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Dear Neighbor,
While our area was spared some of the most catastrophic results from Hurricane Idalia that our neighbors in north Florida are experiencing, I spent the week touring impacted areas throughout my district and there is a significant amount of damage and flooding in portions of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Fortunately, all three counties have now been included in the federal disaster declaration and are eligible for federal assistance. I want to ensure all my constituents have access to the resources and support they need, which is why I've compiled a Disaster Recovery Guide. It contains important information about how to access federal, state and local assistance. Please be assured that I'll continue working with my colleagues to ensure all Floridians have the support they need to rebuild and fully recover from this disaster. My team is also available to help anyone who has questions or needs more assistance. You can call my office at 727-232-2921.
Many thanks to local leaders in each county who took time over the past week to give me a tour of the areas that were hardest hit. In Pasco, I was joined by Fire Rescue personnel, county commissioners, city councilmembers, and emergency management personnel on a bus tour of Green Key, parts of New Port Richey, and Hudson.
In Hernando, first responders and county emergency management professionals took me to see areas near Hernando Beach, Pine Island and Weeki Wachee. I spoke with impacted homeowners about the need for federal assistance.
Citrus County Fire Rescue Chief Craig Stevens and Citrus County Board of County Commissioners Chair Ruthie Davis Schlabach also took time on a Saturday evening after a long, exhausting week to take me on a tour of Ozello and Fort Island Beach.
These communities are resilient, and I am proud to represent them and all residents of Citrus, Pasco and Hernando counties. I promise to stand by all FL-12 constituents who are working to rebuild in Hurricane Idalia's aftermath.
Please continue reading for additional tips and to learn more about my efforts on your behalf!
Celebrating Labor Day
I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend. During this time of year, we recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions the American workforce has made on our economy. When given the freedom to thrive, there is no one better able to innovate, adapt, and excel than American workers. As a society, we must continue to embrace the values of ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and work ethic –as these have been the cornerstone of our historic success!
Supporting those Who are Struggling from the Storm
In addition to the Resource Guide referenced above, all residents impacted by Hurricane Idalia are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance. In Pasco County, residents can also report any damage via an online portal. Reporting damage and applying for assistance helps to ensure that each county gets its fair share of relief funding to help the community recover. Below you will find resources for some of the federal programs designed to provide relief.
In addition to FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) also provides relief to those who have been impacted.
Here are some additional resources that may be useful.
Making Washington Work For You
Fighting for our Nation’s Heroes: Last week, I authored an editorial to urge my colleagues to join me in the fight to rectify the injustice of concurrent receipt for more than 50,000 medically retired combat Veterans. Passage of this bill continues to be one of my highest priorities this Congress.
Defending our National Security: Anyone who has been paying attention to geopolitical activity over the passed several years understands that our biggest threat to national security is the growing aggression displayed by the Chinese Communist Party. As outlined in this story, China’s growing economic and political influence in the western hemisphere is disturbing. Please be assured I'll continue to do all I can in Washington to assure we are taking every possible step to counter this emerging threat.
Demanding Action: Unfortunately, we have seen a recent spate of reprehensible anti-Semetic incidents on college campuses throughout the country. My colleagues and I are concerned about this rise and are imploring the Department of Justice to resolve the pending backlog of cases it has related to these disturbing incidents. There is simply no place for bigotry and hatred in a civilized society.
Protecting Children: Meta’s failure to prevent recalled products from being posted for sale on its platform has endangered children throughout the nation. Online marketplaces must do more to prevent recalled products from being posted for sale on their platforms, especially those products that pose a danger to children. As bipartisan leaders on the Energy and Commerce Committee with oversight on this issue, my colleagues and I are calling for action to ensure all platforms are acting responsibly and protecting the safety of consumers.
Supporting Critical Research- Another way I’m working to help children is by reauthorizing the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program which is helping to facilitate a better understanding of pediatric cancers, and holds the promise for the development of improved treatments and possible cures for children with cancer. Pediatric cancer remains the number one disease that leads to the death of children in America, and I want to ensure we continue to invest in a cure. Click here to learn more about my efforts.
Pushing Back Against Government Overreach: The Biden Administration’s continued assault on 2nd Amendment Rights is yet another example of government overreach at its worst. I’ll continue fighting to protect all Americans’ Constitutional Rights!
Learning from You Here at Home: In addition to participating in meetings with federal, state and local leaders before, during and after the hurricane, I was honored to stop by the Emergency Operations Center in each county to thank the talented professionals who work around the clock to keep us safe.
While most of my efforts last week were concentrated on hurricane prevention and recovery, I did also meet with some stakeholders throughout our community as part of my August District Work Period Listening Session. For example, it was great to speak with retired first responders at the Leaning Tower of Pizza in New Port Richey. It is clear that these public servants still have a great deal of concern for their community and their former colleagues. I’ll continue fighting to support our nation’s first responders!
I also had the chance to speak with several constituents who work at Tampa Microwave. This company specializes in providing ManPacks and FlyAway satellite terminals to the Department of Defense. It is looking to be of more assistance with disaster relief efforts around the globe. I enjoyed learning more about their business and talking with its employees about the challenges they face.
Additionally, I stopped by to tour Vispero, a local company that produces low vision devices for seniors and those who are visually impaired. As someone who suffers from vision loss, it was wonderful to learn about the technological advances being made in this field.
Also, I really appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in my monthly tele-townhall last week. We had a good discussion about the impact of Hurricane Idalia on our community, the resources available, and further assistance that may be needed. Your input helps make me a better Member of Congress as it guides my work in Washington!
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 enjoyed hearing from the Hernando Clerk of the Courts about the work that is being done to streamline operations and make interaction with the judicial system easier for residents during the Kiwanis of the Adventure Coast's August Meeting.
My team attended the opening of Crooked Tale to Recovery, a new non-profit in Pasco County working to reduce homelessness by providing transitional housing and programs that will address the special needs of those suffering from substance abuse, mental health and homelessness.
Additionally, during a recent hard hat tour, my team was impressed by the progress being made at Premier Community Health Center's new clinic in West Pasco.
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this letter after my team worked on his Social Security Disability appeal.
I wanted to thank you and your staff now for all your help. I wanted to do this before Social Security made their decision on my case. It seems to have been moving quickly thank you all. My Dad raised me to always take local elections more serious and he has yet again been proven right. I just wanted to thank you and your staff from the top and bottom of my heart for your help. Your help has given me something that is in short supply HOPE.
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! |
