Congresswoman Kathy Castor is co-sponsoring an amendment today to the Republican-proposed 2012 budget that would turn back Republican cuts to schools, students and Head Start across America. The newly proposed Republican budget cuts elementary and secondary education (Title I) as well as Head Start and thousands of related jobs. Castor’s amendment is paid for by eliminating tax loopholes for major oil companies, corporate jets, and other special interest exclusions. Read more »

In response to a Republican-led proposal to terminate the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Congresswoman Kathy Castor highlighted today on the House floor the positive effects the initiative has had on neighborhoods throughout the Tampa Bay area. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today that she and Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise have created the bipartisan Gulf Coast Caucus to help address emergencies, and discuss legislation and policy affecting the Gulf Coast. Caucus members – Democrats and Republicans – will work together to find ways to boost the Gulf Coast economy and environment, which were severely affected by last year’s BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. The group’s work will focus on issues including oil-related restoration and recovery, hurricane response efforts, tourism and seafood marketing. Read more »

“Today, Gov. Scott turned his back on Floridians and sent our $2.4 billion in high-speed rail money, and the tens of thousands of jobs associated with it, to other states. Read more »

I read with interest over the weekend the letter from Warren Buffett, one of America's most renowned investors, to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. regarding his enthusiasm for rail investments. Buffett's thoughts provide an important lesson for Florida, job growth and our long-term economic future. Read more »

“I am devastated that Florida will lose thousands and thousands of new jobs to other states. We need those jobs and economic opportunities here. The governor's decision sends a terrible message to businesses that are looking at Florida for investment and hiring opportunities. Read more »

“Governor Scott’s decision demonstrates a devastating lack of vision for Florida and a lack of understanding of our economic situation. He should immediately reconsider his decision in order to save these jobs and not send the investment dollars to California and other states. Read more »

Officials today celebrated the grand opening of the $5.3 million extension of the TECO Streetcar Line from Channelside to a business district station on Whiting Street with a call for further expansion of transit. Read more »

“President Obama is rightfully focused on jobs and the economy and reducing the long-term debt and deficit. Read more »

Congresswoman Kathy Castor has been tapped to serve on the Armed Services Committee and the Budget Committee in the new 112th Congress. Castor sought the Armed Services assignment to focus on local jobs related to MacDill Air Force Base and the brave men and women who serve our nation, veterans and their families. Castor also sought a seat on the Budget Committee to work on cutting our nation’s deficit, which many economists say is among the biggest threats facing our nation. Read more »