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BIRTHPLACE: Bradenton AGE: 34 FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer Steube; son Ethan Gregory, 2 EDUCATION: J.D., University of Florida, 2003; Bachelor of Animal Science with honors, emphasis in beef cattle science, minor in agricultural law, University of Florida, 2000 PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: University of Florida Hall of Fame; U.S. House of Representatives, intern, 2000; United States Army, captain, active duty 2004-2008; Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, 2006-2007; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Army Service ribbon; Overseas Service Bar; Parachutist Badge; U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, 2005-2008; Chief of Detainee Operations 25th Infantry Division, Tikrit, Iraq; lead trial counsel, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Elected to Florida House of Representatives 2010, serves on the Energy and Utilities Subcommittee, Finance and Tax Committee, Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, Justice Appropriations Subcommittee and Select Committee on Water Policy. See a complete list of sponsored bills at www.myfloridahouse.gov; attorney, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., a complete bio is located at www.becker-poliakoff.com. FUN FACT: Competitive surfer and certified PADI dive instructor.
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What is your position on Citizens Property Insurance Co.? What role should the state play in insuring private property?
The state needs to ensure that Florida has a free-market-based property insurance structure to promote competitiveness and to enable Floridians to have the most cost-effective property insurance rates available for their specific location.
What is your position on the state of Florida regulating property insurance rate increases and pricing?
I support less regulation and more free-market competition.
Why should the state control property insurance rates when we know that this policy has restricted competition and limited the number of companies willing to sell property insurance here?
The state needs to lessen regulations so we do not restrict competition and more companies will return to Florida to write property insurance policies.
What is your position on:
School choice and school vouchers?
Support.
Teacher tenure?
In K-12 and the college level? Do not support.
What, in your view, is the proper role of state government in public education?
The role of state government in education should be limited and more power pushed to the individual county school districts to make the best decisions for their specific county.
What is your position on the FCATs?
The state of Florida needs some form of measurement for our student achievement to establish goals for both our students and our teachers. Currently the FCAT is that measurement. If there are other proposals for measuring student achievement then I would be happy to look at those proposals.
What is your position on the state providing corporate welfare to companies that either expand or move to Florida? How and why are these subsidies morally acceptable?
I do not support “corporate welfare.” I think through our tax structure and regulatory environment we can make Florida the best place in the country to start or expand your business. Due to the reforms we passed in the last two years, Florida is now ranked second in the country for the best business climate and we need to continue down that path so we can recover from this economic downturn.
Will you take the Americans for Tax Reform pledge not to increase taxes if you are elected or re-elected? If not, why not?
I have already signed the pledge, and in my two years as state representative I have never supported a tax increase. In fact, I have voted to reduce taxes every year I have been in the Legislature to lessen the burden of taxes on our small businesses and families.
Medicaid costs are increasing at almost double-digit annual rates. How do you think Florida should handle the growth in Medicaid?
Medicaid is tied to federal health care policy and Obamacare. Unfortunately, the federal government dictates most health care policy decisions and ties it to matching funds for Medicaid. I believe that Florida should be able to decide what is best for Florida’s Medicaid program and not the federal government.
What will be your top three priorities if elected?
Job creation, economic development and making Florida the best place in the county to live, work and raise a family.
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Manatee Superintendent keeps parents informed of budget message
05/23/13
After announcing the elimination of more than 250 jobs for next year, Manatee County Schools Superintendent Rick Mills directs principals to make the district's financial recovery plan available to parents. -
Jolly good fellow
05/23/13
Just as Observer advertising representative Bob Lewis loves to garden, he also cultivates relationships with all of his co-workers and clients. -
Going for the gold
05/23/13
Sisters Francesca and Elizabeth Martel returned victorious Monday, May 20, after a weekend at the Special Olympics of Florida State Summer Games, in Orlando. -
Pastry Art owner passes the cup
05/23/13
After owning Pastry Art for five years, Forrest Shaw sold the café to Chip and Katie Beeman, who own two local eateries, Main Bar, in Sarasota, and Katie’s Café, in Bradenton.
- May
23 Dissolving Anger and Hurt workshop (day 1)
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm - May
23 Everyday Blessings Fundraiser
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm - May
23 Ladies' Night at Darwin's on 4th
9:00 pm - May
24 Open House with Artist Nancy Hall: Fourth Fridays
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
