My Fellow Floridians,
Thank you for joining me for another weekly update. So much happened across our district, state, and nation this week, but unfortunately, not all of it was good. Early Tuesday morning, a cargo ship crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to completely collapse. My prayers have been with those affected by this devastating tragedy, and I applaud Gov. Ron DeSantis for taking swift action to offer assistance. What an incredible example of leadership he has set for the rest of the nation.
Also, this week, he set another great example by signing HB 3 into law. I look forward to talking about this great piece of legislation and so much more in today’s newsletter. I am so grateful to live in the Free State of Florida and have the opportunity to represent my community in Tallahassee.
Marco Island Campaign Kick-Off
Our campaign kick-off event in Marco Island was a great success! It was a pleasure to gather with wonderful friends and neighbors for Team Folley’s exciting friend-raiser. Steve Garske pulled out all the stops, hosting us in his garage, where vintage cars and an impressive array of wall-to-wall memorabilia were on display. Thank you to Tom Riordan, my neighbor at Veracruz, Erik Brechnitz, my esteemed Marco Island City Council colleague, and Scott Lepore, my Senior Campaign Advisor, for your kind words. Thanks also to the Oyster Society and Joey’s Pizza and Pasta House for providing outstanding food and drink for our guests! The real stars of the night were my supporters, whose tireless efforts helped make this event a hit. It was an evening to remember, leaving us excited and ready to take home a win in the upcoming election for House District 81.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs HB 3
On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 3. This historic measure prevents kids under 14 from holding a social media account and allows 14- and 15-year-olds to open an account with parental consent. Social media can destroy the lives of young kids, so this is a great step in the fight to protect them from internet addiction. I applaud the Florida Legislature’s and Gov. Ron DeSantis’s unified effort to make this legislation possible for our state. Now more than ever, our children’s mental health and safety need to be safeguarded from online dangers. I know this new law will have a positive impact on the lives of many kids across Florida.
We MUST Secure the Border!
We are seeing everywhere the effects of Biden’s failures at the border, with drug and human trafficking infiltrating all 50 states. In February alone, 189,922 illegal immigrants were encountered at the Southern Border. Enough is enough! To ensure national security, we MUST have a secure border. This legislative session, conservatives in the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis worked together to crack down on illegal immigration in Florida. I am proud to stand with them in this fight to keep our communities safe.
Gov. DeSantis signed the following bills into law:
SB 1036 enhances penalties for a crime committed by an individual who returns to the country illegally after an initial deportation.
HB 1451 prevents counties and municipalities from accepting ID cards issued to illegal aliens by other jurisdictions.
HB 1589 increases penalties on individuals who operate a vehicle without a license.Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday
Happy Easter, District 81! On Sunday, we will celebrate the glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that your hearts and homes will be filled with warmth and love on this day and always. He is risen!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if there is a specific issue you would like me to address in the Florida House. I want to make sure your voice is heard!
Have a great week!
Best,
Greg Folley