Many Orlando families can’t be thankful for Affordable Housing this year
Thanksgiving is upon us here in the greater Orlando area. And many of us will gather around the table with family and give thanks for what we have this year. But for many struggling families, affordable housing won’t be one of them. They’ll be celebrating the holidays in a hotelContinue Reading
Build Back Better includes $5 billion for veterans, and we badly need that support here in Orlando
Before we begin, this is a non political write-up and you may support or oppose the Build Back Better plan that passed the House of Representatives earlier this week. And that’s fine. I’m not here to change anyone’s mind. But it does includes $5 billion dollars for the Department ofContinue Reading
Bills recognizing veterans suicide and helping military spouses go work faster must move in Florida legislature
A pair of bills recently filed in the Florida House could go a long way in bringing attention to preventing veterans suicides, and helping military spouses shore up the financial needs of their families. House Bill 63 (HB 63) urges congress to recognize the suicide epidemic among veterans and pushesContinue Reading
Diversifying tourism tax use could help Orlando veterans get to medical appointments
If you want to make the powerful in Orlando uncomfortable, it only takes one phrase. “Let’s diversify TDT use!” TDT is the Tourism Development Tax. It’s revenue we take in for hotel night stays and it’s very lucrative. Right now we have an outdated restriction saying we can only spendContinue Reading
Suicides, claims backlog, homelessness, are concerns to be mindful of on Veterans Day in Florida
Tomorrow, the nation, and everyone here in Florida will celebrate our bravest brothers and sisters for their service to this nation. In the coming days we’ll see ceremonies, parades, and other terrific events. That’s wonderful. Orlando in particular is a great community for veterans to feel loved. I know thatContinue Reading
White House plan on reducing veterans suicide will all come down to implementation
The White House recently released it’s new strategy to stop veterans suicide (HERE). Here in Florida, it’s an especially important issue where we’re among the leaders in this tragic category. Most of the main points in the plan are strong. Reducing access to “lethal means” like medication, and firearms whenContinue Reading
Transitioning Florida veterans could be crucial in filling nursing shortage
As you may have heard, there is an urgent need for nurses in the state of Florida. Hospitals and clinics have seen their existing nursing staffs pushed beyond their limits, working an unhealthy workload in the midst of a pandemic, in a state that is rapidly growing everyday. There haveContinue Reading
Military should eliminate outdated tape test body composition standard immediately
Do you know that an athlete like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, would likely not be able to serve in the United States military? It’s true. This is because of the outdated tape test used to test the fitness of athletes. It’s an archaic body composition exercise that has always favoredContinue Reading
We have to talk about the strain the Florida National Guard is experiencing right now
The Florida National Guard is some of the best our home has to offer. Not only do they serve their neighbors but they go everywhere. Long gone are the ways of the “weekend warrior”. They deploy all over the world. Including to aid the recent war on terror. They leaveContinue Reading
Orlando must improve construction speed of affordable housing units
Tonight, there will be members of a family of five going to sleep on the floor of an Orlando area motel room that was designed for two. There will be children going to bed in the back of a mini van in a Wal Mart parking lot. And sadly, thereContinue Reading