“Borrow and Spend” Congressman Greg Steube of Sarasota says the One Big Beautiful Bill – which was recently signed into law – will cut taxes for Americans.
And it’s true if you are lucky enough to earn more than $450,000 a year. You will get a nice tax cut.
]
More: Big Beautiful Bill 101: What you need to know about the new law
For the rest of us, adding $3 trillion to the national debt means higher credit card interest, higher mortgage rates and higher inflation.
The only significant spending cut in the law is a $1 trillion cut from Medicaid. Currently, more than half of Florida’s nursing home patients receive Medicaid to cover the cost of their care.
It’s not just that we need new leadership in Sarasota; we need SOME leadership.
Mike Weddle, Venice
I’m sure I’m not the only old codger who grew up going to the circus to enjoy the animals, and I am disappointed to see them removed from that form of entertainment.
Apparently, some humans have decided that it is cruel and unusual punishment for an animal to be safely kept in captivity with housing, grooming, timely meals, etc., rather than waking up each morning wondering if they will find food – or whether they will be food for a predator.
The life span for some animals in the wild is days rather than years.
A recent letter writer complained that the animals appearing in an upcoming circus will be dragged around in the “unbearable Florida heat and humidity.”
Is that writer not aware that the normal habitat for these animals is the African desert?
Of course, the animals are subjected to being trained so they can perform – much like we train our pets to act and then brag about how well we have done so.
Besides that, my wife insists that I mow the lawn.
Who deserves that kind of punishment?
Ralph Vitale, Sarasota
A new Florida law that took effect on July 1, 2025, is a game-changer for young adults aging out of foster care and those experiencing homelessness.
Known as the Young Adult Housing Support Bill (SB 584/HB 879), this legislation provides vital housing support and offers a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable youth in our state.
For too long, youth leaving foster care and those experiencing homelessness have faced overwhelming barriers to stability: trauma, lack of family support, and few housing options.
Florida will now prioritize these young adults for campus housing and work-study programs, expand access to Foster Youth to Independence vouchers statewide and help more of them qualify for leases.
It also mandates a study to recommend further steps to identify and address housing barriers.
This law is the direct result of the advocacy of Florida Youth SHINE, a youth-led statewide advocacy organization for those who are or were in Florida’s child welfare system. Thank you to state Sen. Ileana Garcia and state Reps. Alex Rizo and Marie Paule Woodson for this life-changing bill.
By investing in their stability, we’re not only preventing homelessness but we’re also strengthening Florida’s workforce, schools and communities.
Geori Seldine, executive director, Florida’s Children First, Boca Raton
