Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise a little off topic to honor two extraordinary young women who are here with us today in the gallery, Lauren Henschel and Taylor Davis, for receiving the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. At age 12, Taylor found out that due to budget constraints her school was considering canceling art education. So she sent handwritten letters to 45 art supply CEOs in United States and Europe, securing $30,000 worth of donated art supplies. Now 13, Taylor has started a nonprofit called The Traveling Canvas to provide arts education to students around the world. At age 14, when Lauren saw her father struggling with psoriasis, she took action, spearheading the country's first psoriasis fund-raising walk. In the last 4 years, Lauren's vision has spread nationally, raising more than $750,000 for the National Psoriasis Foundation. And in the spirit of this legislation and promoting research, I know we are all proud of her accomplishments. When Lauren herself was diagnosed with psoriasis--and remember that she is 14 years old--she said the following: I now understand that if anyone on earth should have been diagnosed, it was me, so I could use all of my abilities to make a difference for the millions of sufferers around the world. Lauren, Taylor, through your actions, you remind us that our capacity to help others is truly limitless. Congratulations, you are both truly the pride of the Sunshine State.”