Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor this year's Orlando Sentinel's Central Floridians of the Year, JJ Holmes and his mother, Alison Holmes. Together, they are a force, not just in central Florida but across the entire State and country. JJ has a severe disability, but he hasn't allowed that to stop him from speaking out and advocating tirelessly for our disability community. His mother, Alison, shows up every day to care for JJ and to stand up for families across the country just like theirs. Their advocacy and their continued work started 10 years ago when JJ was just 12 years old and was removed from a Trump rally in 2016, after protesting the President's mockery of a reporter with a disability. For over a decade, they have continued to speak out at the local, State, and Federal levels, advocating for expanding Medicaid, closing coverage gaps, quality healthcare, and affordable healthcare for everyone. The way that they lead with love and courage should stand as a testament to their strength and the amazing work they do. Central Florida is stronger because of both of them. I congratulate both JJ and Alison on this honor. I thank them for never giving up on the fight to build a more inclusive world for everybody, no matter who you are. I am so proud to be in this work with them. ____________________”