwest Florida’s coastal communities and natural environment influenced his approach to tourism development.

His work included helping develop the nearly 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

Minich also helped lead tourism communications following Hurricane Charley and supported Gulf Coast destinations during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to the organization.

He later spent seven years as executive director of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, where his work included expanding the destination’s international reach and developing its meetings and sports tourism business.

Transforming Experience Kissimmee

Minich became the first president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee in 2014 as the organization transitioned to a public-private model.

During his tenure, Experience Kissimmee positioned the destination around its large vacation-home market and promoted Kissimmee as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World.”

According to Experience Kissimmee, the area’s vacation-home inventory increased from approximately 10,000 to more than 30,000 homes during Minich’s leadership.

The organization says its annual budget also grew from approximately $11 million to more than $32 million, while its workforce expanded to more than 70 employees. Experience Kissimmee also established representation in more than 18 international markets.

Statewide Tourism Leadership

In 2025, Minich became the first Experience Kissimmee leader appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, giving him a role in statewide tourism strategy.

Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida Adventure Park and a VISIT FLORIDA board member, said Minich’s influence extends beyond a single destination.

“He has helped tourism grow in a way that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for residents and strengthens the community we call home,” Haught said.

VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin also recognized Minich’s statewide contributions.

“DT Minich has spent more than three decades in service to Florida tourism, and the relationships he has built are felt in every corner of the state,” Griffin said. “He has supported destinations from the Gulf Coast to Central Florida, enhanced the industry, and made extraordinary contributions to Florida tourism.”

Joining Florida Tourism Leaders

Established in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose work has contributed to the development of Florida’s visitor economy.

Previous inductees include Walt Disney, Henry Flagler, John Ringling, Harris Rosen, Carol Dover and William D. Talbert III, according to the release.

Minich now joins that group as the Hall of Fame’s 2026 inductee.

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