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Dear Neighbor,
Last week was a district work period. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with many constituents, tour local businesses, and attend events throughout our community. The input I received helps to make me a better Member of Congress. Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week.
Making Washington Work for You:
Fighting for Seniors: It is said that a society can be judged by how well it treats its most vulnerable populations. As a former elder law attorney, I understand the challenges that many seniors face as they endeavor to age with dignity – and with as much independence as possible. Record inflation has hit seniors particularly hard, which is particularly unfair given that most live on a fixed income. We have to do more to ensure cost of living adjustment more accurately reflect the pressures seniors face and to ensure they have access to high quality care and treatments. I will always continue fighting to ensure a strong safety net to protect all seniors, which is why I was honored to receive Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award from the American Association of Senior Citizens for my continued advocacy on behalf of our nation’s seniors. In addition to consistently fighting to preserve critical programs that benefit seniors, such as Medicare and Social Security, I have championed a wide range of legislative measures aimed to prevent exploitation, enhance supportive services, ensure access to quality care options, and provide financial relief for our nation’s seniors. I have also been a strong supporter of the Older Americans Act reauthorization which provides funding to help seniors age independently in their homes and of the Community Development Block Grant, which funds critical senior programs such as Meals on Wheels. Additionally, I have fought to expand and protect access to Medicare Advantage, a flexible option chosen by almost half of the seniors who reside throughout Florida’s 12th Congressional District. Locally, I have recently secured $2 million in federal funds for a senior center in Central Pasco County and have sponsored a community budget project to provide an additional $2 million in funding for affordable senior housing options throughout Pasco County. I will always keep fighting to protect our greatest generation!
Protecting Consumers: Pro-consumer legislation I authored which has been signed into law and is now fully implemented created uniform, nationwide rules to promote safety, increase transparency, and provide greater accountability for online sales. It provides a layer of enhanced protections for consumers from stolen and counterfeit goods without adding undue burdens on small mom-and-pop businesses. This new law is a win-win for consumers and legitimate businesses in the online marketplace. Click here to learn more.
Learning from You Here at Home:
Supporting Local Farmers: I appreciated the input of local farmers during a recent meeting in Hernando. Participants shared their ideas for how the reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill can be an opportunity for us to secure policies and funds that will make it easier for our farmers to keep Florida fed. Click here to learn more.
Celebrating Our Nation’s Freedom and Local Milestones: I hope each of you had a safe and happy fourth of July celebration last week. I enjoyed participating in the 4th of July festivities in Inverness. It is great to see so many local patriots celebrating our independence!
Additionally, it was truly an honor to join residents in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Crystal River. This city has so many pristine natural resources that attract visitors from around the world. However, it also is home to many principled leaders who regularly work together to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment that makes Crystal River a wonderful place to live, work and play.
Meeting with Local Stakeholders: It was great to meet with Citrus County Administrator Steve Howard about the county’s priorities. Though he has been at the helm less than a year, it is clear that he has a strong vision for moving this community forward and I look forward to continuing to work with him to get the job done!
I also enjoyed meeting with Debbie Selsavage and the leadership team of Coping with Dementia, a Citrus County non-profit that works to assist patients and families who are struggling with dementia. As someone with a loved one who also battles this debilitating disease, I understand the toll it takes on the entire family. I will continue to support federal research that holds the promise of a cure, keep fighting to streamline federal regulatory measures that delay the development of better treatments, and remove bureaucratic roadblocks that prevent patients from accessing approved treatments.
It was a pleasure to visit LKQ, which employs 150 people at its auto part salvage center in Crystal River to learn more about the challenges facing their industry and their efforts to protect consumers.
Additionally, I enjoyed meeting with Penny Parks to learn more about the rennovation project she and her husband have started since acquiring Sugarmill Woods Country Club in Homosassa. The already modernized meeting facility space, delicious restaurant and vastly improved golf course are a great first step in their massive plans for expansion. I wish them continued success as they bring jobs and even more economic development to Citrus County!
Community Connection
I am fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff who regularly attend events throughout our community, especially when I am required to be in Washington, DC. Through their collective efforts, I am better able to stay connected to the issues that matter most to my constituents. As part of my commitment to developing a better understanding of the issues facing constituents in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties members of my team attended several events last week. Here are a few highlights.
My team was honored to give a legislative update during the Hernando Yacht Club’s Salute to Veterans last week. I’ll keep fighting on behalf of our nation’s heroes.
Also, my team helped coordinate a patriotic program at the Brooksville Rotary last week. As part of the ceremony, the crowd learned about proper etiquette, flag folding, maintenance and disposal.
Additionally, my team enjoyed attending this month’s Hernando County Chamber of Commerce meeting to learn more about aviation trends and economic expansion plans at the regional airport.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email after my team successfully helped her with her passport renewal.
Hi, I just wanted to reach out to let you know how amazing James is. He helped me back in March with a passport issue, and he was fantastic. He was so timely on returning my many emails (some even after hours), and incredibly patient with me. I've been meaning to send this, and honestly just got too busy, but I didn't want it to go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do, and thank you for having people that work hard that surround you.
This is just one example of the work we do each day. Constituent services are a critical element of our congressional office. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is available if you ever need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. We are here to serve you!
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