Chairwoman Ileana Garcia Advocates for Florida Families in Congress

Washington, D.C.- Florida Senator Ileana Garcia (R) headed up to Washington D.C. to discuss policy initiatives beneficial to vulnerable children and families.

Senator Garcia is the acting Chairwoman of the Florida Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs. Garcia joined the Florida Senate in 2020 and has since been extensively involved with initiatives seeking to support children and families. She has emerged as a point of reference for the struggle against minor neglect and abuse and for efforts to strengthen families in Florida.

During her trip to Capitol Hill, Garcia met with various experts, policymakers, and advocates involved with policies affecting displaced children.

“We discussed the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address the mental and behavioral issues these children often face,” explained Sen. Garcia.

Early intervention into the lives of impacted children was underscored. “By identifying and addressing mental and behavioral issues at an early stage, we can provide these children with the necessary support and resources to overcome their challenges,” stated Garcia.

Specifically, Garcia is lobbying for the passage of House of Representatives Bills 3852 and 4056 introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn and Gus Bilirakis, respectively.

Representative Dunn’s measure would increase foster care options by extending federal funding eligibility to certain foster-care facilities. Cottage family homes, which offer a family-like living environment in a single-family residence with 24hr parental supervision, could receive previously inaccessible federal funding if Dunn’s measure is successful.

Meanwhile, Representative Bilirakis’ bill aims to plug an alleged statutorial hole that has resulted in the denial of medicaid reimbursement funds for select foster-care facilities.

Garcia took advantage of her trip to D.C. to laud her Floridian counterparts’ “unwavering dedication” towards the betterment of the Child welfare system.

Highlighting her desire to continue cooperating with national politicians, Garcia remarked that “by working together, we can create a brighter future for those who need it most.”