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Dear Neighbor,

Today, we celebrate renewal, hope, and the joy of new beginnings. May this special day fill your heart with peace, love, and gratitude. Whether you’re spending it with family, friends, or in quiet reflection, let’s embrace the spirit of kindness and rebirth that Easter brings.  Wishing you all a joyful and blessed Easter!  Please continue reading for a brief recap of my efforts last week. 

 
Protecting our Environment:  My colleagues and I are working to protect Florida’s pristine natural resources.  Click here to learn more about our efforts. 

Cutting Waste, Fraud and Abuse:  I agree with the Speaker; one of the best ways to strengthen Medicaid and other critical programs is to make sure those who are ineligible are not receiving benefits.  My bill, the LIVE BENIFICIARIES Act, is an important step in the right direction.  

Restoring Fiscal Sanity:  President Trump’s economic agenda is already driving lower costs for businesses and consumers.  We are delivering on the promises made to Americans and will restore an America First agenda!

If the Trump tax cuts are not extended, the average Florida family will see a substantial increase in taxes.  I am fighting for Florida's families and to ensure this does not happen.

Supporting Veterans:   It was truly my honor to be a part of the welcome home reception for last week’s 50th Honor Flight arrival ceremony for Veterans and their volunteer escorts. The West Central Florida chapter of the amazing Honor Flight program does a tremendous job making sure these American heroes know how much they are appreciated for their service and sacrifice. Thank you to everyone who helps make these special events happen.

I also had a great conversation with VA Secretary Doug Collins when he toured James A. Haley Veterans Hospital last week.  We are committed to improving the quality of care our nation’s heroes receive and aligning resources to support that mission.

Investing in Future Generations:  Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by Metropolitan Ministries to highlight their efforts to address teen homelessness.  Every child deserves the best possible start to life and as a community, we must continue working together to ensure no child falls through the cracks. 

Strengthening Properties to Prevent Future Loss:  The SBA has funds available to help residents and small business owners in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties make improvements to their properties that will help protect them against loss in future hurricanes. Eligible mitigation projects may include regrading landscaping for better drainage, installing a French drain or sump pump, and strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage. Click here to learn more or to apply. 

Learning from You:  Tomorrow at noon I’ll be hosting another tele-townhall.  Over 9,000 constituents participated during my March tele-townhall.  If you live in Florida’s 12th Congressional District and wish to participate, call the number below at the start of the call. 

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 attended a charity event to raise support for CASA Citrus County.  This organization provides critical support for survivors of domestic violence. 

My team also enjoyed the Pasco Economic Development Council's annuel Netfest event to learn more about the exciting economic opportunities that are available throughout our community.  

Additionally, my team was a proud participant in the Hernando County School Superintendent's Academy.  It is wonderful to learn how the Board and staff are working together to help students reach their highest potential. 

Constituent Corner

My team recently received this message after helping a constituent on a VA case. 

On Monday, April 7, I forwarded an email to Congressman Bilirakis’ Office to the attention of Joanne Papanikas.  This email explained that I was frustrated with the timing and handling of a disability claim that I had submitted on 11/21/2024, approximately 134 days prior, for Stage 3 Kidney Failure.  If you will recall, this claim had moved pretty much straight forward and moved to examination level 5, then suddenly moved to level 2 (received / reviewing submission) because of a totally unrelated item.  Ms. Papanikas indicated that this information would be forwarded to Ms. Sellas who would attempt to assist me in getting an answer and or understanding what was being done. Yesterday, when checking my VA PORTAL and reviewing the status, I noted that there was a benefit verification letter on that claim and then this morning noted that there was a second validation / approval notification in my files. 
I don’t know who did what and/or what the magical change was that moved my case from Step 2 to completion, but am convinced that the follow up, questions and words from your office was instrumental in this moving along.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE and this surely reinforces that GUS IS FOR US, and the strength and professionalism of the team.

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,

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress