FinCEN Hosts Public-Private Dialogue on Countering the DPRK's Illicit Cyber Activities

 

READOUT: FinCEN Hosts Public-Private Dialogue on Countering the DPRK's Illicit Cyber Activities

Immediate Release

August 31, 2023

WASHINGTON—The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) hosted a FinCEN Exchange last week focused on countering the abuse of the digital ecosystem by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).  The DPRK continues to use, steal, and launder virtual assets in order to fund its illicit weapons programs.  The proliferation of cyber events and cyber-enabled crime instigated by the DPRK represents a significant threat to the U.S. financial system.

The FinCEN Exchange session emphasized the threat posed by the DPRK’s abuse of the digital ecosystem and facilitated coordination where appropriate to counter DPRK-related illicit finance.  It included presentations by FinCEN and Federal law enforcement agencies, followed by discussions on information sharing mechanisms, and observations from financial institutions and representatives from the virtual currency industry on ways to effectively combat DPRK’s cyber-enabled illicit finance.  FinCEN and the U.S. Department of the Treasury will continue to use all available tools to combat the DPRK’s cyber-enabled illicit finance threats. 

The FinCEN Exchange program demonstrates the importance of communication among FinCEN, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions to effectively identify and investigate criminal actors and money laundering activities.  FinCEN appreciates the critical support that financial institutions provide to law enforcement and national security agencies in fighting illicit activities through suspicious activity reporting and the importance of allocating their resources to national security priorities.  FinCEN Exchanges provide an important mechanism to enhance law enforcement feedback and to help financial institutions more effectively implement their anti-money laundering programs. 

FinCEN strongly encourages all financial institutions, and particularly FinTechs and digital assets industry participants, to register under USA PATRIOT Act Section 314(b) and to form associations to engage in voluntary information sharing.  Section 314(b) information sharing can reveal networks of illicit activity that no single financial institution can detect alone, compounding the benefits for both the financial institution and law enforcement.  In fiscal year 2022, there were more than 7,600 314(b) registered financial institutions, making extensive network analysis possible. 

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FinCEN Exchange is a voluntary public-private partnership that convenes relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and financial institutions. FinCEN Exchange aims to protect our national security and our citizens from harm by combatting money laundering and its related crimes, including terrorism, through public-private dialogue that encourages, enables, and acknowledges industry focus on high-value and high-impact activities.

LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR TAXES

 

 

  Filling your personal taxes can be a time consuming and frustrating task. That is why we provide tax filling services for our clients. We will make sure you are able to fulfill all of your IRS reporting obligations so that you may focus your life on what you want.

CONTACT US:

• https://www.200gfs.com/
• info@200gfs.com

READY FOR THE NEW BOI RULE?

 

 

 

     The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, is the organization responsible for the new BOI rules. The Beneficial Ownership Information reporting provisions, or BOI provisions were put in place in order to crack down on "shell" and "front" companies who serve to protect illicit activities. They serve to hide the identities of individuals and can be used to do criminal activities such as money laundering. They have even been linked to threats relating to national security.

    Naturally, FinCEN has updated its rules in order to better combat these threats. These provisions apply to corporations, LLCs, and other entities created by filling to the government. However there are several exceptions on who does and does not need to heed the rule. In addition, BOI requirements state that BOI specific form need to be filled out detailing the "beneficial owners" of the firm, among other firm information. These changes will be active as of January 1st, 2024.

    As the date to file your forms becomes ever closer, we at 200GFS are happy to help you with any problems you may encounter. Whether it is questions about the process, or you need someone to file these documents for you, 200GFS can solve all of these issues in a timely manner. Contact us below using the information at the bottom.

CONTACT US:

• https://www.200gfs.com/
• info@200gfs.com 

 

 

 

 

 

Suben las tasas de interés para el cuarto trimestre de 2023

Suben las tasas de interés para el cuarto trimestre de 2023

IR-2023-154, 25 de agosto de 2023 

WASHINGTON — El Servicio de Impuestos Internos anunció hoy que las tasas de interés aumentarán durante el trimestre calendario que comienza el 1 de octubre de 2023.

Para las personas físicas, la tasa por pagos excesivos y pagos insuficientes será del 8% anual, compuesto diariamente. Aquí tienes una lista completa de las nuevas tarifas:

• 8% por sobrepagos (pagos realizados en exceso del monto adeudado),
• 7% para corporaciones. 5,5% para la porción de un sobrepago corporativo que exceda los $10,000.
• 8% por pagos insuficientes (impuestos adeudados pero no pagados en su totalidad).
• 10% para pagos insuficientes de grandes empresas.

Según el Código de Rentas Internas, la tasa de interés se determina trimestralmente. Para los contribuyentes que no sean corporaciones, la tasa de pago excesivo y pago insuficiente es la tasa federal a corto plazo más 3 puntos porcentuales.

Generalmente, en el caso de una corporación, la tasa de pago insuficiente es la tasa federal a corto plazo más 3 puntos porcentuales y la tasa de pago excesivo es la tasa federal a corto plazo más 2 puntos porcentuales. La tasa para los pagos insuficientes de las grandes empresas es la tasa federal a corto plazo más 5 puntos porcentuales. La tasa sobre la porción de un pago excesivo de impuestos corporativos que excede los $10,000 para un período contributivo es la tasa federal a corto plazo más medio (0,5) punto porcentual.

Las tasas de interés anunciadas hoy se calculan a partir de la tasa federal a corto plazo determinada durante julio de 2023. Consulte la resolución sobre ingresos para obtener más detalles.

Se adjunta la Resolución de Ingresos 2023-17 que anuncia las tasas de interés y aparecerá en el Boletín de Impuestos Internos 2023-37, de fecha 11 de septiembre de 2023.

PREPPING FOR IDALIA

 

 

    Hurricane Idalia has forced many to evacuate the Gulf Coast. This is a category 3 hurricane, with winds of around 80mph. The storm has the potential of destroying property, injuring people, and drowning documentation. We at 200 GFS. advise our clients and readers to protect their important documents from the following weather to avoid legal or financial trouble. 

    

    Some ways to protect your files is physically. Get lockable plastic bags large enough to put your papers in, and then seal them. Additionally, you can invest in either a waterproof safe or rent a safe deposit box. Uploading your files into cloud storage will serve to replace the files that were destroyed by the actual clouds. And finally, you can always send your files to someone you trust that lives outside of the threatened area. All of this advise serve to protect your documentation from permanent destruction by the elements. 

    However, protecting yourself from destruction is even more important. Make sure you keep up to date on the weather for updates regarding the hurricane. Know where your nearest storm shelter is. Make sure you are ready to evacuate and make sure to evacuate before the storm reaches your area. You may need at least 1 gallon of water and non-perishable food for at least 3 days. Electricity will likely be disconnected so have a battery powered or hand-crank radio so you do not become isolated from the world. This will also mean you might need flashlights and other light sources. No electricity means no heating so have blankets and sleeping bags for the whole family. This also applies if you are dislocated from your home and have no bed available. 

 

    Medicine and a first-aid kit are self-explanatory, having basic first-aid training might be the difference between life and death. Cleaning supplies such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, really anything and everything you might need to keep yourself and your stuff clean. This also includes items such as contact lens solution, tampons or pads, and a myriad of other things. Be sure you have what you specifically need to keep yourself and your loved ones sanitary. Utensils are a less obvious category, but still needed. You may clean utensils with a solution of 9 parts chlorine bleach and 1 parts water.

    Recreation may seem like luxuries in an emergency situation; however if there is anything worse than been stuck inside a shelter with dozens of strangers with no way of knowing when you will be able to leave and what may even be left for you to return to, it is being stuck in a shelter and being bored. And finally, we suggest to keep physical cash. Fiscal institutions or electronic payment devices may not be operational during or after the storm, so having cash around will let you buy necessities you might not be able to get otherwise

    

    We at 200 GFS are dedicated to the well-being of our clients in their lives. During these times we understand that most people will be facing uncertainty and may feel like they cannot control their own lives. Through this we aim to empower you to, perhaps not avoid any harm, but be able to avoid that which can be avoided and feel like you will be okay after all is said and done. It is our sincere hope that you will be able to come through this in full health and spirits. We wish you all luck and hope for the best.

This article is informed by John Perritano's article 10 Must-haves in a Storm Survival Kit.

 

CONTACT US AT:

• info@200gfs.com 
• hppts://www.200gfs.com

TSA prepares Labor Day weekend travelers for busy airports, based on summer travel trends

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    August 29, 2023

TSA prepares Labor Day weekend travelers for busy airports, based on summer travel trends

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 14 million passengers during the Labor Day holiday weekend from Sept. 1, 2023 through Sept. 6, 2023. The busiest day is projected to be Sept. 1, 2023, when TSA expects to screen over 2.7 million travelers passing through security checkpoints.

The agency has screened about 227.5 million passengers since Memorial Day weekend, an average of 2.5 million per day. Travel volumes during this summer travel period are higher than 2019 during the same summer travel period, marking the busiest summer travel period on record.   

“We anticipate this Labor Day holiday weekend will be busy, with passenger volumes nearly 11% higher than last year—volumes that already exceeded 2019 Labor Day holiday travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are prepared for the increase in travel volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are maintaining our wait time standards of 30 minutes and under for standard screening lanes, and 10 minutes and under for TSA PreCheck® lanes. There are occasions where wait times may be longer, so we encourage you to arrive early, pack your patience and reach out to us before arriving to the airport if you have any questions on our security procedures or items you may bring. I applaud our frontline employees who have done an excellent job throughout the busy travel season to facilitate secure travel for millions of passengers, all while we continue to deploy new checkpoint technology that enhances security effectiveness, efficiency and the passenger experience.”

Here are some valuable, family-friendly travel tips to know before you go:

1. Arrive early. The airport will be busy, especially this Friday, so arrive two hours prior to your scheduled flight to allow for adequate time to park your car or arrive via public transit or rideshare, check bags and go through security screening before arriving at the departure gate.
2. Unpack before you pack. Start packing with a bag that is already empty. Unzip every compartment. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited and permitted in your carry-on, and what must go in your checked bag. Know what is in each family member’s carry-on and personal item to ensure there are no prohibited items inside. If your children are packing their own bags, make sure they are not packing anything that is or may resemble a prohibited item. Water guns or any other replica weapons are not allowed to fly in your carry-on bag. Firearms are allowed in checked baggage when unloaded, declared with the airlines and stored properly. Firearms are not allowed at the security checkpoint, secure areas of the airport, or onboard aircraft.
3. Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the nation’s transportation systems are not acceptable and will cause delays for passengers. Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement are all working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSO is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest. Always follow the directions of flight attendants aboard aircraft. They are there for your safety and security.
4. Know TSA’s liquids rule and avoid a bag check. Know the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Pack liquids, gels and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces in a checked bag to avoid having a carry-on bag pulled aside and opened by a TSO. The most common mistake travelers make when appearing at the checkpoint is having a large liquid container in their carry-on bag. If you are traveling with an infant, most items in your diaper bag are actually exempt from TSA’s liquids rule. Breast milk, powdered formula, baby food and snacks, bottles and sippy cups are all allowed to fly. This also goes for liquid and cream medications. Please separate these items from your bag and place them into a different bin for X-ray screening. If your item alarms, additional screening may be required.
5. Car seats, strollers and pet carriers. Be sure to contact your airline before your flight. You will want to make sure your car seat, stroller or pet carrier is able to fly with you. Please remove children from strollers and car seats before going through screening. Follow officer instruction regarding pets and never send them through the X-ray machine. Be sure to remove any loose items and place them in a bin or on the X-ray belt for screening. Collapse or fold large items and submit them to the X-ray machine. If your item is too large to be screened via X-ray, then it will have to undergo a visual and physical inspection by a TSO. We do not want to see you struggle, so if you need help, all you have to do is ask. An officer is always available to lend a helping hand.
6. Have acceptable ID out and ready. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. To strengthen identity verification, TSA has been deploying Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units to confirm the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credential, flight details and screening status – without having to scan a boarding pass. With CAT, passengers only need to provide their acceptable photo identification to the TSO.
7. Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. TSA uses a variety of security methods and technologies to secure our transportation systems. Screening protocols can be unpredictable and may vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment. Some airports have installed new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scanners which significantly improve threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags and reduce physical searches of bag contents for prohibited items. CT units give TSOs the ability to review 3D images of passengers’ bags and reduce physical searches of bag contents for prohibited items. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening.
8. Just @AskTSA. If you have a question about the security screening process, just ask us! TSA is active on most social media platforms where travelers may send their questions. Tweet @AskTSA or send a Facebook message to AskTSA. Engage with our virtual assistant instantly or text directly with an AskTSA team member in real-time from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern, 365 days a year at TRAVEL or 275-872. TSA’s social media accounts provide helpful security tips and guidance—often in a humorous way, so please follow us on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also contact TSA by calling (866) 289-9673 for automated information anytime or for a representative 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET weekdays and 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET weekends/holidays.
9. Request Special Assistance. Contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to traveling if you or someone you’re traveling with requires special accommodations during the airport security screening process. TSA Cares is a helpline to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. TSA Cares may be reached online at http://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares or by phone at (855) 787-2227 or federal relay 711. If you’re already at the airport, inform the TSO if a child or family member has a disability, medical condition or medical device, and advise the officer of the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. Parents may carry their child through screening to ease the screening process. The TSO will not remove a child from his/her mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter.
10. Travel with ease with TSA PreCheck and ensure you have the TSA PreCheck mark on your boarding pass. Our trusted traveler program now has 90 participating airlines, is available at over 200 airports and has two authorized enrollment providers. Most applicants get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3-5 days and 99% of members wait 10 minutes or less in a screening lane. TSA PreCheck passengers travel with ease and keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on and keep laptops, 3-1-1 liquids and food items in their bags. If you already have TSA PreCheck, your kids 12 and under may join you in the TSA PreCheck screening lane. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass. TSA PreCheck passengers must ensure that their KTN along with correct date of birth is in their airline reservation.

NOTE: Given airport and airline preparations in advance of Hurricane Idalia’s landfall, it is important that passengers monitor for weather impacts on their travel plans. Be storm ready, visit Ready.gov to make your plan today.

KEEP UP WITH INFLATION

 

   As prices are on the rise, most people have started to worry about their financial futures. With the cost of basic items rising, people begin to fear they might be left behind by those who can. We at 200 Global Financial Solutions can solve your problem- by providing services of accounting, cash flow analysis, and tax analysis. We can solve almost any problem with your money and we will work with you to make your prospects grow.

 CONTACT US AT:

•  info@200gfs.com
•  https://200gfs.com/

USCIS lanza formulario de solicitud de cita en línea. Tema de Inmigracion

 Los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de EE. UU. han lanzado un nuevo formulario en línea para que individuos, abogados y representantes acreditados soliciten una cita en persona en su oficina local sin tener que llamar al Centro de Contacto de USCIS.

Este formulario de solicitud de cita en línea permite a las personas o representantes legales solicitar una cita en persona solo en una oficina local, para sellos ADIT, libertad condicional anticipada de emergencia, subvenciones para jueces de inmigración y más. No es una herramienta de auto programación y las personas no pueden programar sus propias citas con USCIS. El Centro de Contacto de USCIS revisará los formularios enviados y la disponibilidad de citas en persona en una oficina local específica. Las personas pueden solicitar una fecha y hora específicas para una cita en persona, pero USCIS no puede garantizar que se programará la fecha de la cita solicitada. USCIS confirmará y programará a la persona para una fecha y hora de cita en persona disponibles.

USCIS continúa demostrando nuestro compromiso de apoyar la Orden Ejecutiva sobre la Transformación de la Experiencia del Cliente Federal y la Prestación de Servicios para Reconstruir la Confianza en el Gobierno mediante la introducción de nuevas iniciativas con la esperanza de mejorar la experiencia del cliente.

Se espera que el formulario de solicitud de cita en línea mejore la experiencia del cliente al recopilar la información requerida por adelantado y potencialmente programar la cita solicitada sin ningún compromiso adicional con el Centro de Contacto de USCIS. Es posible que el Centro de contacto necesite comunicarse con una persona por teléfono o correo electrónico, según el motivo y la urgencia de la cita, utilizando el número de referencia que se le proporcionó en el momento en que se envió la solicitud.

Visite my.uscis.gov/appointment para obtener más información sobre el formulario de solicitud de cita en línea.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.

This online appointment request form allows individuals or legal representatives to request an in-person appointment at a field office only, for ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, Immigration Judge Grants, and more. It is not a self-scheduling tool and individuals cannot schedule their own appointments with USCIS. The USCIS Contact Center will review submitted forms and the availability of in-person appointments at a specific field office. Individuals may request a specific date and time for an in-person appointment, but USCIS cannot guarantee that the requested appointment date will be scheduled. USCIS will confirm and schedule the individual for an available in-person appointment date and time.

USCIS continues to demonstrate our commitment to supporting the Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government by introducing new initiatives in hopes of improving the customer experience.

The online appointment request form is expected to enhance the customer experience by collecting required information upfront and potentially scheduling the requested appointment without any further engagement with the USCIS Contact Center. The Contact Center may need to contact an individual either by phone or email depending on the appointment reason and urgency, using the reference number provided to them at the time the request was submitted.

Visit my.uscis.gov/appointment for more information on the online appointment request form.

Two Hundred Global Financial Solutions. (200GFS): IRS anuncia período de transición administrativa p...

Two Hundred Global Financial Solutions. (200GFS): IRS anuncia período de transición administrativa p...: IRS anuncia período de transición administrativa para el nuevo requisito para ponerse al día con la cuenta Roth; contribuciones de recuperac...

IRS anuncia período de transición administrativa para el nuevo requisito para ponerse al día con la cuenta Roth; contribuciones de recuperación seguirán permitiéndose después de 2023

IRS anuncia período de transición administrativa para el nuevo requisito para ponerse al día con la cuenta Roth; contribuciones de recuperación seguirán permitiéndose después de 2023

WASHINGTON — Hoy, el Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS) anunció un período de transición administrativa que se extiende hasta 2026 para el nuevo requisito que cualquier contribución para ponerse al día realizada por participantes de mayores ingresos en planes 401(k) y planes de jubilación similares debe ser designada como contribución Roth después de impuestos.

Al mismo tiempo, el IRS también aclaró que los participantes del plan que tengan 50 años o más, independientemente de sus ingresos, pueden seguir haciendo contribuciones de recuperación después de 2023.

Los anuncios de hoy se incluyeron en el Aviso 20-23-62 (en inglés), publicado en IRS.gov. Este aviso proporciona orientación inicial para la sección 603 de la Ley SECURE 2.0, promulgada en diciembre de 2022. En virtud de dicha disposición, a partir de 2024, la nueva regla de contribución Roth para ponerse al día se aplica a un empleado que participe en un plan 401(k), 403(b) o 457(b) gubernamental y cuyo salario de Seguro Social del año anterior exceda los $145,000 dólares.

El periodo de transición administrativa ayudará a los contribuyentes a realizar una transición sin problemas al nuevo requisito de actualización Roth y está diseñado para facilitar una transición ordenada para el cumplimiento de dicho requisito. El aviso también aclara que la sección 603 de la Ley SECURE 2.0 no prohíbe a los planes permitir contribuciones de recuperación, por lo que los participantes del plan que tengan 50 años o más pueden seguir haciendo contribuciones de recuperación después de 2023.

Para ayudar a los contribuyentes en la aplicación del nuevo requisito de recuperación Roth, el Departamento del Tesoro y el IRS tienen previsto publicar futuras orientaciones, y el aviso describe varias posiciones que se espera que se incluyan en dichas directrices. Además, el aviso invita al público a hacer comentarios sobre los asuntos tratados en el aviso y sugerencias sobre otras cuestiones que deberían abordarse en esas futuras directrices. La notificación proporciona detalles sobre cómo presentar comentarios.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Weekly Digest Bulletin

 

Let's review some notes. 08/14/2023 Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. New Episode of "Stories from the Collection" Diversion Logbook Every month, the DEA Museum takes viewers behind the scenes to explore compelling stories about its most exciting artifacts. This episode of "Stories from the Collection" the DEA Museum peruses a diversion investigator’s logbook. From 1986 to 2006, the investigator recorded visits to pharmacies, colleagues assigned to cases, and other activities. Learn what DEA’s Diversion Control Division does and how record keeping has gone digital.

Visit Us at the Great New York State Fair!

 

Celebrate the last days of Summer at the Great New York State Fair!   Don’t forget to stop by the New York State Department of State booth at the New York State Fair, located in the Center of Progress. We will be there to answer your questions about our services and resources. We will also have some fun activities, including our Augmented Reality Boxing Game and our popular trivia wheel.  The New York State Fair is a 13-day celebration of all things New York, featuring delicious food, eye-opening exhibits, captivating entertainment and fun for the whole family, including rides and games, live music and farm animals. The 2023 Fair runs from Wednesday, August 23 through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Admission to the Fair is just $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are free. Parking is $10 per vehicle.   Hours: 9 AM to 11 PM Daily Location: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse, New York 13209. Learn More

We hope to see you at the New York State Fair!

Additional Hurricane Tax Free Holiday

 

Weston • Pembroke Pines • Southwest Ranches • Davie • Sunrise • Miramar It is important to be prepared and stay prepared during the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Season that runs from June 1st to November 30th. Knowing the risks of a hurricane (rain, wind, storm surge, flooding), developing an evacuation plan, creating an emergency kit with items such as food, water, batteries, flashlights, cash and medication, and following weather forecasts and alerts is an important part in being ready. Just in case you have not prepared, the Florida Legislature added an additional Hurricane Preparedness Tax Holiday from August 26 to September 8. Items that can be purchased tax-free during this time period include:  Flashlights $40 or less Certain portable weather-band radios $50 or less Tarps or waterproof sheets $100 or less Tie-down kits $100 or less Gas or Diesel fuel tanks $50 or less Certain types of batteries including AA-Cell, AAA-Cell, and others for $50 or less Food storage coolers $60 or less  Portable generators that provide light, communication, or food preservation for $1000 or less  Reusable ice for $20 or less Portable power supplies for $60 or less Smoke detectors and alarms for $70 or less Fire Extinguishers at $70 or less Carbon Monoxide detectors at $70 or less Dry dog or cat food 50 lbs. for $70 or less Cans or pouches of pet food at $10 or less Over-the-counter pet medications at $100 or less Portable kennels or pet carriers selling at $100 or less Manual can openers at $15 or less Leashes, collars, or muzzles at $20 or less Collapsible or travel-sized food/water bowls at $15 or less Cat litter 25 lbs. or less for $25 or less Cat litter pans selling at $15 or less Pet waste disposable bags for $15 or less Pet pads at $20 or less Hamster or rabbit substrate at $15 or less Pet beds at $40 or less This year, the Florida Legislature increased eligibility and funding for the My Safe Florida Home program. This program matches funds up to $10,000 for qualified homeowners to make renovations to better withstand wind and rain caused by hurricanes. The grant matches $2 for every $1 spent on the home by the recipient.    Eligible projects include:  Upgraded roof coverings, roof deck attachments, roof to wall connections, and secondary water barriers for the roof Exterior door upgrades Window upgrades Garage door upgrades To be eligible:  You must provide proof of receiving a homestead exemption  Must provide documentation that your home is insured for $500,000 or less The home must be in the wind-borne region of Florida The initial building permit must have been issues prior to January 1, 2008 Must also allow the house to reinspected after construction   To see guidelines, prices, and apply visit the My Safe Florida Home website. This program is given on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to apply today.  My Safe Florida Home Website To receive a wellness call from the Vulnerable Population Registry before a hurricane: call (954)831-4000 Broward Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Registry: call (954) 831-3902 Disaster Assistance: call 1-877-693-5236 Broward County Emergency Management: call (954)831-3900 Broward County Hurricane Hotline: call (954)831-4000 or 311 The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is a toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557 activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida. Visit PrepareFL.com for information on starting a disaster plan, navigating the flood insurance claims process, assignment of benefits process, what to expect after filing a homeowners' insurance claim, and more.  Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Consumer Helpline: call 1(877)693-5236 Department of Financial Services Storm Hotline: call 1(800)227-8676 The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) encourages consumers to make sure they are covered in case of a natural disaster. Visit FLOIR.com for more information on insurances. Broward Hurricane Resources Remember, planning ahead and being prepared can save lives and property when disaster strikes. Please feel free to reach out to me for help, to answer any questions, address any of your concerns, and I would love to hear your ideas. You can contact me at (954) 668-3662 or robin.bartleman@myfloridahouse.gov. Thank you, Representative  Robin Bartleman House District 103 robin.bartleman@myfloridahouse.gov (954) 668-3662       Legislative Aide Savannah Peifer savannah.peifer@myfloridahouse.gov (850)717-5103 District Aide Stephanie Perret-Gentil Habla Español s.perretgentil@myfloridahouse.gov (954) 424-6828