Monday, February 20, 2023

FLORIDA

 

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NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT

Dear Friend,

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 lockdowns severely impacted America’s students. According to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), roughly half of America’s students began this past school year behind in at least one subject. Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ policies, many students in Florida didn’t fall behind. This is another example of the Democrats’ authoritarian policies failing Americans. 

To overcome this setback, we must empower parents with greater transparency into what their children are being taught. We also need to tailor learning experiences to meet each child’s needs. Parents should no longer have to accept the lowering of academic standards. My Republican colleagues and I are committed to ending the “Washington knows best” approach to education.


Please read about my week below:

Recommended Reads
A Recap of My Week
Updates from Agencies



Recommended Reads

WJHG (PANAMA CITY) - Mom says, “My daughter Amy was 25, and she died from an overdose of something that was laced with fentanyl.”

FLORIDA DAILY - Neal Dunn Wants Back Pay for Service Members Who Left Armed Forces Over Refusing COVID Vaccine

ASSOCIATED PRESS - Bipartisan Auto Right to Repair Legislation Re-Introduced in Congress

A Recap of My Week
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

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Fat Tuesday is around the corner, but St. Andrews got a head start at the St. Andrews Mardi Gras Festival. I had a great time visiting with constituents and riding in the parade. Thank you to the Krewe of St. Andrews for organizing an outstanding event!

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Helping the City of Springfield

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I recently stopped by the fire department to say “hello” to the Springfield Fire Rescue team. Right now, their firehouse and the police station are housed in double-wide trailers and their supplies are being stored in a shed. This is due to the damage from Hurricane Michael.

I discussed with Springfield Mayor Ralph Hammond and city leadership the current delay in FEMA assistance. FEMA is holding up the construction of the new city complex, which includes the fire and police departments. It’s important to me that I help the city of Springfield get back on its feet.

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Here’s What I’m Supporting

Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act (H.R. 496) - This bill expands Pell grant eligibility to students in short-term, skills-based programs. Currently, this program is only available for students enrolled in an undergraduate program. Ideally, this bill will help end the college for all mentality and equip workers with the skills employers need. Programs are evaluated, so taxpayers and students receive a positive return on their education investment.

H.Res.110 – This resolution recognizes National Career and Technical Education Month, which is observed every February. CTE prepares students for careers in fields such as health care, agriculture, information technology, manufacturing, skilled trades, and many more.


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 Leon and Bay counties on Saturday, March 4th, 2022. High school and eighth-grade students who are interested in attending a service academy are invited to come, along with their parents. 

Dr. Dunn has invited representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and 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, don't hesitate to get in touch with Craig Williams at FL02.Academy@mail.house.gov or call 850-785-0812.

Leon County
Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Time: 10:00PM-12:00 AM ET
Location: Tallahassee City Hall, 300 South Adams Drive, Tallahassee, FL

Bay County
Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM CT
Location: Gulf Coast State College, Student Union East, Room 232, 5230 W. Hwy 98, Panama City, FL 32401

Updates From Agencies
IRS Guidance on State Tax Payments

The Internal Revenue Service provided details clarifying the federal tax status involving special payments made by 21 states in 2022.

The IRS has determined that in the interest of sound tax administration and other factors, taxpayers in many states - will not need to report these payments on their 2022 tax returns. Read more here.  


Need Help with Your Taxes?

I want to remind you that the AARP Foundation offers a Tax-Aide service, a volunteer-led program that assists taxpayers with tax return preparation and filing.  

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. 

Click here to find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide location near you and learn more about the program.

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 

CASEWORK CORNER

After a constituent arrived in the district on a K-1 visa, she and her fiancé were married. They filed an application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and started their life together. However, while the application was still pending, the husband passed away expectedly. While dealing with this sudden loss, the now widow was left in limbo because USCIS immediately moved to terminate the pending application. After coming to our office, we worked with USCIS to determine that there was a provision that allows family members of the deceased to become substitute sponsors as long as the person entered the country legally and approved USCIS her application.


Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov

 
 Washington D.C. Office
466 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Tel: (202) 225-5235
Fax: (202) 225-5615
Panama City Office
840 W. 11th St. Suite 2250
Panama City, FL 32401
Tel: (850) 785-0812
Fax: (850) 763-3764
 Tallahassee Office
300 South Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Tel: (850) 891-8610
Fax: (850) 891-8620

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