NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Hurricane Season is now in full swing. I know the dreaded H-word brings about a lot of anxiety and stress. However, the more prepared we are, the less worried we will be should a storm come our way.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare for a potential storm: - Create or update your evacuation plan and coordinate with your family.
- Build an emergency kit - Update your important documents and check your stored food and water to ensure they are safe to consume.
- Be informed - Find out how local officials will communicate during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
Do not forget that the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is happening now and ends on Friday, June 10. Please take advantage of this opportunity and stock up on what you may need this hurricane season.
For more helpful information about disaster preparedness, visit the Florida Emergency Management website.
My team and I are ready to help in any way we can. Please follow me on social media for real-time updates and important information about evacuations, closures, and more federal resources.
Please read about my week below:
Top Reads of the Week
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates from Federal Agencies
Top Reads of the Week
FLORIDA DAILY: Florida Congressional Rep Wants Commerce Secretary to Help Travel and Tourism Industries
WMBB - PANAMA CITY: Red snapper season in federal waters opens June 1
WCTV – TALLAHASSEE: 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season now underway
This Week in the District
Congratulations, Elizabeth Baggett! 
This past week, I announced Elizabeth Baggett of Marianna High School as the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for the Second Congressional District of Florida. Elizabeth’s artwork, titled “Eyes of Our Youth,” is a beautiful, detailed pencil-drawn portrait of a young girl.
We had an exceptional selection of entries from young artists throughout our district this year. The 2022 winning piece could not be timelier as we reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted children nationwide. It also serves as a reminder that we must focus on the legacy we leave behind for generations to come.
My office received nearly 30 submissions from across the district, and local art professionals judged the competition. Anna Barber of Marianna High School won second place for her watercolor and pastel piece titled “Let Sun Shine In.” Jake Wooley of Suwannee High School won third place with his photograph titled “Suffocated.”
Read the full press release here.
The Brian Rust Show
ICYMI - I joined The Brian Rust Show on Wednesday. You can listen to the episode here. My interview begins at the 86:28 mark. We discussed the baby formula crisis, my new bill to help the Florida tourism industry, Ukraine, and school safety.
Thanks, Brian, for having me on! I can't wait to do this again.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Improving Federal Forestry Cleanup Programs
Our district has a lot of leftover downed timber and related restoration issues from Hurricane Michael. Unfortunately, downed timber largely contributes to forest fires like the ones we experienced in March. I sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expressing my gratitude for their work and funding; however, I noted that the cleanup process is burdensome and can take years to complete. I urged the FSA to review federal programs that could work efficiently and effectively to dispose of debris and replant our forests.
You can read the full letter here.
Updates From Federal Agencies
Announcement About Pending Tax Returns
My office has received several requests for assistance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These requests involve pending tax returns and the need to have refunds released immediately. When you submit a privacy release form authorizing my office to engage with the IRS on your behalf, we highly recommend that you provide my office with evidence of financial hardship and immediate need so the IRS can prioritize your return. If you have any questions, please call my office at 850-785-0812.
Update From the Veteran Health Administration The Veteran Health Administration (VHA) implemented a nationwide COVID-19 Operational Plan with three standardized VHA Health Protection Levels – low, medium, and high.
The North Florida/ South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) COVID-19 Health Protection Level has changed. As of May 31, 2022, NF/SGVHS is operating on VHA COVID-19 Health Projection Level: HIGH.
NF/SGVHS requirements include: - Requiring mask at all patient care sites
- Self-screening is required
- Care team-approved visitors are welcomed. Visitation to COVID-19 positive patients is still restricted.
- Physical distancing is required.
Safe care is our mission. Details can be found on our website at https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/
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 Corner
A husband and wife contacted my office just before a holiday weekend after realizing their passports expired in two weeks. They were scheduled to travel internationally that following Monday. Based on the requirement for your passport to have six months validity at the time of your travel, they needed an in-person passport the next day to board their flight. We were able to work with the Miami Passport Agency to schedule appointments for the next morning so they could make their trip.
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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