News From Congressman Bilirakis

Image

January 28, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

Last week, I was joined by more than 3,000 residents who participated in my monthly tele-townhall.  We had a great conversation about national security and the need to secure the border, the fiscal crisis we are facing, healthcare, the high cost of homeowner's insurance and the crushing impact inflation is having on families.  Please be assured I will continue fighting for all of these priorities as I represent you in Washington.  Please continue reading for a brief recap of my other efforts on your behalf last week!

Making Washington Work for You

Lightening the Tax Burden on Florida Families: Last week, I was proud to co-sponsor the Death Tax Repeal Act. This legislation will end double taxation on America’s family farms and small businesses and ensure that these families keep more of their hard-earned money.

Image

Also, I’m closely monitoring the work of my colleagues on the Ways & Means Committee who are aggressively pursuing their Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act which appears to contain many sound, pro-growth economic policies that will encourage more Americans to work while providing tax relief to Middle Class American families and small business owners who been struggling for years with historic inflation.  As my colleagues prepare a final version for a vote on the House Floor, I hope it will provide an opportunity for our Conference to unite around delivering much needed tax relief to all Americans who have struggled under the failures of Bidenomics.  To learn more about the tax relief package, click here.  

Preserving Collegiate Athletes While Protecting Students:  I'm working to preserve the ability of college athletes to profit from their own Name, Image and Likeness, while maintaining the amateur status of all college athletes. Click here to learn more about my bill. 

Defending Life: I’m unapologetically pro-life and I am proud of my Pro-Life Record! Click here to learn more. 

Raising Awareness:  Last week, we celebrated National School Choice Week.  It is necessary for parents and students to have the option to choose which educational environment is the right fit for their family.  Whether they choose a traditional public, magnet, charter, private, online or brick and mortar school, I want all children to have access to a high quality, safe learning environment that meets their needs.  I am grateful to all the wonderful educators who make that happen. An investment in education is a sound investment in the future of our society.  


Image
Partnering with Local Officials to Help the Community:  Last week, I had the chance to meet with Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman to hear his prospective about the needs of Pasco residents and discuss ways we can work together to strengthen our community while benefiting our constituents. 


Image

Additionally, I had a great conversation with Commissioner Jerry Campbell to brainstorm how we can improve collaboration to support our mutual constituents. ImageSupporting Small Businesses:  I spent time last week visiting small businesses in three cities in my district alongside their mayors.  It was a great chance to hear about exciting economic development projects that are unfolding throughout our community and to get a better feel of the challenges local small businesses are facing.  

Mayor Meek and I toured downtown Crystal River last week and visited the Cotton Club, Heritage House, General Store, and Anchor Souls.  It is amazing to see the incredible redevelopment that is being done in this beautiful area!

Image
Mayor Bell and I stopped into Downtown Athletics, County Depot, Patricia’s Boutique and the Contractor – all thriving businesses in Brooksville. 

Image

Additionally, Mayor Chopper Davis and I used his golf cart to pop in on several small business owners in New Port Richey’s vibrant downtown area.  This area has been completely transformed in recent years. 

Image 

Listening to You:  In addition to my tele-townhall and my normal monthly office hours, I hosted two in person forums to provide a legislative update and hear directly from residents.  My first Coffee with Your Congressman this year was in Sugarmill Woods. Residents were concerned about many issues, including the need to rein in spending, secure our border and help our heroes.  These are all issues I will continue to prioritize when I return to Washington.  

Image

The second forum was held at Silverthorne in Hernando County.  While many residents expressed similar concerns to those shared in Citrus, participants also noted concerns about election integrity, unity of our Congressional Conference, the diversion of resources to pay for housing illegal immigrants, the rising costs of insurance and other inflationary pressures.  I will also continue to keep these issues at the forefront of our work in Washington.
 Image

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 participated in the Pasco Economic Development Council's annual economic forecast.  The financial experts predicted continued rapid growth for Pasco County and urged leaders to plan for the impact.   

Image

My team also attended the Dade City Rotary Club last week to learn more about how the Club is supporting philanthropic efforts throughout the community. 

Image

Additionally, my team was proud to attend the opening of James A. Haley's new mental health outpatient clinic which will provide the necessary support our Veterans need and deserve.  

Image

 

Constituent Corner

My office recently received this message from a constituent after successfully obtaining copies of her late husband's military records. 

Thanks a million for Joanne's help getting me a copy of my husband's records.  I needed those to be able to apply for help for surviving widow benefits through the VA.  Joanne was an absolute saint through everything and she got the job done so quick! 

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!  

 

Sincerely,
Image

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

Rep. Gus Bilirakis | 2354 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515
imageimage