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Dear Neighbor,
During last week’s District Work Period, I had the chance to meet with many constituents at events and meetings held in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. I appreciate everyone who took the time to share their input with me. Your feedback helps guide my legislative agenda and makes me a more effective member of Congress. Please continue reading to learn more about my efforts on your behalf.
Learning from You: Over 800 constituents participated in the senior forums I held in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties last week. I provided a legislative update on the work I am doing in Washington and we heard great information from guest panelists about resources in the community designed to assist seniors with aging in place with dignity. I also listened to feedback from those in attendance about the issues that matter most to them. If you weren’t able to attend a session but are interested in the information about resources for seniors in our community, please contact my office at 727-232-2921. We would be happy to send you the information shared.
To maximize the number of constituents I was able to connect with, I also held a tele-townhall last week. More than 7,900 constituents participated in this monthly call. If you would like to be included in future calls, you can be added to my Telephone Townhall List by calling my office at 727-232-2921.
As a strong supporter of the arts in education, I also hosted my annual Congressional Art Competition last week for students in grades 9-12. Congratulations to Kaitlyn Stires a 12th grade student from Hernando County on being selected as Best in Show. She and her parent are invited to attend the national Art Competition in Washington, DC and her piece, “Innocence” will be hung in the US Capitol for the next year. I’m also grateful for the team of judges from local Fine Art Councils. They had an incredibly difficult job selecting a winner out of so many talented young artists.
I was also proud to particiapte in this year's Operation Stand Down in Pasco County. I am grateful for the many volunteers and organizations working together to provide services and support to our nation's most vulnerable Veterans.
Additionally, we celebrated the unsung heroes who help make our community a great place. Each year, local non-profits nominate their best volunteers for the District 12 Congressional Heroes Among Us Award. Congratulations to all of our honorees and thank you for sharing your time, talents and treasures with those in need.
Ensuring Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care: It was great to meet with the leaders of our two local Community Health Centers, Premier and Langley, last week. We talked about the critical services they offer in communities throughout the country. As Co-Chairman of the Community Health Center Caucus in Congress, I know that 1 in 10 Americans receive their healthcare through a federally-qualified community health center and I understand the importance of preserving access to these critical services.
Protecting Your Privacy: My colleagues and I are launching an investigation into 23andMe and its handling of Americans’ sensitive medical and genetic information. Click here to learn more.
Enhancing Options for Seniors: Medicare reimbursement policies should be patient-centered and maximize patient choice whenever possible. My bill will allow licensed audiologists to fully participate in Medicare will bring greater parity and provide seniors with improved access to hearing health and balance care.
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 participate in the Tunnels to Towers home dedication for Sgt. Matthew Hannon, USMC. Sgt. Hannon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old, attending boot camp in 1997. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor attributed to toxic exposure during his overseas deployments which resulted in the loss of his left leg, complete hearing loss on his right side, and extended hearing loss on his left due to complications from the cancer. Thanks to the generosity of Tunnels to Towers, Sgt. Hannon received a brand new, mortgage-free smart home. Welcome to our community, Sgt. Hannon, and thank you for your service and sacrifice!
My team also participated in a session Pasco County hosted in Dade City to gather input from residents about how Disaster Recovery funds should be allocated. I am glad to see local officials getting critical input from residents about our community's needs.
Additionally, my team attended the Topping Off Ceremony during which the final steel beam was placed atop the Moffitt Discovery & Innovation Center. A 55-ton cyclotron was then lifted into the vault of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Therapy Center. New innovative treatments will improve treatment options for cancer patients at this incredible facility.
Constituent Corner
My team recently received this message after helping a constituent resolve a problem she was having with the IRS.
After two years of waiting for my income tax return, the full amount was finally deposited into my bank account this week --thanks to the help I got from your office. Thank you so much for all you do for your constituents.
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! |
