The Democratic Dispatch - Newsletter of the Collier County Democratic Party

June 2025

Letter from the Chair

This month, I intended to discuss the importance of developing qualified candidates for public office. However, the recent actions of the Republican Representatives have redirected my focus, as they passed the “One Beautiful Bill.”

I grew up in an America where we support one another. It is with deep concern that I speak out against the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ moving through Congress. This bill isn’t about beauty. It’s about cruelty—and we can’t afford to look away.

Millions could lose access to affordable health care under this bill. Families relying on Medicaid or ACA subsidies would be at risk. Older adults could face higher costs and fewer services, and kids in low-income households might lose school meals and nutrition support.

The bill extends tax cuts for the ultra-rich, adding trillions to the deficit and using it as an excuse to slash vital programs. It’s a bait-and-switch that harms communities like ours.

As it stands, the bill poses a real threat to Collier County residents and is part of Project 2025, which aims to dismantle institutions serving everyday Americans.

This bill is currently in the Senate, where its future is uncertain. The Senate has the authority to make substantial amendments to the legislation before it can proceed.

We must inform our neighbors and urge our Senators to reject this bill. A better future depends on compassion, shared prosperity, and fairness for all families.

Contact Senator Rick Scott at (202) 224-5274 or www.rickscott.senate.gov

Contact Attorney General Ashley Moody at (202) 224-3041 or www.moody.senate.gov.

Leadership Blue 2025 is coming to Hollywood, FL this June—and the Florida Democratic Party is excited to welcome Senator Cory Booker and Governor Andy Beshear! These national Democratic leaders know that Florida matters. Their presence is a powerful sign that investing in the South is key to our future—and that the work we’re doing here is being seen, supported, and celebrated.

It’s going to be electric, and you won’t want to miss it. Learn more and view the full weekend schedule on our conference website.

Leadership Blue Weekend runs from June 20–22, bringing together Democrats from across the state and nationwide to connect, organize, and get energized for what’s ahead.

If you are interested in attending the Gala, CLICK HERE

‘Hey Florida’ is also sponsoring a reception at the Wyndham Garden Ft. Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port, 129 N Federal Highway. Dania Beach, FL 33004 Saturday Evening Reception – June 21 from 6:30-9:30pm As in past years, it will include finger foods and a cash bar. We hope to see you there! To ensure we have ordered a sufficient amount of food for this reception, please REGISTER HERE!

FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES NEAR YOU!

MOBILIZE FLORIDA
View all upcoming events on our Calendar page
Collier County Democratic Executive Committee
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The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) will meet

JUNE 4, 2025 – 5:30 PM Meet & Greet, 6:30 PM Meeting

We’re taking our show on the road in 2025!

The June location will be at the

Collier County Education Association

6710 Lone Oak Blvd, Naples, 34109

The DEC is the local official arm of the Florida Democratic Party and is comprised of elected Committeemen and Women. Official meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. We will hold a public Meet & Greet beginning at 5:30 PM. Please join us! ALL DEMOCRATS WELCOME!

We want to hear from you!

All registered Democrats may attend and observe as guests, and all attendees must register ahead of time. Only DEC members may vote and participate in the meeting. Attendees are encouraged to join 10 minutes early to get settled before the meeting begins.

JUNE 10th
5:00 – 6:30 PM
ZOOM Online

DECIPHERING THE NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE

Speaker: Suzanne Low, LWV of Collier County NPV Leader

The League of Women Voters actively supports the non-partisan National Popular Vote movement. The NPV law would instruct each state’s electors to vote for the Presidential candidate who captures the most votes in the entire United States, instead of state “winner take all” as now. NPV legislation works with the electoral college and does not require a constitutional amendment…

The NPV law will take effect when enacted into law by states possessing 270 electoral votes (the number needed to elect the President). Currently, it has been signed into law by 17 state governors from both parties, representing 209 electoral votes, or 77% of the required amount.

Once in effect, the NPV law will guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who wins the popular vote in the entire United States. It will ensure that every vote will be equal throughout the U.S., regardless of where you live, and that every vote, in every state, will matter in every presidential election.

REGISTER

JUNE 17th
5:15 – 7:15 PM
Bistro 821
831 5th Ave S, Naples

Come out and socialize with us! Join like-minded folks at Bistro 821 (celebrating their 30th anniversary) for a summer Wine & Dine special!

For just $29 per person you may enjoy 2 glasses of wine and a choice of 6 entrees such as linguine with clam sauce, pork loin piccata, sole, blackened salmon or an 8 oz. sirloin. Of course, you may skip dinner and join for a libation or appetizer of your choice.

We hope to see you at BOTH “Sips and Smarts” events this month!

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Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus
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The Collier County Environmental Caucus of Florida taking environmental issues to the voters!!!

Congratulations to three Collier County DECF members, elected to the state Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida.

DECF President, Judy Freiberg

DECF Vice-President, Joan Benz

DECF Secretary, Gloria Hogerty

Join the Collier County Enviornmental Caucus of Florida Celebrate Naples Pride on June 7th: https://www.mobilize.us/decf/event/788466/

And join us as we celebrate Juneteenth on June 14th: https://www.mobilize.us/decf/event/796518/

Click here to join the State Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida for $10 per year. Then follow the prompts to join the Collier County Chapter of the DECF for $15 per year.

Engage In Your Community!

Collier County Board of County Commissioners hold public meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 9:00am in the BCC Chambers on the 3rd floor of the Government Center. Agendas and minutes are available here. Other Collier County committee meetings are listed on their calendar.

The Collier County School Board normally holds public meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 9:00am at the Dr Martin Luther King Administrative Center (5775 Osceola Trail, Naples), unless noted otherwise. Here are links to view agendas and minutes. School Board seats for Districts 1, 3, and 5 will be open in the November 2026 election. If you are interested in running to serve the children of Collier County, now is the time to begin preparing. Please contact Carrie Stewart for information.

Naples City Council normally holds its regular public meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:30am in the City Hall Council Chambers at 735 8th Street South. You can view agendas and minutes, and watch the meetings live online using the foregoing link. 

The Marco Island City Council normally holds public meetings on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 5:30pm in the Dr. Fay and Bedford Biles Community Room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island. Agendas and minutes are available here. 

If you know of other local government meetings and events we should list here, please email Sandy Ussia at sandy.ussia303@gmail.com

Collier Dems is now on BlueSky!

Follow us: @collierdems.bsky.social

Trusted News Sources

Have you had enough of watching the news on TV, or reading national newspapers? If so, we can recommend some alternative news sources!

We’ve just added a new website page listing local and national progressive information sources, as well as trusted blogs and social media commentary.

You’re sure to find some that speak to you!

CLICK HERE

UPDATE YOUR COLLIER VOTE-BY-MAIL REQUEST HERE

The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (CCDEC) is the official, local county arm of the Florida Democratic Party. The CCDEC has oversight over all Democratic Party activities within Collier County. LEARN MORE

The Collier County Democratic Party is an all-volunteer, entirely donor-funded organization. Our local party can not exist without volunteers and donors like you.

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