Well, Fred missed us, and that's the good news we're focusing on today!
Seriously, there were lots of bad news in the headlines this week, from record-setting COVID hospitalizations, the Governor sidelining our local schools' public heath decisions, to now the collapse of Afghanistan. But, it wasn't all bad and I do want to keep you updated on what we were working on behind the scenes.
First, we had an incredibly productive meeting with Hillsborough County School Board. At the time, the board did not have a mask requirement for students and was openly fearful of losing state funding if they did. They reversed course following the meeting with an opt-out, but in my opinion it was miles better than when we started the conversation.
Also, an update on fixing the damn roads!!! This week I met with teams from FDOT, Hillsborough County, and the Biden Administration on the issue of traffic here in Brandon and Riverview. Our efforts were set back years by litigation against the All for Transportation initiative, but I'm hopeful we will be able to fill gaps with funds from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act making it's way through Congress currently.
I relayed concerns about Lithia Pinecrest, US 301, Bell Shoals, Bloomingdale and about 100 other local issues identified to me by our various homeowner associations.
I also spoke with leaders from the All for Transportation initiative that said they are actively working to get the issue back on the 2022 ballot so we can get the county-level funding to match the demand.
We had a great (though virtual) townhall this week. If you'd like to see the recap, you can do so via this link [[link removed]
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HUGE thank you to the team at Brandon Health and Rehab, one of our local nursing homes, for taking me in to talk about all the great work our front-line healthcare workers are doing to battle this recent surge in infections. The long-term care industry has been devastated by this pandemic and I'm fighting to help them Build Back Better.
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Also this week, I had a pretty awesome tour of Vu Studios in Tampa! Their 220-degree picture quality LED studio is attracting film projects from around the country to Tampa. Last year, I helped co-sponsor HB757 to incentivize the development of this high-wage, hi-tech, unionized industry, and love to see what they are doing as we Build Back Better!
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Also though, I have this message for those who are using this tragedy for political gain:
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My colleague, Rep. Sabatini from Clermont made a statement to deny humanitarian visas for those who have worked for the USA for the last 20 years and who, along with their families, are likely to not survive the next few hours. To him, I have just one question:
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If you're in position to help me defeat his allies in the House, please consider supporting my campaign via a link below.
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Lastly, a bit of good news. My twin's celebrated their 9th birthdays!!!
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And finally, I'll leave you with this: the Winter Olympics are only 6 months away!
Andrew Learned
Candidate for Florida House (FL-59)
AndrewLearned.com
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123 W. Bloomingdale Ave #390
Brandon, FL 33596
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