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Dear Neighbor,
Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the so called “Inflation Reduction Act.” Throughout this month, I’ve held several listening sessions throughout my district. These events have afforded me the chance to connect with hundreds of our neighbors. The overwhelming majority of participants, who primarily live on fixed incomes, have told me that record high inflation is still making it tough for them to make ends meet. They urged Congress to put a stop to reckless government spending and provide the relief they desperately need. I also sent a survey to all of my constituents earlier this month to ask if they were still experiencing hardship due to inflation. A whopping 97% of all respondents said they were. While I will still be collecting feedback at planned events over the next few weeks, I will return to Washington next month armed with the knowledge that my constituents continue to plead for help. A recent study shows Americans are paying $709 more per month than they were two years ago due to inflation, which is unaffordable. Please be assured I will continue my fight on your behalf to restore fiscal responsibility and drive down the cost of basic necessities, like gasoline. Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf last week and about the events I’m hosting this week.
Making Washington Work for You:
Preparing for the Future by Investing in the USA: The Chinese Communist Party controls 90% of the world's critical minerals, 95% of processing for those minerals and 50% of our medical supplies. I’m working with my colleagues to boost domestic production as we cannot continue to be so reliant on our adversary. However, it is also encouraging to see more American businesses recognizing that there is more risk than reward posed by doing business with China and bringing these jobs back home.
Combatting the Biden Border Crisis: Biden's reckless border policies continue to jeopardize our national security which is why the House passed a strong border policy bill earlier this year to force the Administration to do the right thing and enforce the rule of law. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass it. The self-made crisis at our border is a threat to our national security and must be addressed!
Additionally, there are recent reports of corrupt border contracts worth billions of dollars under the Biden Administration. My colleagues and I will continue to investigate these serious allegations and will hold wrong-doers accountable!
Learning from You Here ar Home: I enjoyed speaking with residents of Lexington Oaks in Central Pasco recently. Among other important topics, we had a good discussion about the economy, federal spending, and the need to enhance services for disabled adults throughout our community.
Celebrating Success: It was my honor to help celebrate Commander Earl McMillan’s many years of decorated service to our country and finally give him his high school diploma. Click here to read this amazing local Veteran’s story.
Also, it is not a surprise for anyone who has had the pleasure of spending time in Crystal River to see it listed as one of the best small towns in the country. The beauty of its natural resources is only rivaled by the kindness of its residents. I’m honored to represent such a wonderful community.
Inviting You: I’m hosting a townhall meeting for local Veterans and their families to discuss issues they are experiencing with the VA.
I’m also holding a local forum for those interested in discussing behavioral health needs in our community. In addition to hearing from local providers about the services available, we will be discussing gaps that exist.
Additionally, one of my goals is to ensure as much of your hard-earned tax dollars are returned to our community as possible. To help achieve this goal, I’m hosting a grants workshop for local government officials and local non-profits.
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 learned a great deal about the services available to our local disabled Veterans through K9 Partners for Patriots during a recent workshop in Hernando County. This organization does a wonderful job helping to ensure our heroes have access to service dog therapy.
It was also wonderful to see the community coming together to support students in need at the recent Hernando County Sheriff’s Back to School Bash.
Additionally, my team attended the groundbreaking of the Dennis Wilfong Center for Success at Pasco-Hernando State College.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this letter after my team helped him with his VA issue.
Thanks to the congressional inquiry initiated by your office, I am happy to report that the VA has informed me that they will provide me with all dental treatments that I may require. They acknowledge that my special needs, due to my Parkinson’s disease, will be addressed has greatly reduced my anxiety and worry. It is also my pleasure to report that because of my inability to participate in C&P examinations, the Veterans Administration has directed QTC, their contracted medical examiner, to conduct a review of my medical records, which will then be submitted for adjudication. What I was unable to accomplish in over three years, your office, and the hard work of Kristan Sellas accomplished in a very short period of time. I cannot think of any better way to thank me for my service.
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! |
