|
Dear Neighbor,
As we watch our neighbors to the north struggle with flooding and hurricane damage, I am very grateful that our area was spared the worst impacts of Hurricane Debbie. However, if you sustained damage and need help, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 727-232-2921. I also want to wish teachers and students throughout Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties a great start to the 2024-25 School Year, which starts tomorrow. Remember, there are no limits to what you can achieve if you put in the hard work and refuse to give up. May this be your best year yet!
Last week kicked off the August District Work Period, and I was pleased to spend my time hosting office hours in each of my offices, holding forums and touring local businesses. I appreciate the input I’ve already received and look forward to learning more from you in the weeks to come. In my conversations throughout the community, I’ve let it be known that I believe all Americans have a clear choice before them this year: they can return to policies that delivered prosperity for all Americans or they can continue down the path of debt, reckless spending and economic hardship. I’ll keep fighting for a return to fiscal sanity, to restore the rule of law and to advance an America-First agenda. Continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf.
Making Washington Work for You
Restoring Fiscal Sanity: This month’s disappointing job report reflects concerns I’ve been hearing from small businesses in my district. Instead of supporting pro-business policies that spur growth and create jobs, President Biden and Vice President Harris have hampered businesses with over $1.6 trillion in new regulations that hurt our economy. I will keep pushing back against duplicative over-regulation while advocating for the needs of small businesses and their employees.
When asked whether they are better off today than they were four years ago, most Americans realize that the failed economic policies of the Biden-Harris Administration have hurt their pocketbooks. Under the Trump Administration, real average weekly wages rose 8.2%. By comparison, real average weekly wages fell 3.6% under the Biden-Harris Administration. We need to restore an America-First agenda that encourages economic growth and prosperity for all.
Many families are also struggling to realize the American dream of home ownership under the failed economic policies of the Biden-Harris Administration. To address this problem, we’ve got to restore fiscal sanity, bring down interest rates and implement commonsense reforms that reduce taxes and insurance costs.
Securing Our Border: As Americans struggle to understand why the Biden-Harris Administration has embraced open border policies at the expense of our national security, it is important to remember that Vice-President Harris shared a study touting 'electoral' benefits of not deporting illegal immigrants. Our national security should not be sacrificed for political gain. We must secure our border and enforce the rule of law.
Protecting Animals: As co-founder of the Humane Bond Caucus in Congress, I appreciate the unique role that animals play in our lives which is why I was proud to join my colleagues in co-sponsoring the SAFE Act which would permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
Learning from You Here at Home
Last week, I had the chance to sit down with David Dunning, Director of James A. Haley Veterans Hospital to discuss the feedback I’ve received from local Veterans and the trends I’m seeing in my office's constituent casework. I informed him that too many barriers still exist for Veterans who are trying to access community care options, that the travel reimbursement process continues to be problematic, that scheduling of radiology appointments in New Port Richey have been delayed, and that Veterans would appreciate a return of same day appointment availability. He agreed to continue working on these issues. I was also pleased to learn more about the VA’s plans to improve access to the quality care our heroes deserve. He anticipates announcing the site of the new VA Outpatient Clinic in late September and is excited about a new behavioral health facility in Hernando. Please be assured that my support for our nation's heroes is unwavering and I will continue fighting for them.
I also enjoyed hearing from many constituents at a forum I hosted in West Pasco. They shared critical input about the challenges their families are facing and the ways they believe Washington can help. I will continue fighting for solutions that will help provide the relief they deserve.
I was honored to receive a “Cooter Kudos” award from the Inverness City Council in recognition of my efforts to ensure my constituents receive their fair share of federal funding returned to our community. I was surprised to learn that the $1.27 million I secured in FY2024 to build a Master Lift Station and the $700,000 I secured in the FY2025 House Budget for a Ladder Fire Truck are the first two federal appropriations the city has ever received. The acquisition of the fire truck is a requirement that the city needs in order to qualify its residents for a special risk reduction rating that will allow insurance decreases for residents throughout the city.
Supporting Seniors: I also had a productive meeting with the leaders of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. We discussed ways we can work together to better support seniors who are struggling, including the progress that is being made on creating an affordable housing project for low-income seniors in Pasco as a result of federal funding I recently secured. While the project is in its infancy, we have a wonderful group of collaborators at the local government level working to maximize benefit for the most vulnerable seniors. We also discussed the need for additional senior services in Hernando and Citrus counties. I look forward to expanding our partnership with the AAAs to achieve this goal.
Additionally, I enjoyed touring the Northbrook Center for Rehab and Long-term Care in Hernando County. We discussed the workforce challenges the healthcare industry is facing as they seek to provide high quality patient care in our community, especially for seniors who have had a fall and wish to return home as quickly as possible. I will continue to work on ensuring the accessibility of these critical services.
Challenging Local Students: The Congressional App Challenge is now underway. Middle and High School Students in Florida’s 12th Congressional District are encouraged to participate!
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 participated in Citrus County’s “Growth in Harmony” discussion during which stakeholders examined opportunities in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
My team also attended the ARC of Hernando County's annual pancake breakfast in support of adults in our community living with developmental disabilities.
Additionally, my team enjoyed visiting the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club in Pasco County to learn more about the community projects they are spearheading.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this note after helping one of our constituents with his VA Appeal.
I need to thank Congressman Gus Bilirakis and his staff for their support in my VA appeal process. I received a letter today that stated that my appeal was approved. I thank everyone for your support through this process.
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! |
