Dear friend, I am grateful to the local advocates, parents, doctors and hospitals who came together yesterday to discuss the challenges of serious drug shortages. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of drug shortages in America is at a five-year high, with a reported 30% jump in the number of drugs in shortage in 2022. This includes cancer drugs, albuterol for asthma, ADHD prescriptions, critical devices and more. Shortages have real-world impacts. Lifesaving care can be delayed or canceled, and patients may be left with less effective or more expensive treatment options.
To build more resilient supply chains, I have drafted legislation to address life-threatening shortages with the help of dedicated advocates like Laura Bray, so that our neighbors receive the medical care they need. Republicans in Congress are resisting efforts to solve the problem, but House Democrats will be pressing for action especially as we mark up legislation this month.
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Have you or someone you know struggled to fill prescriptions or get the medical devices you need?
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Alongside the White House and the Department of Commerce, I announced new help to deliver “Internet for All” - affordable, reliable high-speed internet infrastructure for Floridians! In partnership with President Biden, we are connecting families and small businesses, and building digital highways with $1.2B in federal support.
Infrastructure in the 21st Century isn’t just roads and bridges, it also reliable Wi-Fi through the Department of Commerce’s BEAD (Broadband Equity Access and Deployment) Program - the largest single investment in high-speed internet in history.
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I enjoyed listening to FL14 neighbors in Tampa and St. Petersburg during the District Work period!
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I toured St. Petersburg national semiconductor equipment manufacturer, Plasma-Therm to learn how the historic CHIPS and Science Act can bolster their work to create good-paying jobs and expand our American-made electric vehicles, space components, optics, advanced robotics and 5G networks. The CHIPS Act invests to bring the critical semiconductor chip manufacturing elements back to America. With the help of CHIPS investments, Plasma-Therm plans to expand their workforce, partnering with St. Petersburg College to support the production of chips for public and private sector partners. |
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The PSTA SunRunner from the ‘burg to the beach is convenient and fun! And now we are planning for expansion. The SunRunner is a great accessible option to keep you out of the extreme heat, connect communities, support our workforce and reduce congestion and air pollution. |
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Following the Pride celebrations in St. Petersburg, I toured Metro Health on Central Ave to discuss inclusive health care for all Floridians. All Americans deserve access to safe, inclusive health services no matter their race, gender identity or income. Look for new community-based Metro clinics near you. |
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Thank you to the hardworking HART employees, Councilman and Chair Luis Viera and HART CEO Drainville for visiting with me. We desperately need to improve transit options, and thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we can do it. This is the Infrastructure Decade and it’s past time to expand bus rapid transit, the streetcar, ferry service and more. Also, great to hear about my community funding project to improve bus shelters across the County. |
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It was great to see a packed house of my neighbors in East Tampa for a One-on-One event! I love hearing from my neighbors about issues that matter to them. Glad to hear that the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, Inflation Reduction Act, Safer Communities Act and PACT Act that are being implemented by President Biden are lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs and building safer communities. Stay tuned for our next One-on-One! |
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The Western Flyer research vessel at USF St. Pete is providing incredible learning opportunities for students in ocean research. From rising temperatures to red tide to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the Gulf ecosystem has seen significant changes and challenges over its lifetime. The research conducted aboard the Western Flyer is critical in helping to restore this important supporter of life, jobs and recreation while preparing the next generation of seafaring researchers. The Western Flyer has been awarded $3.4M in community project funding to increase surveillance of pollution from emerging chemical threats in Tampa Bay and more. |
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As always, my office is here to help by calling (727) 369-0201 or (813) 871-2817 to receive assistance with casework or other concerns. People over Politics, always! |
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Sincerely,
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Kathy Castor
Member of Congress
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