Beverly Ledbetter is running as a Democrat for the District 38 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
1. Why are you running for this office?
I am running for the Florida House to represent the people of District 38, not large corporate interests. I want to be a voice for public education- for our children and our teachers. Our district has a high poverty rate – 33% of our residents live below the poverty line.
I want to be a voice for those who can not speak for themselves. The most vulnerable of our citizens, the poor, the elderly, our children, need someone to stand up for them and be their champion.
I see the needs of our district from jobs to healthcare to better schools to building roads, and I believe I can make a difference. I know the issues. I know how Tallahassee works as someone who has been before committees and spoken out for issues affecting our residents. I am frustrated by the lack of respect for working families in Tallahassee. I believe we can do better. I believe I have the skills to be an effective legislator for East Pasco County. I believe the Florida House can be … Ledbetter!
2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?
Our District deserves someone who knows both the people and the issues facing eastern Pasco County. East Pasco County is a diverse district. It needs someone who has a diverse background.
As a former teacher, I understand the importance of providing for our children a quality education.Our family owns a small automobile repair shop, so I am familiar with the issues facing small businesses and making a payroll. Being a union member, I know the concerns of working families. As a cancer survivor, I know first hand how important having access to quality healthcare is.
In the same you are concerned with the future of your family; I am concerned for my children’s and grandchildren’s future – good jobs, a protected environment, and public safety. I understand living on a fixed income as a retiree. My experience will make me a good representative for all the people of District 38.
My understanding of the issues facing families in East Pasco is broad and deep. I have raised a family here, taught in the Pasco County school system, and worked to make our community a better place. I am invested in our community and committed to the citizens of our district. It is this experience that sets me apart from my opponent.
3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priority is representing the people of East Pasco in the Florida House. Legislatively that means to repeal the Nuclear Recovery Act, to expand Medicaid to include more working families, and investing in education. The Nuclear Recovery Act has allowed utility companies to charge its customers for a plant that will never be built – this needs to be repealed.
Many of my district’s workers are caught in the “insurance hole” – making too much for Medicaid assistance and too little to qualify for insurance subsidies. These working families deserve access to affordable healthcare and Florida should expand Medicaid. Investing in our public schools is an investment in Florida’s future.
Vocational training, both in our schools and through cooperative programs with union apprenticeship programs, will attract businesses and grow our economic base in East Pasco providing jobs with a livable wage.
One other issue that is of importance to my district is the protection of the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Government is the largest employer in District 38. Police and fire fighters put their lives on the line for us daily. Teachers and school related personnel educate and work with our children. Hundreds of people work for our county and city governments. Many families depend on the FRS for a livable retirement. Florida made a contract with these employees and it should not be broken. The FRS has been found to be actuarially sound. It is financially healthy. We should honor our contract with our government employees. It is the right thing to do.