I'm back from Tallahassee and just wrapping up a weekend of service with the US Navy Reserves. It's been a wild week that had me in Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, back to Orlando, and now MacDill AFB here in Tampa. 

The highlight of the week was the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that will help us fix all the interchanges along I-75 from Big Bend Road to HWY-60 and Brandon Blvd. It was a historic investment in electric vehicle charging, clean drinking water, and broadband internet deployments. Now, if we can just get our own County Commissioner to stop blocking funding for the rest of Brandon's roads... 

Because we're not stopping there, the House Democrats also passed the Build Back Better framework that will help folks get back to work with affordable childcare, new green jobs to combat climate change, and SO MUCH more! Here's just some of the historic investments in the American people:

And if you want even more details, here's Florida's Factsheet and the White House's.

Additionally, locally we were able to secure two new projects funded via the state and a federal DOT grant from Secretary Pete. Over $20m for septic to sewer conversions in the Gibsonton area that will help keep Tampa Bay algae and pollution free, and $18m for a new Tampa Heights Mobility Corridor improvement project. Both, HUGE wins for our community!

And as for the giant distraction that was Governor DeSantis' Special Session. It proved to be a farce. My amendment to expand worker protections from mandates was rejected, as was another to exempt small businesses from hefty fines, as the majority had finely balanced the proposals with big businesses to do nothing but allow the Governor to take childish shots at the President.

Nobody left this week happy, except Rep. Sabatini who used his spotlight to question the legitimate election of President Biden, which pretty much sums up what the week was really about.

Still, there is hope. I personally e-mailed every one of the 282 folks who had messaged me their concerns about mandates and the vaccines. I explained my positions, what I was willing to support, and what I thought was too far. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the responses to this very personal and divisive topic. It was a reminder that more unites us than divides us.

HUGE Congrats to Principal Lennard who will be taking the reigns of our new school coming to South Hillsborough! We are doing everything possible to invest in the area and catch-up with years/decades of underinvestment and failed infrastructure. 

While I was in Tallahassee, I did have a great meeting with the United Way, Tampa General Hospital, and numerous other groups that were in town. Our bipartisan Veteran's Caucus, which I am the vice-chairman of, heard 39 Veteran-friendly bills for consideration, and I joined the inaugural meeting of the Manufacturing Caucus to help position Florida to make the gizmos and gadgets that will get us to Mars, heal our climate, and save lives.

Thank you for everyone who made the journey to make sure your voice was heard in YOUR Florida House.

Lastly, I came up with a new strategy to get my bills through the always troublesome Senate... kidnap the Senator Burgess' dog, feed bacon, and give belly rubs!!! 

Thank you always for this opportunity to serve. I'm proud of the work we're doing and excited to keep going!