Wednesday, July 6, 2022

FLORIDA

Rep. Harding's Update

Hello Friends,

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!

With back-to-back special sessions taking up a lot of our attention in the two months after Sine Die, we have finally had a chance to reset and get back into the community. Nothing makes us happier than being able to interact with the people of the District and find out what’s keeping everyone busy.

NEWS FROM THE MONTH OF JUNE

Tuesday, June 7th - Rep. Harding spoke at the Christ Church of Marion County. He updated the senior community of the bills that passed this past Session and answered any questions they may have had.

Rep. Harding at Christ Church of Marion County.

Thursday, June 9th - Haylee attended the ribbon cutting for Homestead Park Williston. This outdoor gathering place is and will be a major addition to the city of Williston, increasing the quality of life within the community. A great venue to shop, eat, drink, and play!

Inside Homestead Park Williston.

Tuesday, June 14th- Rep. Harding hosted a ribbon cutting for his private business Evergreen Private Care. He believes that as a part-time legislator, it is important to stay grounded in the realities of running a business and maintaining an active role in free enterprise.

Rep. Harding and his wife, Amanda, cut the ribbon for Evergreen Private Care.

Tuesday, June 21st - Rep. Harding attended the Levy County Board Meeting to recognize Lexi McCue who won 3 gold medals at the Special Olympics Horseback Riding Events. She is the only rider from Levy to win gold medals.

Rep. Harding with Lexi McCue.

Wednesday, June 22nd - Haylee attended a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the VA Clinic in Ocala. This clinic is a major accomplishment that will provide great healthcare to Veterans in our community. It will almost be a one stop shop for Veterans.

Outside at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the VA Clinic.

Thursday, June 23rd - Rep. Harding spoke at the Builders Association of North Central Florida Membership Meeting. He spoke about economic forecasting and job growth in the state of Florida. Also brought up some bills that would affect the builder’s community.

Thursday, June 30th - Rep. Harding got the opportunity to speak with the leadership team of the Ocala Electric Utility to establish a connection and see the amazing things they are doing as a community based electric utility company.

Rep. Harding with the leadership team at Ocala Electric Utility.

Legislative Accomplishments

Bills signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis

HB 1557 - Parental Rights in Education

This bill reinforces fundamental parental rights and prohibits classroom discussion on sexual orientation or gender identity in specific grade levels.

SB 1798 - Sexually Related Offenses

This legislation criminally penalizes individuals who promote altered sexual depictions of others, also known as “deep fakes.” Any person responsible for promoting these false, sexually explicit visuals without the permission of the identifiable individual will be charged with a third-degree felony.

Appropriations approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis

HB 3035 - Levy County Bird Creek Boat Ramp Improvement Phase II

HB 3035 - Levy County Bird Creel Boat Ramp Improvement Phase II will receive $464,080 in funding. This project will provide covered pavilions and 1320 SF of board walk to improve safety, escape the elements, enjoy nature, and fish.

HB 3039 - Dunnellon Trail

HB 3039 - Blue Run of Dunnellon Park will receive funding for $2,537,000. The project will make some major updates such as designing and constructing two main components of the "Dunnellon Trail" including: a multi-modal trail along the south side of Pennsylvania Ave. in town and the re-alignment of vehicular traffic on the two-lane bridge crossing over the Rainbow River just east of town. Combined, these two components will allow for recreational trail users to gain access to businesses in Dunnellon and allow users to safely cross the bridge.

HB 9153 - Levy County - Chiefland Middle High School Special Facility

HB 9153 - Levy County - Chiefland Middle High School Special Facility project will receive $1,496,994 in funding. This project will help complete the final phase of construction on the Chiefland Middle High School gymnasium.

HB 9155 - Cedar Key Lift Station Rehabilitation

HB 9155 - Cedar Key Lift Station Rehabilitation will receive funding for $2,500,000. This project will rehabilitate 5 lift stations in Cedar Key by replacing pumps, providing water tight seals, and raising the control panels to an elevation that will not be flooded.

HB 9159 - Inglis Regional Septic to Sewer Project

HB 9159 - Inglis Regional Septic to Sewer Project will receive funding for $900,000. This project will reduce the impact of septic tanks to regional water bodies and improve the sanitary conditions of the area. This will be done by removing approximately 1,000 septic tanks and creating a regional waste water treatment facility to accommodate flow.