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Agri-Business and the
Environment
As the ONLY Representative
serving on all four interconnected committees: Ag/Natural
Resources Policy, Ag/Nat. Res. Appropriations, Economic Affairs,
and the Select Committee on Water Policy, I am exceptionally
involved and well-informed on the issues relating to the
economic impact of Florida’s multi-billion dollar Agriculture
industries as well as the challenges facing our fragile
eco-system. Thinking “outside the box” is a pre-requisite to get
all the concerned parties together to problem solve and create
policies that strengthen our economy, create and maintain job
growth, and respect the stewardship of our natural resources for
future generations.
Affordable, Accessible
Health Care
I am
the sole physician-level health care provider in my caucus and
have been appointed by the Speaker to serve as RANKING MEMBER on
the HHS Health Access Subcommittee. My 32 years of hands-on
experience providing primary-contact health care gives me a
unique perspective among my colleagues in the House. It has made
me the “go-to guy” when it comes to asking the critical
questions about the bills presented before the subcommittee. I
am dedicated to providing and protecting the availability and
affordability of quality health care for ALL Floridians.
Public Safety and Law
Enforcement
My legislative agenda in
2011, and in the current legislative session, has included
targeted legislation to assure that law enforcement has the
tools and policies in place to fight crime and protect all
Floridians from criminals and predators. I was proud to have
been named “2011 Legislator of the Year” by the property
recovery unit of Florida Law Enforcement. In 2012, I have
sponsored a bill to enhance to sentencing guidelines for those
who prey upon our senior citizens. I consistently champion
legislation that allows police, firefighters and other
first-responders to provide the services that keep all of us
safe and secure. |