The Webster Wire

Listening to Floridians

Dear Friends:

Today is National Purple Heart Day – an opportunity for us to remember the men and women who have been wounded or killed in service to this nation. In my role as U.S. Representative, I have made bringing serious reform to the VA a priority. From recently passing legislation the fully funds veteran healthcare and benefits, to increasing accountability at the VA, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to provide our veteran and their families with the care and attention they deserve and have earned. We owe our veterans a debt we can never repay.

Important Deadline for Veteran Benefits 

Last year, legislation that expands VA healthcare benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances was signed into law. While there is no deadline to apply for new benefits, claims for retroactive benefits must be submitted by Wednesday, August 9. Even if you have been previously denied benefits or are uncertain if a medical condition is linked to service, it is recommended that you still apply. To file a benefits claim or to find more information, click here or call 800-698-2411.

Working with veteran liaisons offices, in the last 7 months my office has gotten more than $1 million returned to veteran constituents in delayed benefits, pension payments and more.  The federal government is a massive operation, and my staff are available if you need assistance in navigating the bureaucracy or cutting through red tape. Please call my office at 352-241-9220 if you need assistance, we are here to serve you.

Seeing and Serving You

It was great to meet with Samuel Davis Jr, General Manager, CEO, and Registered Agent, as well as board members and the leadership team of Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) last week. We discussed how LANGD plans to use the $3.1 million Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) grant to fund repairs, rehabilitation or replacements to natural gas pipeline systems. These projects will ultimately help provide clean, safe and reliable natural gas to local communities. I also shared an update on the work I’ve done in Congress to help restore our country’s energy independence, protect access to natural gas appliances and bring down the cost of energy and gas.

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As teachers and students prepare for the upcoming school year, I spent time with teachers at the South Lake Chamber Teacher Appreciation Breakfast and Fruitland Park Elementary School Back to School Breakfast put on by Bless Fruitland Park. It was great to share encouraging words with teachers and administrators as they prepare for the upcoming year. The commitment of our nation’s educators to students is a model of the life-changing impact a dedicated educator can have on a community and on the individual lives of students. I appreciate those who devote themselves to Florida’s future by investing their time and talent in Florida’s students.

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I also stopped by the Sumter County School District Board Meeting and Polk County Sheriff’s Office with Sheriff Grady Judd to present backpacks filled with school supplies to support students for the upcoming school year.

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It was great to meet Peter Miraglia, Executive Director of Camp Geneva last week. Camp Geneva is a 100-acre camp located in the heart of Central Florida in Fruitland Park that offers retreats for churches and families throughout the year. I toured the camps facilities and learned about the camp’s history in Central Florida. Strong families make strong communities are a critical to the health and strength of our nation.

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Last week, I met with Laurie Maring and Jessica Aybar, the mother and daughter team that are the co-directors of the South Lake Pregnancy and Family Care Center. We toured the center and heard about how the center has changed lives and is making a difference in the community. I have pushed for improved healthcare access and prenatal care and advocated for pregnant women to receive the care needed to reduce the number of high-risk pregnancies and pregnancy-related deaths across the nation. Centers like the one Laurie and Jessica direct provides expectant mothers with many of these needed services.

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s historic decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, more than 50 violent attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers and another 150 attacks against Christian churches were recorded. Last year, I took action in Congress to condemn these attacks and worked with colleagues to urge the DOJ to defend centers against these attacks and prosecute the perpetrators.

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On Thursday I met with Pastor Sidney Brock of Heritage Community Church in Fruitland Park and toured their food pantry ministry, Beyond The Walls. It was great to learn more about how Heritage Community Church is serving the community and helping to feed our neighbors.

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Pam Jones, my Community Relations Representative for Lake County, attended the Kiwanis Club of Clermont on Tuesday with President Chuck Seaver. The Club presented Trish Kry, the Executive Director of The Neighborhood Center of South Lake with a check for $7,000 raised to help support The Neighborhood Center’s summer feeding program. Each week, the Center assists 350-400 families from South Lake County.

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Cindy Brown, my Community Relations Representative for Sumter County, volunteered with operation Bless Wildwood and Oxford Assembly of God to welcome and thank the administration, teachers and staff at Wildwood Intermediate School at their Back-to-School breakfast meeting. Thank you, Principal Summer Shirley, Vice President Laticia Crosby, Vice Principal Steve Rockey, as well as every faculty member, teacher and support staff for your dedicated service to our children and their families in Sumter County!

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Pam also attended the South Lake Chamber Ribbon Cutting for the 360 Florida Real Estate School Inc. with Executive Director David Colby. The school offers online and in-person courses from Instructor Patti Omalley. Many ambassadors and chamber members came out to celebrate as Ms. Omalley cut the ribbon.

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On Saturday, Cindy Brown joined Jim Krom, Executive Director of the Refuge at Jumper Creek for their Family Back to School Fest. The event featured games, raffles and many vendors offering information about sports and educational opportunities for children and families, with volunteers giving out school supplies for students. The Refuge is a 501c3 non-profit located in Bushnell that provides emergency housing, faith-based educational development and support services for homeless families with a commitment to a Christian environment. Thank you, Jim Krom for your dedication and devotion to helping families in Sumter County.

Your servant,

Daniel Webster
Member of Congress