The Rommel Report

Bob welcomes David Lawrence Center CEO, Scott Burgess to the podcast. Bob and Scott dive deep into a number of topics ranging from mental health awareness to addiction issues and how the David Lawrence Center can help those people in need, along with the community. A good counselor is so important. With Collier County growing at a rapid pace, the number of mental health cases is poised to rise quickly. Bob and Scott talk about a number of stats and preventive measures you can examine to find out whether someone you love may need attention. If you or someone you know needs help please contact the David Lawrence Center here: https://davidlawrencecenter.org/

With Budget battles and more on the horizon, how can we ensure that politicians will be responsible when it comes to the taxpayer's money? Bob welcomes Grover Norquist to the show. He is the president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), a taxpayer advocacy group he founded in 1985 at President Reagan’s request. Together, they talk about the President's tax reforms, the impact of raising the federal minimum wage, student loan debt and health care reform. What are the problems facing the taxpayers and the solutions that can lead us to a more prosperous nation? Find out on today's episode of The Rommel Report! Americans For Tax Reform Learn more about Grover Norquist

The government has expanded to the point that it is way past its core function. So how do we get it back to our foundation? Bob welcomes Skylar Zander to the show! He is the Florida State Director of Americans For Prosperity. Together, they talk about some of the major issues in our country today, from Healthcare to the talk of "free college". They discuss how bad government policies seem to be "fixed" by introducing more bad policies! How can we break this cycle? What would our Founding Fathers think about where we stand today? Where are the people who want to fight debt and deficits in the country? Find out more on today's episode of The Rommel Report. Learn More About AFP

As Bob visits with constituents in Southwest Florida, he's often asked about the difference between the House and the Senate in Tallahassee. Kathleen Passidomo is Florida Senate Majority Leader and she joins the podcast! Together, they discuss the differences between the two chambers and some of the work they have accomplished together. She talks about her views on some of the legislation that has passed this year and what is in store for the state as we move forward. Plus, hear her views on Nancy Pelosi, Sanctuary Cities and President Trump all on today's episode of The Rommel Report! Learn more about Senator Passidomo Representative Bob Rommel

Will people look back on the 2019 legislative session in Tallahassee and say it was historic? Bob welcomes Ray Rodrigues to the podcast. He is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 76th District. He believes people recognize this year as a historic one for the state. First, they start with legalizing vouchers in education and empowering parents. This a fight that was a quarter of a century in the making. Next, they discuss the reforms in health care, including getting rid of the Certificate of Need and legalizing the ability to buy prescription drugs from Canada. Can these changes in the state have wide-ranging ramification across the nation? Will these legislative victories leave an indelible mark on the state? Find out on today's episode of The Rommel Report! Learn more about Ray Rodrigues

Bob talks about the conclusion of the 2019 Legislative Session in Tallahassee. The most important job was a balanced budget. Once again, Florida showed the rest of the country how you can have an increase in the budget without raising taxes! How were they able to accomplish this? There was an increase in funding for the Everglades, major steps in healthcare reform and a historic year in education reform. Plus, Bob talks about his work on the Assignment Of Benefits Bill that he worked on. HB 7065 and SB 122 are the culmination of a seven-year, hard-fought battle that is not only good for insurance companies, but equally beneficial for consumers and businesses. How will these changes affect you directly? Find out on today's podcast. Learn more about Bob

It's the second to the last week of the 2019 session in Tallahassee and it's been an emotional week. Today, State Representative Randy Fine from District 53 joins the show! Together, they discuss Amendment 4 and why the people who brought the amendment to the voters are now suddenly moving the goalposts? Next, they talk about the 'Sanctuary Cities' Bill. We should have immigration in the country, but we must have a process. What's the argument against the bill? Randy talks about HB 797 which is a Hurricane Resiliency Bill and a Bill on Municipal Sewage Releases. Water issues are incredibly important in the State. So, how are they doing? Find out the latest on today's podcast. Learn more about State Rep. Fine

We are finishing up week 5 in the Florida Legislative session and Bob brings you the latest news. First, he talks about some of the frustration he has with the news out of the nation's capital regarding the Mueller Report. When will we start to talk about the positive things that President Trump has done? Next, he talks about 2 bills that are being discussed in Tallahassee. One is the HB1235 dealing with Legal Notices. Are politicians in Tallahassee prepared to save the taxpayers money? He then talks about a very difficult and contentious issue. It is HB1335 regarding Parental Notification on Abortion. What was the debate on the house floor like and what could possibly be the pushback on this issue? Find out more about HB1235 Find out more about HB1335

Bob gives a live update from Tallahassee. There are only 3 weeks left to go and the real push is on. First, he talks about one of the most important issues that he has been working on, Assignment of Benefits. Where does it stand in the legislature? Next, he talks about Speaker Jose Oliva's priority this year which is Healthcare Reform. Where do we stand on prescription drug legislation and bringing down costs? Plus, what about Telemedicine? Choice in all of these areas will help to bring costs down. Bob talks about the long-standing issue of Healthcare in this country, even going back to a speech Ronald Reagan made in 1964. Find out the latest on all of these issues on today's podcast. Watch Reagan's 1964 Speech Follow The Florida House Follow The Florida Senate

Bob has a conversation with Richard Corcoran, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives who currently serves as the Education Commissioner of Florida. He talks about his own history of becoming active in state politics leading up to his position today. Together, they discuss the current state of education in Florida and some of the problems that need to be addressed. How does he feel about choice in education? Why do charter schools get far less funding than public schools and get better results? Does more money per student equal a better education? If not, what can be done to change that reality? Competition is the rising tide that lifts all boats. So what steps can you take to help make a difference in the education of our children? Find out on this informative episode of The Rommel Report! Find out what's happening now in The Florida House https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/ Find out what's happening now in The Florida Senate https://flsenate.gov/

It has been a busy finish to Week 3 the in the Florida Legislature. One of the early bills signed into law was Smokable Medical Marijuana in the state. He talks about some of the concerns he has with the law, including driving while impaired and making sure safety measures are in place to protect consumers. Next, Bob talks about his chair on Civil Justice and the problems in the state with abuse of the Assignment Of Benefits rules. What is it and how is it hurting all Floridians? Plus, Amendment 4 has been a hot button issue not only in the state but around the nation. What are the problems with Amendment 4 and could it affect the outcome of the 2020 presidential election? Learn more on this weeks episode of The Rommel Report.

Session has started in Tallahassee and Bob gives us an update. On the Civil Justice side, they are trying to put the scales of justice back in balance. He talks about the battles with the Trial Bar Attorneys in trying to bring down the price of insurance in the state. Plus, Bob talks his concern over the freedom of speech on college campuses. What is the ACLU doing to help? Are legislators in the state capitol ready to take on this issue? It's a battle that Bob has talked about many times and ready to do something about it! Find out his thoughts on these issues and what solutions we may find soon on today's episode of The Rommel Report.

What does it mean to be a Frederick Douglass Republican? KCarl Smith joins the podcast. He is a former Army officer and motivational speaker who has become a sought-after Political Activist. His quest is simple: To re-ignite America’s passion for Liberty and to help shape a new Republican Party. Together, they explore the issue of race relations and the GOP. How did the political Left turn the narrative against the Conservatives? Find out how a commitment to the Constitution can lead to the kind of empowerment so many in this country desire. Learn about his unique and powerfully effective strategy to help Conservatives create an atmosphere for political dialogue without being accused of racism. Follow KCarl on Facebook Find out more about Frederick Douglass

Bob Speaks with Joe Gruters, Chairman of the Florida Republican Party and a member of the Florida Senate. They both joined the Florida House in 2016 and much has changed. Joe talks about how he began his path to political life and how he was one of the first people to endorse Donald Trump for President. Together they tackle some of the big issues of the day in both Florida and the nation, including border security, sanctuary cities, crime and some of the budget issues that plague the country. Is it all the Democrats fault? Can we tackle our debt issues? Find out today on this episode of The Rommel Report!

Bob sits down with Former Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott. As a third generation native of Lee County, he has seen the area grow along with its needs. Together they talk about the early days of his career and why he decided to pursue law enforcment. Bob speaks of the many issues facing police officers today. From society challenging police officers to the media who scrutinize their every decision, he talks about a world that is much different than when he was young. How big of an effect did Ferguson have in all of this? Are body cams the answer? How do we keep our kids safe in schools? All of these questions and more on today's episode of The Rommel Report. 1:00 - Mike shares his background growing up 3:09 - Bob talks about a funny story before joining the Academy in New York 7:44 - Who is the vocal minority that we see that takes to the streets? 13:22 - Schools have become a point of high peril and risk 34:04 - Should teachers be armed?

Criminal justice reform has been discussed in our country for many years, and now we have it in law at a national level. But what about at the state level? What does it entail and what can be done with those now in prison to get ready for life on the outside? Bob speaks with Sean Pica from Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, which provides college education, life skills and re-entry support to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women. Sean talks about his own 16-year prison sentence and the powerful evidence that education transforms lives, reduces recidivism and creates a positive ripple effect in communities. Learn more about Hudson Link Hear more about Sean Pica's powerful story

Bob sits down with Joe Whitehead from The Joe Whitehead Show in Naples and Adam Kinnick to talk about the Government Shutdown, School Safety and Civics in America. The recent shutdown just ended but did it accomplish anything? What are the best ways possible to secure our schools and protect our kids? Is arming teachers the answer? Also, on the heels of Florida Governor Ron Desantis calling for civics to be taught in schools, why are so many people comfortable with the idea that it's NOT being taught? Find out more on today's episode of The Rommel Report.

There is nothing more critical to a child’s success in life than a quality education. So how do you challenge the status quo and fight to improve and expand educational options for American families? Bob speaks with Jane Watt, founder of Marco Island Academy. They talk about her efforts to start a new charter school on Marco Island. Even though the community was hesitant to support her at first, she would rally political heavyweights and the neighbors next door to support her worthy endeavor of improving our country’s education system. What more can be done to expand school choice? It's all on this episode of The Rommel Report. Learn more about Jane Watt Discover Marco Island Academy

It's hard to imagine that we are having a battle over free speech all over this country. Why is the First Amendment under such an attack? Bob welcomes Chris Hudson from Americans For Prosperity to talk about the issue. They talk about the concerns at college campuses across the state and the nation, from safe spaces to free speech zones. Why did the Florida House need to pass a bill to protect our Constitutional rights and what steps can we take today to strengthen those rights? Find out on The Rommel Report. Find out more about Americans For Prosperity Follow Chris Hudson on Twitter

We hear about it often. The division that's in our country today. But how did we get here? Is there one political party more responsible than the other? Bob has an open and honest conversation with Florida State Representative Byron Donalds. They discuss the tough racial issues facing the state and the nation. How did the Democrat party become the party of Civil Rights when the Republicans were the party that always fought for it throughout our history? Can we ever solve these issues moving forward and unite as one nation under God? Find out on today's episode of The Rommel Report. Subscribe to the podcast today! You can follow Byron Donalds here.