Representative Matt Caldwell today received the endorsement of Senator Marco Rubio in his bid for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. [Read more…] about Sen. Marco Rubio Endorses Matt Caldwell
Rep. Matt Caldwell
Caldwell Announces Another Key Endorsement Block in Bid for Commissioner of Agriculture
Announces Support from Republican House Members from Central Florida
Representative Matt Caldwell today announced the endorsements of Republican House Members from Central Florida, in the sixth wave of endorsements announced by the campaign, which follows the unanimous support of Republican House members from South Florida, the Panhandle, Southwest Florida, and Northeast Florida delegations, as well as constitutional officers from across the state. Since launching his bid for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Representative Caldwell continues to travel the Sunshine State talking to voters, sharing his conservative message and building support for his grassroots campaign, which has raised $1.37 million to date and amassed nearly one million dollars cash-on-hand.
Representative Caldwell said, “I am proud to receive the endorsements from my colleagues from Central Florida. I hope to have the opportunity to serve the people of the great State of Florida as the next Commissioner of Agriculture and will continue to work hard in order to keep earning support from Floridians across the Sunshine State.”
The sixth wave of endorsements includes:
- Rep. Tom Leek (R-Daytona Beach)
- Rep. David Santiago (R-Deltona)
- Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford)
- Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood)
- Rep. Bob Cortes (R-Altamonte Springs)
- Rep. Mike La Rosa (R-St. Cloud)
- Rep. Rene Plasencia (R-Orlando)
Representative Brodeur said, “Matt’s in-depth grasp of the past and current state of Florida’s economy, along with his conservative principles make him the ideal candidate to guide our Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.”
Representative La Rosa said, “I am proud to endorse Matt Caldwell. Matt’s expertise in water and agriculture policies uniquely qualifies him as the best candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture.”
The Commissioner of Agriculture serves as a member of the Florida Cabinet and is critical to the foundation of Florida’s economy. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps the agricultural industry with its daily challenges, promotes Florida’s agricultural commodities, manages state forests, safeguards consumers, implements the school lunch program, and oversees the concealed-weapon license system. The campaign continues to travel across the Sunshine State as a part of Caldwell’s statewide #2LaneTravels Work Days Tour that highlights and showcases industries overseen as Commissioner of Agriculture.
Rep. Matt Caldwell Announces Tax Relief Plan for Florida Agriculture Post Irma
Representative Matt Caldwell today announced his proposed tax relief plan to help Florida farmers recover from the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The plan includes proposed cuts to Florida’s Tangible Personal Property Tax and Motor Fuel Tax, which are taxes that nearly every farmer, ag-related business, and small business pays.
Representative Matt Caldwell said, “After touring the state and observing the losses and damages incurred by the agricultural community, it is clear that we need to help Florida farmers get back to business. This legislative session we should pursue temporary tax cuts, which is a principled way to help farmers recover from the challenges they are facing post Irma. We should specifically consider reductions of the Tangible Personal Property Tax and the Motor Fuel Tax. These taxes affect nearly every farmer and temporary relief of these burdens would be a broad based way to provide relief without picking winners and losers.”
The Tangible Personal Property Tax levies annual property taxes against equipment, such as tractors, tools and production facilities, totaling more than $25,000. The Motor Fuel Tax levies taxes against the sale of motor fuel and agricultural businesses can currently receive a rebate of fuel taxes for off-road/farm use. The proposed plan would offer a rebate of the Tangible Personal Property Tax for the time the equipment couldn’t be used or was damaged from the storm and would extend the rebate of the Motor Fuel Tax to include on-road use related to storm recovery as well.
Rep. Caldwell: I will not take public finance dollars in bid for Commissioner of Agriculture
Rep. Caldwell: I will not take public finance dollars in bid for
Commissioner of Agriculture and call on others to pledge the same
Representative Matt Caldwell was the first statewide candidate to announce he would not take public finance dollars for his campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture. Additionally, he called on his opponents to make the same commitment.
Representative Caldwell said, “It is one thing to say you’re a conservative and another to lead as a conservative. As I campaign to serve as Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture, I will not take any public finance dollars.
“Furthermore, I challenge the other candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture – Democrat and Republican – to make the same pledge. Public financing of statewide political campaigns is a waste of taxpayer dollars and a disservice to Florida’s hardworking families.
“As I continue to travel across the Sunshine State, it is clear that Floridians are looking to elect a leader who not only runs as a conservative but lives by conservative principles. I have always been guided by those values and that is why, when I was elected into office in 2010, I rejected the pension program offered to legislators. I believe holding office is a sacrifice and a public service, not an entitlement.
“It may put a bullseye on my back but I have always defended conservative values, not big government and the status quo. It is a difficult fight and one that requires the right character, judgement, and values — but it’s worth it.”
Florida Mosquito Control Association and Rep. Caldwell to Discuss Upcoming Mosquito Season and Risk for Return of Zika
On Wednesday, March 15, the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) will be holding a press conference with Rep. Matt Caldwell to discuss the upcoming mosquito season, the risk for another and potentially larger Zika outbreak this year and the need for increased investment in control measures and research.
WHO: Representative Matt Caldwell
Andrea Leal – Executive Director, Florida Keys Mosquito Control District
Florida Mosquito Control Association members
WHEN: Wednesday, March 15 at 9:30 a.m. ET
WHERE: House Room 333 – “The Press Room”
