BIZ BUZZ

United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties visits the Florida Capitol

Each year, United Way of Florida creates a Consensus Legislative Agenda that is approved by all 28 United Ways across the state of Florida.

By Observer staff
| 4:00 p.m. March 7, 2023

Lawrence Anderson, Linda Mahran, Senator Travis Hutson, Amanda Lasecki, and Bev Slough. Courtesy photo

Ormond Beach Observer
Business

On Feb. 21 and 22, United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties visited the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee to propose the United Way of Florida’s Consensus Legislative Agenda to legislators.

Each year, United Way of Florida creates a Consensus Legislative Agenda that is approved by all 28 United Ways across the state of Florida. The 2023 agenda focuses on United Way’s work improving lives for ALICE (Asset, Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed) individuals across the state. The United Way Consensus Agenda has three main focuses, Financial Stability (VITA), affordable housing, and expanding access to children’s health care (KidCare).

Lawrence Anderson, Tara Osouli, Amanda Lasecki, Linda Mahran, Mica Lili, Alyssa Lang and Stephanie Renick. Courtesy photo

While at the Capitol, United Way staff members Lawrence Anderson, Amanda Lasecki and Women United Flagler Volunteer Linda Mahran met with Senator Travis Hutson to talk about VITA, United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, where families who make up to $60,000 a year can file their taxes for free with a tax certified VITA Volunteer. Appointments can be made now through April 15 by visiting unitedwayvfc.org/vitatax.

Florida’s United Ways urged legislators to invest $1.2 million in state funding which, when combined with the $1.8 million match by local United Ways in Florida, would offer enhanced opportunity for free tax preparation.

To learn more visit https://www.unitedwayvfc.org/advocate.