NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, It’s been a pleasure being back in the Florida sunshine this week. However, I can’t help but notice some of the price hikes throughout our district. Many of you have reached out with concerns about inflation. While we’re used to prices rising a bit during tourist season, the inflation we’ve experienced in the past year is unacceptable – especially as we recover from the pandemic and lockdowns.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May accelerated at its fastest pace in nearly 13 years as inflation pressures continued to build thanks to President Biden’s unprecedented government spending. Gasoline is 56.2% more expensive today than 12 months ago. Transportation services are up 11.2% since May 2020, and food and energy prices have increased 3.8%, which is the fastest rate since 1992.
This is the fastest rate of inflation since right before the economic crisis in 2008, a nearly 13-year high. I find this deeply troubling.
As I prep to return to Washington, I look forward to rejoining my Republican colleagues in fighting back against President Biden and the House Democrats’ excessive spending. Americans need relief, not pricy partisanship.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Hurricane Season Update
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
Out and About in Florida-02
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of stopping by the Central Panhandle Association of Realtors’ reception. The association serves Bay, Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the real estate industry nationwide. It was important to me to chat with the experts to hear more about the issues they face and how I can best serve them. Thank you all for having me! I look forward to meeting with you again.
On Friday, I met with Farm Bureau County Presidents from Jackson, Calhoun, Washington, Bay, and Holmes Counties to give them a legislative update and discuss priorities for 2021. The farm bureaus play a pivotal role in our district and I value their input and feedback. Thank you all for letting me join you!
Later that day, I met with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce to get an update on the new Amazon Fulfillment Center. The upcoming addition to Jackson County is expected to bring over 100 jobs to the area, which will benefit the local economy greatly. Thank you to all who played a part in making this happen!
What’s Going on with the Marina Civic Center?
The Marina Civic Center in downtown Panama City has been closed since Hurricane Michael damaged it in 2018. In an effort to justify more Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for the repairs, the city recreated Hurricane Michael-force wind and rain on the civic center.
A Dynamic Pressure and Moisture Intrusion Test was conducted by NOVA Engineering and Environmental, LLC with the overall goal of showing that the winds from the hurricane blew stormwater into the facility’s exterior mechanical room.
The City of Panama City believes the results from the test will demonstrate that the equipment was damaged on October 10, 2018, and will serve as the basis of their appeal of FEMA’s initial decision to repair rather than replace the civic center.
My office is watching this closely. It’s important to me that those impacted by Hurricane Michael get the assistance they need to rebuild.
Update from the Internal Revenue Service
The latest information on the processing of 2020 tax returns is available on IRS.gov at IRS Operations During COVID-19. The page is designed to provide taxpayers with information on what to expect if they have recently:
- Filed a tax return,
- Received a bill or notice,
- Answered a letter or notice,
- Sent in a missing form or document,
- Sent a payment, or
- Requested other services.
The page is regularly updated. For more information, click here.
Rebuild Florida Update
The last day for homeowners to begin an application for the Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program is June 16th. All applications need to be submitted and completed by June 30th.
The program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides long-term assistance to repair, rebuild, or replace Hurricane Michael-damaged homes that serve as primary residences of eligible Florida families, as well as eligible rental homes.
For more information, please visit RebuildFlorida.gov.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Supporting Rural Health Care Providers
I recently cosponsored a bill with my colleague Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) that would fix a glitch in the Medicare Shared Savings Program that results in higher costs by disincentivizing rural Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) from participating.
The Medicare ACO program is an important tool for providers to increase the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries. Many in our district live in rural communities and often struggle to find convenient medical care close by. The Accountable Care in Rural America Act evens the playing field so rural providers can enjoy the same incentives to participate in the shared savings program. This bill is a win for seniors and providers in rural communities.
Read the full press release here.
Hurricane Season Update
Let’s Get Prepared
Here’s a quick reminder of what you should do when a hurricane watch or warning is issued -- - HURRICANE WATCH - This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and proactive measures should be initiated especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
- HURRICANE WARNING - Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing proactive actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
You can follow me on social media for real-time updates about evacuations, closures, & more federal resources. For more information about how to prepare for a storm, click here.
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated Floridians 12 and up are now eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for persons age 18 and up.
I encourage you to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine. The State of Florida has partnered with Sharecare to provide an easy-to-use platform that will save your spot for your shot. Pre-register here. Florida has many sites providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Use the vaccine finder to find a site near you. Supplies are limited and appointments may be required.
Traveling This Summer?
With Summer approaching, many of you may be considering a vacation. For the updated guidelines for domestic travel, click here. For global travel, click here.
Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter @DrNealDunnFL2. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
| Constituent Casework Corner
When a local business moved to a different location, they immediately filed to have their address updated with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). After two months of not receiving their mail and countless unsuccessful attempts of having the issue fixed, they contacted my office. We were able to work with USPS to have the issues addressed and the business started to receive their mail.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
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