U.S. Representative Kathy Castor highlighted a “meaningful and record-setting 2023” for the Tampa Bay area as she announced that her team worked to deliver over $13.3 million in aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses and families, including over $1.7 million to veterans and service members.
Over $1 billion in federal grants were secured for the community to invest in local schools and infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, lower costs, and foster safer, healthier neighborhoods.
“The Tampa and St. Petersburg constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of families, veterans and businesses,” Rep. Castor, a Democrat, said. “In a year with an unprecedented number of passport cases and the implementation of the historic Honoring Our PACT Act, my office has delivered favorable results to our neighbors and veterans across the Tampa Bay area. I am grateful for all that Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez, Damaris Gonzalez and Sean Saintil – as well as the entire Castor Team – did this year. I couldn’t be prouder of my dedicated casework team that went above and beyond working weekends to save many Tampa Bay families thousands of dollars as they faced disruptions in their overseas travel due to this year’s unprecedented surge of passport issues. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned, and that Social Security and Medicare benefits are delivered on time.”
The Democratic Congresswoman also talked about how federal grants helped Central Florida neighborhoods.
“Amazingly, 207 federal grants bolstered neighborhoods from West Tampa to South St. Petersburg and more – for a total of $1,030,242,000 including important investments in righting the wrongs of the past with inclusive highway connections, safer streets, and fighting the Black maternal health crisis,” Rep. Castor said. “I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor by revitalizing neighborhoods throughmeaningful environmental justice, supporting our youth, combatting extreme heat, and improving health outcomes for Black mothers and babies. There is so much to look forward to in the new year, as I champion investments that improve our lives through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to the Tampa Bay area and into your pockets.”
Other key issues facing voters and families were also addressed, showing the importance ahead of the elections this year.
“This year I was also proud to introduce legislation to protect our children online, create lasting solutions to the changing climate, and create more high-quality, affordable health care options,” the Central Florida Democrat added. “With over 30 pieces of legislation introduced, I kept your needs and best interests at the forefront of my work so I could continue to deliver for you and your families.”
There was also optimism for the year ahead, with a focus on keeping federal funds coming to Tampa.
“Looking ahead, in 2024 we will bring home more investments to Tampa Bay families and communities by addressing our neighbors’ most critical needs through the Infrastructure Decade, combatting extreme weather, and strengthening the health and safety of our neighborhoods,” Rep. Castor said. “The Tampa Bay area is a special community, and I will stand up for my neighbors to deliver solutions and advocate to bring every federal dollar home. I am grateful for the work of my team and the partnership of local leaders, businesses and nonprofits that allow our community to secure grants that will keep Tampa Bay an outstanding place to live.”
