NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Biden’s recent State of the Union address proved how out of touch he truly is. He made several erroneous claims including crediting the Democrats’ several costly packages with “saving America.” Meanwhile, hardworking Americans are watching the price of gas and necessities increase every day.
Perhaps the most overlooked (and ironic) part of his speech was where he emphasized how important it is to “buy American,” but continues to neglect energy independence. Last year, Russian crude oil and petroleum product imports to the U.S. reached an 11-year high. We spent approximately $17.5 billion on Russian petroleum imports in 2021. This is a huge issue given Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine and our current sanctions.
Our gas prices were already skyrocketing thanks to inflation and the closure of projects like Keystone XL. The tension with Russia only adds to this. Under the Trump administration, we were successfully energy independent. We know we can do this, and we know it helps you.
I joined my Republican colleagues this past week in cosponsoring the American Energy Independence from Russia Act (H.R. 6858). The bill will immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline, boost natural gas production, restart oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters, and protect energy and mineral development from attacks by the Biden administration.
The cost to get to work every day and to heat your home should not keep you from putting food on your table. This bill is a good first step towards giving you relief while also increasing our energy dominance against Putin.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates from Federal Agencies
This Week in the District
The Bay County/Gulf County Wildfires
Here’s what you need to know about the wildfires in Bay County and Gulf County:
**Note: This information may change between the time this email is sent and when you open this email. Please visit the Bay County Emergency Services social media pages for the latest updates. Their information is listed below.**
Is there a Local State of Emergency?
Bay County has declared a Local State of Emergency.
Is Bay County under a burn ban?
Bay County is under a mandatory burn ban. No burning of any kind is permitted until further notice. Violations are subject to monetary penalties or jail sentences.
Are there evacuation orders? The below areas are under a mandatory evacuation. - Area between Transmitter Rd. and Star Ave. and south of Hwy 231 to U.S. 98 (Tyndall Parkway)
- Bear Creek, area south of Scotts Ferry Road and east of Hwy 231.
- Evacuations are underway for the Clifford Chester Sims State Veterans Nursing Home. Bay County Transit is assisting.
Where can evacuees shelter?
A shelter has been established at the Bay County Fairgrounds, located at 2230 15th Street,
What is being done for the wildfires?
More than 200 firefighters from Bay County and throughout the Panhandle are on the ground working on establishing containment lines and protecting structures. FFS has 70 firefighters operating dozers, tractors, engines, and other heavy equipment.
How big are the wildfires?
- The Adkins Avenue Fire is estimated at 1,400 acres and up to 35-percent contained.
- The Bertha Swamp Road Fire is estimated at 8,000 acres and 10-percent contained.
- The new fire south of Tram Road and west of Star Ave is approximately 40 acres and 45% contained.
When can residents return to their homes?
We will notify residents when it is safe to return to their homes in the evacuation areas via AlertBay, local media, and social media. It is NOT safe to return home at this time. Please be patient as first responders battle these dangerous fires.
How can residents receive evacuation or other important notices?
Law enforcement officials are working with fire departments to notify residents in affected areas. It is recommended that residents in the evacuation area leave for their safety due to the fast-changing nature of this wildfire. We recommend that all citizens and visitors sign up for AlertBay at alertbay.org for emergency notifications. Please follow local news media and official social media sites.
Is the Bay County Jail under an evacuation order?
Based on current conditions, there are no evacuation orders for the Bay County Jail.
Are there any road closures?
Tram Road from Hwy 98 to Star Avenue is CLOSED.
Where can I donate items?
Donations of food and water may be dropped at the Bay County Fairgrounds, located at 2230 E. 15th Street. We are NOT accepting household or clothing items.
How can I sign up to be a volunteer?
You can sign up to volunteer at rebuildbaycounty.org.
Can I fly my drone?
FFS planes and helicopters will be in the air again today. Please do not fly drones, as it impedes progress. A temporary fly restriction is in place.
We are planning on coming into the area for vacation. Should we still come?
Bay County cannot make that decision for you. This situation is fluid and subject to change at a moment’s notice. Please continue to monitor news media, the National Weather Service, and Bay County Emergency Management for the most current information. Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertBay.org.
Where can I get updates on what the county is doing during for the wildfires?
To receive updates on county actions during a disaster like a wildfire, follow our social media accounts and sign up for emergency notifications on AlertBay at AlertBay.org. Bay County Emergency Services Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayCountyEM Bay County Emergency Services Website: http://www.baycountyfl.gov/164/Emergency-Services Florida Forest Services-Chipola Twitter: https://twitter.com/FFS_Chipola Bay County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/BayCountySO My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DrNealDunnFL2
What if I have a medical or functional need?
If you have a medical or functional need, please register on the special needs shelter website: https://snr.floridadisaster.org/Signin?client=bay.
Please continue praying for this community. This has been a very difficult weekend, and there’s still a lot of work to do. Thank you to all the firefighters and first responders, Bay County Emergency Services, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Emergency Management for all of your hard work!
The Brian Rust Show
On Wednesday, I joined Brian Rust on his radio show to discuss the invasion of Ukraine and the State of the Union. You can listen to the full show here. My interview begins at the 1:25:47 mark.
U.S. Military Service Academy Day
I’m hosting a United States Military Service Academy Day for students in Florida’s Second Congressional District. Informational sessions will be held in Columbia, Leon, and Bay counties on Saturday, March 26th, 2022. High school and eighth-grade students who are interested in attending a service academy are invited to come, along with their parents.
I have invited representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, as well as the Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Naval Academies to attend. Students will have the opportunity to meet with Cadets, Midshipmen, ROTC staff, and parents of current and past cadets. The academy nomination process will be explained. This is an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore these outstanding higher education choices.
No RSVP is required. For more information, please contact Craig Williams at FL02.Academy@mail.house.gov or call 850-785-0812. Columbia County
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Time: 9:00AM-10:00AM ET
Location: Florida Gateway College Library, Building 200,
Lake City, FL
Leon County
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Time: 1:00PM-3:00PM ET
Location: Tallahassee City Hall, 300 South Adams Drive, Tallahassee, FL
Bay County
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Time: 4:00PM-6:00PM CT
Location: Florida State University – Panama City, Dean’s Conference Room, 4750 Collegiate Dr, Panama City, FL 32405
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Meeting with the Florida Municipal Electric Assn
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On Thursday, I had the privilege of speaking to the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) at the Florida House in Washington, D.C. As a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, it’s critical that I stay connected with Florida’s energy leaders. I shared ways Congress can help them, especially when it comes to preparing for natural disasters. The current supply chain shortages are impacting FMEA’s ability to prep for the next hurricane season and it’s imperative that we work together to mitigate that.
I appreciate you all for coming to Washington to chat with members of Congress. We need you to keep us educated so I hope to see you all again very soon.
Bills I’m Cosponsoring
The Reopen the Capitol Resolution – This bill would urge leadership to reopen the House to the public, including the House wing of the Capitol Visitor Center, with no restrictions.
The U.S. Capitol was closed in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the longest closure in Capitol history with no end in sight. Sporting events are now widely attended, and schools are safely operating in person throughout the country. It’s time to reopen the Capitol to visitors.
Letters I’ve Signed Onto
Last week, I joined a letter to Speaker Pelosi to urge consideration of H.J. Res 67 on the House floor. H.J. 67 would lay the groundwork for repealing the Biden administration rule requiring vaccination of all staff at facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid. The irresponsible rule impacts 10.4 million healthcare workers at 76,000 facilities across the United States and the patients who rely on them. We need our healthcare professionals now more than ever. It’s time to repeal this unnecessary rule.
I also recently signed onto a Florida delegation letter to the Department of Education (DoE) in support of Keiser University in response to recent attacks on the university. Keiser University is Florida’s largest nonprofit university, a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, and currently ranked #5 in the nation for Social Mobility. Keiser University serves 20,000 students and offers over 100 degrees. There is much that the Department of Education can learn from Keiser’s wonderful success in serving students across our state and nation. We ask that the DoE seek an open line of communication to learn more about this unique institution with a proud history of serving a diverse population of students.
Updates From Federal Agencies
IRS: File an Accurate Tax Return
While taxpayers shouldn’t file late, they also shouldn’t file prematurely. Those who file before they receive all the proper tax reporting documents risk making a mistake that may lead to processing delays. Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may help taxpayers find overlooked deductions or credits.
Typically, year-end forms arrive by mail – or are available online – in January. Taxpayers should review them carefully. If any of the information shown is inaccurate or not available, taxpayers should contact the payer right away for a correction or to ensure they have their current mailing or email address. Supporting documents taxpayers may receive include but aren’t limited to: - Forms W-2 from employer(s)
- Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies, and other payers that include information, such as unemployment compensation, dividends, and distributions from a pension, annuity, or retirement plan
- Form 1099-K, 1099-Misc, W-2, or other income statement if they worked in the gig economy
- Form 1099-INT if they received interest payments
- Other income documents and records reporting virtual or cryptocurrency transactions
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance Premium Tax Credits for Marketplace coverage
- Letter 6419, 2021 Total advance Child Tax Credit Payments, to reconcile advance Child Tax Credit Payments
- Letter 6475, 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
Individuals can use their IRS Online Account to securely access information about their federal tax account, including payments and tax records. This includes: - The total amounts of Economic Impact Payments issued for tax year 2021
- The total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments
- Their adjusted gross income from their last tax return
- The total of any estimated tax payments they made, and refunds applied as a credit
Once taxpayers have collected all their tax documents and information, they're ready to consider how they will file. Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive a refund. Although the IRS delivers most refunds in 21 days, it could take longer if the tax return includes errors, is incomplete, or requires further security review.
Updated Passport Services and Processing Times
The State Department recently made some changes to passport services and issued updated processing times. Click here for more info.
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
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Congressman Dunn uses one word to describe the state of the union Constituent Casework Corner
A constituent contacted my office when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still had not processed their tax return ten months after it was filed. We were able to determine that the IRS had erroneously labeled the return as an amended return, which it was not. We worked with the IRS to ensure the return was promptly processed and the refund released.
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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