Dear Friends:

As I look back over the changes we have experienced during the last few months, it is evident that Miami-Dade County is at a pivotal point in its history and we are emerging with a renewed energy to meet the challenges ahead.

My steadfast commitment to you remains the same, to vote for a balanced budget and against tax increases, to oppose State insurance increases and to ensure our residents continue to receive the highest quality of services at the lowest cost remains strong.

I invite you to visit the District 6 website in order to find updated community news and a link to join our mailing list.  As always, please also feel free to write me at [email protected]. 

With warmest regards,
Rebeca Sosa

Line-Item Budget:  In an effort to simplify and provide greater transparency to the budget process, I presented legislation that requires Miami-Dade's annual budget to be proposed, considered, and adopted in a line-item format that gives detailed information about all major individual financial items for each department, office, division or other unit of County government. Without a transparent line item budget, it is difficult for residents to know how public money is spent and whether that spending reflects their priorities.

Hospital Governance Taskforce:  Focused on ensuring the future sustainability of Jackson Memorial Hospital, Commissioner Sosa established the Miami-Dade County Hospital Governance Task Force (HGT). the HGT is charged with studying and reporting on alternative governance models for operating Jackson's Public Health Trust. They will advise the Board of County Commissioners as to what alternative hospital governance models exist across the nation, which may benefit and provide the changes needed to solve Jackson's current and long-term struggles.

I have now received the HGT report and I am in the process of introducing legislation to facilitate the discussion on the HGT's recommendations.

Concerned over the rising cost of property insurance and its effect on homeowners, Commissioner Rebeca Sosa sponsored a resolution opposing any legislation that increases Florida homeowners' property insurance costs or increases homeowners' out-of-pocket property insurance expenses.  This measure is in line with my long-term advocacy to keep residents in their homes given the current foreclosure environment. Residents pocket books continue to be stretched thin and they simply cannot afford to pay the escalating cost of insurance.

Looking to jumpstart our local economy, I fought together with Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature to seek State and Federal funding in the amount of $75 million for the Deep Dredge Project at the Port of Miami. My resolution urged President Obama and Congress to budget and appropriate the amount for dredging and asks Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature to identify any state funding sources to assist in the timely completion of the project. As a result of our teamwork, Governor Scott announced his full commitment of the Deep Dredge Project and the legislature appropriated the money during the state session that concluded in May.

Understanding that the Miami Beach Convention Center is one of the main economic development engines of our community, I sponsored a resolution opposing any effort by the Florida Legislature to block local governments from receiving their fair share of convention development and other bed taxes (tourist taxes). This helps protect tourism, our #1 industry in Florida. 

Commissioner Sosa joins Governor Rick Scott during his announcement of a $77 million pledge from the state for the Port of Miami Deep Dredge Project as part of his 'Let's Get to Work Jobs Tour.'  

Visa Card Corporation executives invited Commissioner Sosa and Mr. Frank Nero, President of the Beacon Council, on a tour of their international headquarters located in the Blue Lagoon office complex area of District 6.

Commissioner Sosa and the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (MDFR) celebrated the ground breaking for the expansion of Fire Rescue Station #40 located at 975 S.W. 62nd Avenue in the City of West Miami. When completed, the station will be the first to receive a LEED Silver Certification and will include a two-story, 4,658-sq.ft. expansion.

Commissioner Sosa proudly attended the swearing-in ceremony of Florida United States Senator Marco Rubio in Washington D.C.  Their close personal and professional ties dates back when they both served in the City of West Miami, Commissioner Sosa as Mayor and Senator Rubio as a City Commissioner.

A lifetime supporter of Miami's cruise industry, Commissioner Sosa was happy to be the first to welcome Oceania Cruises' new flagship MS Marina. This cruise ship will create hundreds of jobs in Miami-Dade County.  The ship will spend winter in the Caribbean and Latin America before charting a course across the Atlantic to operate a diverse array of European voyages.

Now that hurricane season is almost here, residential customers can take advantage of curbside bulky waste pickup by calling 3-1-1 or scheduling a pickup online.

Screenings will be available from Thursday, June 9 to Saturday, June 11 at four convenient branch locations for children age 5-17 with little or no vision insurance. Nothing is required to receive a free vision screening.

Miami-Dade County's Department of Human Services and the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc. jointly provides child care services for children ages 0 to 5 years of age. Apply online now to get on the Child Care Wait List.

Miami-Dade residents can now get help paying Miami-Dade Blue insurance premiums.  Residents who meet certain income requirements may qualify for the Miami-Dade Health Insurance Utilization Program (MDHIUP) which provides assistance with a portion of the monthly premiums households pay for Miami-Dade Blue. For more information about the Miami-Dade Health Insurance Utilization Program, visit a federally qualified health center, www.miamidade.gov/ochp or call 3-1-1.

New water restrictions in place

Due to the ongoing dry spell, golf courses in Miami-Dade County are required to reduce water use by 15 percent. Agricultural operations in south Miami-Dade must also follow certain water restrictions. Permanent restrictions remain for residents and businesses. Learn more about Miami-Dade's water conservation efforts and how they affect you online.  

Looking for the perfect summer camp for your child? Miami-Dade Parks' camps offer convenient schedules, locations and affordable options. Campers will make friends, eat right and explore.

• Miami-Dade Parks Summer Camps
• Summer Camp Guide

If you're facing foreclosure, get the facts you need to help stay in your home. The County offers information and resources that can help you preserve your homeownership dreams:

• Visit Foreclosure Assistance website
• Learn if you qualify for federal aid
• Foreclosure Registry

[email protected]

Visit my Miami-Dade County webpage for update news and join our mailing list at http://www.miamidade.gov/district06/