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Dear Neighbor,
Last week was a district work period – a chance for me to meet with as many constituents as possible and attend events throughout the district. My schedule brought me to Citrus, Hernando and Pasco Counties multiple times. Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf!
Making Washington Work for You - As this article explains, too often patients with rare diseases do not have access to treatments or cures because there aren’t large enough patient populations to attract research and development into their conditions. As Co-Chair of the Rare Disease Caucus, I’ve been fighting for rare disease patients, with a special emphasis on pediatric rare diseases. I’ve authored a great deal of the language included in the combined Creating Hope Reauthorization Act/Give Kids A Chance Act/RARE Act because Congress must act swiftly to extend the voucher program and save lives. Families like the one highlighted in this story are counting on us to do the right thing!
My colleagues and I are also pushing back against the U.S. Army Corps' Legal Interpretation Impeding Hurricane Risk Reduction Projects. Click here to learn more.
Learning from You Here at Home: I enjoyed hearing from constituents at my “Take A Stand” event in West Pasco, during my regular monthly office hours, and throughout my tele-townhall last week. It was great to hear about the issues that matter most to you and your families. I will keep fighting for you!
Fighting for Our Heroes: I was proud to take part in the groundbreaking of Magnolia Oaks, a 77 unit housing complex for local Veterans and their families. This collaborative project was made possible through a combination of federal, state and local funding -including the $4 million I secured for this project . I am proud of the work that has been done in recent years to reduce Veteran homelessness, however, even one homeless Veteran is one too many. This new project will be an important step forward in making sure all of our nation's heroes have a safe place to call home.
I was also honored to organize a special event attended by more than 400 Veterans in our district. Our goal is always to connect Veterans in need of help with available services in the community. Click here to learn more.
Additionally, I enjoyed visiting Healing Hearts Farm, a non-profit organization serving vulnerable populations throughout our community, including Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress. I look forward to seeing this wonderful organization fully realize its vision for providing hope and healing to those in need.
Facilitating Healthcare Breakthroughs: Senator Scott and I had an informative tour of Moffitt’s incredible, new biotech campus in Pasco County followed by a discussion about the challenges of bringing new treatments and cures to market. Thanks to the interdisciplinary collaborative approach being utilized, this campus will undoubtedly be home to many incredible breakthroughs in the fight against cancer and other diseases. I've been proud to secure several million dollars in federal funding to help support its development.
Celebrating Success: Congratulations to the following students: Emmanuel Cruz (USMA), Natalyah Camilla Felicien, (USAFA), Nehemiah Solomon Vann (USMA), Hai Dong Phan (USAFA-not photographed), Roman Arnold-Romero (USNA-not photographed), and Karley Lynn Rush (USMMA-not photographed). All six received a nomination from me to attend a military service academy and will be starting this fall. It was great to celebrate with them, their families, and my service academy selection committee members at my annual Military Academy Appointment reception. I wish these bright, young leaders all the best as they start their journey in military service.
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 celebrated Flag Day with neighbors at Timber Pines in Hernando.
My team also joined the Hernando-Pasco Hospice Genies to make angels for patients at the Hospice Care Centers . An angel is placed on the door handle of the room to show the patient has gained their wings. A special Valor Angel was made for Veterans patients. These angels will be delivered to hospice centers throughout Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
Additionally, my team learned about local small business concerns while attending the June meeting of Nature Coast Business Professionals group.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message after helping a constituent get approved for a necessary appointment that had previously been delayed.
I want to thank you on behalf of my husband, Andre Alvelo. VA authorized his treatment for Advanced Cancer Treatment Center late the following day after receiving your inquiry. We are very appreciative of your fast intervention. May God bless you, Congressman Bilirakis and all of the staff who help serve our veterans.
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! |
