Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Joseph ``Pepe'' Badia for his commitment to expand educational opportunities for our south Florida students. Pepe's latest philanthropic venture allowed for the establishment of a scholarship at my alma mater, Miami Dade College, in the name of its president, Eduardo Padron. Pepe Badia came to Miami at a young age, just like I did and so many others at that time, fleeing the regime of Castro. His father began a new business in a small storefront in Miami, where he and Pepe, by themselves, packaged spices by hand and distributed them to local bodegas around the city. Today, that small storefront has grown into an international giant known as Badia Spices. Pepe Badia has used his success to truly make a difference in our community, regularly donating portions of sales to many local and national charities and scholarships. I join with the Miami Dade College familia, but, truly, all of south Florida, in thanking Pepe Badia for making our paradise an even groovier place in which to live. Wishing Jay Kislak a Happy 95th Birthday”