Polk County Democratic Party Weekly Digest: Jan 30-Feb 5, 2023

Track the Biden Administration's campaign promises

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Women encouraged to seek office in Polk County

A collective look at elected officer holders across Polk County shows that women, who make up 50% of the population, are greatly underrepresented. With a number of municipal elections coming up this year, this is a great opportunity for more women to add their voices to their respective local governments.

One way for women to prepare to run for office, is through the 2023 Ruth's List Trainings, which start in February. Ruth's List aims to help pro-choice women run and win elected office. The trainings support current and prospective candidates. Spaces are limited, so please register soon!

Ruth's List motto: WHEN DEMOCRATIC PRO-CHOICE WOMEN WIN, WE ALL WIN!
 
2023 Municipal Elections

As a reminder, the qualifying period for municipal candidates starts in February. The following municipalities will be holding elections later this year: Bartow, Auburndale, Davenport, Eagle Lake, Frostproof, Haines City, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales, Mulberry, and Winter Haven.

While municipal races are non-partisan, we know those who identify with a party likely bring their party politics to the municipal chambers. And many of those currently holding office are recognized Republicans who are agents of the more extreme right-wing politics putting our democracy at risk.
 
If you are eligible and interested in running for a seat in your municipality, contact us at polkcountydemocrats@gmail.com as soon as possible. 
We can help you organize a campaign! We can help you be the voice of local voters!
Meet Lake Wales City Commission candidate Michelle Threatt

Among the races to watch in April is that of the Lake Wales City Commission, which has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Voters there will have a chance to meet candidate Michelle Threatt, during a Meet and Greet hosted by the Lake Wales Democratic Club on Tuesday, January 31. She will be running for the seat currently held by Terry Howell, who will not be seeking reelection.

The meeting will be held at 7 pm at B Street Community Hall, 230 B St, Lake Wales, 33853.
Talking points

Inflation Down for 6 Months Shows President Biden’s Economic Plan Is Working

  • Annual inflation fell to 6.5%, the lowest level since October 2021
  • Food inflation is slowing
  • The cost of goods is falling as prices for electronics and used cars come down
The president is building an economy from the bottom up and the middle out
  • Wages are higher now than they were 6 months ago—adjusted for inflation
  • The unemployment rate matches its lowest level in 50 years
  • Nearly 11 million jobs created—including 750,000 manufacturing jobs
  • Historic manufacturing investments, under President Biden—nearly $300 billion in new factories and jobs
The president’s economic plan is providing more breathing room to American workers and families. Starting last week:
Message from the Florida Democratic Party
(An update following the resignation of Manny Diaz as FDP Chair.)

First, the Florida Democratic Party staff are still working diligently. We have a team of 10 people working out of our Miami and Tallahassee offices who include our Chief Financial Officer, Bookkeeper, Municipal Victory Director, Communications Advisor, Press Secretary, Data, Analytics and Security Director, Voter File Manager, Finance Director and Party Affairs Director. Their contact information is linked to their names on the FDP Website. A Rapid Response Director to help hold Republicans accountable will be joining the team next week. Please feel free to contact them for any questions, comments or concerns. 

Among its top priorities, the team is working to prepare for our February 25th meeting, supporting candidates who are running in upcoming municipal races, working to schedule Leadership Blue and our Presidential Convention, organizing to facilitate our Presidential Delegate Selection Planning process, conducting a VAN audit, preparing for union contract negotiations, enhancing our online/small dollar donor operation, and coordinating with stakeholders to prepare for the legislative session.

As of today, we have just over $860k in the bank and our overhead is low. While we await a new permanent chair, we are not forced to make layoffs and are able to pay our financial obligations. This balance should also allow a bit of financial space for the next Chair to get acclimated.

Marcus L. Dixon 
Executive Director
Florida Democratic Party
In The News
'Stop the Black attack': Civil rights attorney threatens to sue over African American Studies 

(Related: Advocates rally in Lakeland, criticize DeSantis for blocking African-American studies class)  

Polk School Board agrees to buy books for new libraries as conservative groups protest

Republican-led voucher expansion could steer $2.4 billion from Florida public schools

Club & Caucus Meetings January 30-February 5, 2023

Democratic Women's Club of Lakeland General Meeting
January 30, 2023 6 PM

Lake Ashton Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
February 2, 2023 @ 4 PM

Lakeland Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
February 2, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Lakeland Democratic Club First Friday Tent
February 3, 2023. 5:30-9:00 PM

Future Polk County DEC Mobilize Events

Keep us up to date: If you would like to feature what your club or caucus is doing please send information to polkdemwd@gmail.com


Please note, our Weekly Digest Coordinator, Michelle Bradley, will be taking leave from her duties until the end of March. If you have any items for the newsletter, please submit your emails to the above address, or contact Barbara Harris or John Hill.

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Democratic Party of Polk County, Club & Caucus Links
 
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Democratic Party of Polk County https://www.facebook.com/PolkCountyFLDemocrats
Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Polk Co https://www.facebook.com/Polk-County-Chapter-Democratic-Hispanic-Caucus-of-Florida-340664722737576/
Democratic Women's Club of Lakeland https://www.facebook.com/dwcl17
Democratic Women's Club of E Polk Ridge   
Greater Winter Haven Democratic Club         

https://www.facebook.com/groups/102229486585792
Lake Ashton Democratic Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/446482912365417
Lake Wales Area Democratic Club  
Lakeland Democratic Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/LakelandDemClub/
North East Polk Democratic Club https://www.facebook.com/NEPolkDemClub/
Polk Co. Black Caucus
Polk Co. Democratic Senior Caucus
Polk Co. Disability Caucus
Polk Co. Environmental Caucus
Polk Co. Jewish Caucus
Polk Co. Progressive Democratic Caucus
Polk Co. Young Democrats


https://www.facebook.com/PolkDemDisabilityCaucus/
https://www.facebook.com/Polk-Democratic-Environmental-Caucus-101289152221143/

https://www.facebook.com/PolkProgressives
https://www.facebook.com/PolkYoungDems
Rainbow Ridge LGTBA Caucus https://www.facebook.com/Polklgbta
Solivita Democratic Club https://www.facebook.com/solivitademocraticclub
   
If you would like to know more about a caucus or club which does not have a hyperlink, please email  PolkCountyDemocrats@gmail.com
Paid Political Advertisement for the Democratic Party of Polk County
 6039 Cypress Gardens, PMB 328, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Phone: (863) 668-7199
Email: PolkCountyDemocrats@gmail.com 
Weekly Digest Coordinator: Michelle Bradley
For submissions, email: PolkDemWD@gmail.com

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Thank You!
Polk DEC 913-1