Dear Francisco,
Today, we are honoring veterans who defended our freedom and democracy. Their courage and sacrifices protect this great nation and set an example for the free world.
In 2022, House Democrats worked alongside the Biden-Harris Administration to help veterans by passing legislation that finally honors our promise to toxic exposed veterans. The Honoring our PACT Act expands VA healthcare eligibility for veterans potentially impacted by toxic exposures like burn pits, makes it easier for veterans to qualify for VA services, strengthens toxic exposure research, and more.
Our office is proud to serve those who served. If you or any veterans in the community need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I’m incredibly proud to represent veterans in Florida’s Ninth Congressional District and look forward to continuing our work together in the 118th Congress.
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Honoring Veterans in the District
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Team Soto attended the Orange County Veterans Day Ceremony with Mayor Jerry Demings this morning. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor Central Floridians who served.
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Our team also visited VFW Post 4287 to thank veterans for their service. Tomorrow, we will be at the St. Cloud and Orlando Veterans Day parades.
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Honoring our Promise to Toxic Exposed Veterans in Congress
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Passing the Honoring our PACT Act
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Veterans defended our freedom, suffered from burn pits, and deserve action. That’s why I proudly supported the Honoring our PACT Act. Our veterans living with the effects of toxic exposure can no longer wait for the care and benefits they’ve earned.
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It appears that Hurricane Nicole delivered steady winds but spared our district from another round of major flooding. Today, we mourn those lost and begin work with local governments to assess damages. We will then seek all eligible FEMA relief for our community. This week, we toured all three Disaster Recovery Centers in the district created after Hurricane Ian to serve you.
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Orange County Disaster Recovery Center
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Osceola County Disaster Recovery Center
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Polk County Disaster Recovery Center
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Hurricane Ian Resources for Central Floridians
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President Joe Biden approved Individual Assistance for all counties in Florida’s Ninth Congressional District: Orange, Osceola, and Polk. As a result, affected families can file claims if they need home repairs or have other damaged property. Disaster Recovery Centers have also been opened to help individuals apply for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications, and learn about other resources available.
We are thrilled to announce that all three counties have been approved for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program to provide short-term lodging assistance for victims of the storm. For long-term solutions, we have asked FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to consider activating Direct Temporary Housing Assistance (DTHA).
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If you receive a rejection from FEMA, it may not be the end of the road. You have up to 60 days to submit an appeal if you disagree with FEMA’s decision and there are often simple steps you can take to remedy the situation.
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Assistance for Small Businesses
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established facilities to provide business owners, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters with answers to their questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help each person complete their electronic loan application. These facilities can be either virtual or brick-and-mortar, depending on the circumstances surrounding the disaster and other factors. Individuals should apply under SBA declaration # 17644.
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Additionally, Florida has made $50 million available through the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The loans will be administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and provide short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian.
- Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, as well as to view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application.
- Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
- Applications are due on December 2, 2022.
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Resources for Constituents Without Power
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Food and Nutrition Assistance
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HOT FOOD UPDATE: Residents of Osceola, Orange, and Polk Counties can now use SNAP to purchase hot foods until the end of the month. SNAP-authorized retailers may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises.
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I am proud to be your representative and look forward to our continued efforts to improve our district! Please do not hesitate to call my office with any questions or concerns.
In Community,
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Congressman Darren Soto
Representative for Florida’s 9th Congressional District
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Contact Me
Washington D.C.
2353 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Kissimmee
804 Bryan Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Orlando
5449 S Semoran Boulevard
Suite 215
Orlando, FL 32822
Haines City
620 E Main Street
Haines City, FL 33844
451 3rd St. NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881
201 West Central Avenue
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Veteran’s Affairs Office
Lake Nona VA Medical Center
13800 Veterans Way
Across the Patriot’s Brew
Orlando, FL 32827
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