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Dear Neighbor,
During this District Work Period, I enjoyed attending events in the community and meeting with as many constituents as possible. The input I received about your priorities will help guide my work when I return to Washington, DC tomorrow.
I'm also incredibly grateful to Hernando County Sheriff Al Neinhuis and his team who worked alongside countless volunteers to search for little JJ Rowland. Their miraculous efforts resulted in finding the missing child safe and sound. I'm so proud and honored to represent this loving and faithful community. Please continue reading for a brief overview of my efforts on your behalf last week!
Fighting for our Heroes
Thank you to everyone who came out to my Veterans Townhall meeting in Citrus County. It was a great turnout and we heard directly from local Veterans about the problems they are experiencing. They were also able to speak directly to local VA leadership about the types of services that are needed at the new VA clinic. I will continue to work closely with senior VA officials to ensure these needs are addressed.
Additionally, last week the local VA announced that it had exceeded its goal for reducing Veteran homelessness throughout our region. While we have made tremendous progress in this area, even one Veteran without a roof over his or her head is unacceptable. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to improve supportive services for Veterans in need.
Combatting Addiction
I also applaud the outstanding work of the Citrus County Sheriff’s office in its vigorous pursuit of those who are distributing drugs on our streets. I vow to continue working to ensure they have the tools and support needed to do their jobs. However, local law enforcement leaders have been clear that this is not a problem we can arrest our way out of. We have to address the demand for these drugs by supporting prevention, education and opportunities for treatment for those seeking help. I will continue to work on these priorities.
Protecting our Natural Resources
Protecting our pristine natural resources is not a partisan issue. Unfortunately, communities throughout the state of Florida have seen the devastation that harmful algae blooms and red tide can have on our eco-system and tourism-related industries. As Co-Chairman of the House Travel and Tourism Caucus, I understand that Florida’s combined recreational and commercial fisheries alone generate an estimated $27.2 billion and support nearly 300,000 jobs. When disasters occur, Florida needs to be able to access the same emergency resources that are provided to help Americans recover from other natural disasters which is why my colleagues and I have introduced the Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act. Additionally, I’ll continue to support efforts to determine how best to prevent, treat and mitigate these conditions should they occur in the future.
Learning from You
It was great to meet with constituents during my February office hours in New Port Richey last week. The best ideas always come directly from those we serve. Here are just a few photos from those meetings. To sign up for my next available office hours near you, please visit my website.
I also want to thank everyone who participated in my tele-townhall last week. We had a great discussion about the challenges facing our community. Over 5,000 residents participated in this informative call. Your input truly helps me be a better Member of Congress and I look forward to our next call!
Securing the Border
For the 23rd month in a row, more than 150,000 migrants illegally entered our country through the southern border during January of 2023. President Biden’s failed open border policies continue to put our national security at risk. My colleagues and I are demanding more transparency and accountability as we work to force this Administration to secure our border!
Supporting Small Business
Small Business is the backbone of our economy. Each Saturday, I highlight newly opened or expanded businesses in our community that my team or I have visited. Congratulations to these hard-working entrepreneurs and best wishes for their continued success as they realize their American Dream!
New Citrus County residents, Tom and Cheryl Guyer, just realized their life-long dream of opening up Guyer's Ice Cream & Doughnuts in Crystal River!
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 enjoyed speaking with the Hernando Chapter of the Retired New York Firefighters and Police Department organization about the work I am doing to support local law enforcement and ensure they have the tools they need to keep our community safe!
My team participated in the ribbon cutting of Hope Services Life Skills and Training Center in Land O’ Lakes. This local non-profit focuses on fostering independence for people living with disabilities and members of the community by providing life skills, vocational training, and employment services.
My team was honored to attend the 95th Birthday celebration for U.S. Navy Veteran Francis “Mike” LeVerso. Happy Birthday, Mike and thank you for your service to our nation!
Additionally, it was standing room only at the recent New Port Richey City Council Meeting during which the community thanked retiring Police Chief Kim Bogart for his many years of tireless service and welcoming new Police Chief Robert Kochen. My team enjoyed celebrating Chief Bogart’s many contributions to the community and we look forward to working once again with Chief Kochen!
Constituent Corner
My office recently received this email from a constituent who received help from the VA after contacting my Casework Director.
Thank you for your assistance. You done a awesome job. I have been fighting this for a very long time. I just wish I should have done this earlier. I will definitely pass the word. Again thank you and your service GOD BLESS !
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!
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