Thread by @RepValDemings

I am excited to announce that we have successfully obtained committee approval for major investments to Central Florida’s public safety, education, job training, affordable housing, & infrastructure services.

Funding for ten community projects is one step closer to reality (1/x)

As Orlando’s former Chief of Police, I saw that our community was safer and better when we stood for accountability and opportunity for all. I brought this same attitude to these community project designations, which I requested as part of this year's budget.

This funding will go to next-generation body cameras for the @OrlandoPolice, and help give youth in our region new educational and career opportunities.

Additionally, safe housing, drinking water, and streets should be a right for all our communities.

Our projects:

1: A new Water Storage Tank for Apopka. Said Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson, "Thanks to Congresswoman Demings, we have $1.5M in the budget for a 1.5-million-gallon storage tank that will help serve our area for the next 20 years.”

2: Funding for the @OrlandoPolice Next Generation Enhanced Body Worn Cameras Project.

Said @orlandomayor, "this next generation of cameras will increase public transparency through improved technology and simplify use by our officers in critical situations."

OPD’s camera program has been a major success to reduce complaints against officers and use of force events. This funding will support a new generation of cameras which include auto-activation technology and more. This funding request was made in partnership with @RepStephMurphy.

3: Funding for @feedhopenow Culinary Workforce Training Program, which transforms lives of at-risk and economically disadvantaged adults by teaching career and life skills.

Said @feedhopenow, "This is a win for Central Florida’s hospitality industry, workers and their families."

One past graduate of the program shared her story: “I have experienced illness, homelessness, and unemployment...After graduating, I was able to secure full-time employment at a major restaurant chain. Now my life has done a 180. I now have...a new outlook on my future.”

4: Funding for the @townwindermere Safe Route to School Project. Said Mayor James O’Brien, this program "will ensure that our children have a safe and healthy route to school daily. Additionally, the project benefits the entire West Orange Community."

5: Funding for Eatonville’s sewer and wastewater project. Said Mayor Eddie Cole, "This infrastructure is necessary to...progress the Town and improve living standards. We are honored that Congresswoman Demings supports our vision [for]...the economic development of Eatonville."

6: Funding for the Wayne Densch Center Community Center in Orlando to help address Central Florida’s acute affordable housing crisis. Said @AbilityHousing, "this Project is the culmination of a cross-sector partnership that has ended homelessness for hundreds of people."

7: Funding for the @cityofocoeeFL Lakefront Park Restroom/Concession Building. Ocoee’s Lakefront Park was a crucial step to revitalize the downtown, and Mayor Rusty Johnson says this funding "will allow the City to continue our efforts in implementing the Downtown Master Plan."

8: Funding for @OrangeCoFL Youth and Family Homeless Diversion. Youth in Orange County experience high rates of poverty and homelessness.

This program's targeted support has been used successfully in other communities & can be critical to provide children with a bright future.

Said @OCFLMayor, "with over 6,000 homeless students in Orange County Public Schools, we need to look at new interventions to prevent homelessness experienced by children and families. I am grateful for Congresswoman Demings’ advocacy on this critical issue in our community."

9: Funding to allow the @DrPhillipsCtr to fully operate their arts education programs without having to make budget cuts. Said the Center, "This federal appropriations funding will help more than 100,000 students enjoy incredible classes and programs."

10: Funding for the Orlando Housing Authority to install emergency standby generators at two assisted housing sites which currently lack backup generators.

Loss of power during disasters can be immediately life-threatening to seniors and persons with disabilities.

Explained Orlando Housing Authority Board Chair Ed Carson, “These generators will allow elderly households to remain in their apartment complexes when there are power failures...Many residents need oxygen and/or portable air conditioners for medical reasons."

I am excited for this important victory on these projects, and I will continue to advocate for this crucial funding for our region until it has passed Congress and been signed by the President.
demings.house.gov/media/press-re…