Scott Powers
The union local for Oviedo firefighters has announced its endorsement of Republican state Rep. Mike Miller for Congress, his campaign announced Wednesday.
The announcement comes from the Oviedo Professional Firefighters Local 3476 citing his work in the Florida House of Representatives on behalf of first responders, particularly for eligibility for benefits for those suffering symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Miller, of Winter Park, taking on Democratic U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy of Winter Park for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, representing Seminole County and north and central Orange County.
“Mike has worked tirelessly to support first responders and ensure we can receive the same benefits for PTSD as they can for physical injuries,” a letter from the firefighters stated. “He listens and understands the challenges we face every day. We are proud to support his campaign for Congress and look forward to him representing us in Congress! Thank you again for your dedication to our first responders, the letter concluded.”
Also, on Monday, a law that allows first responders in Florida to receive workers’ compensation for PTSD went into effect, thanks to the bipartisan efforts of Miller and Democratic Rep. Matt Wilhite of Wellington during the 2018 Legislative Session.
In 2017, Miller filed an amendment to workers’ compensation legislation that removed the requirement that claims could only be filed for physical injuries sustained on the job. The following year, Wilhite, a first responder himself, decided to file Miller’s amendment as a free-standing bill, and the two legislators worked to ensure its passage.
“Providing relief for those suffering from PTSD is one of the issues I am most proud to have been a part of in Tallahassee,” Miller stated. “Working alongside Democratic colleagues, like Rep. Wilhite, is how I will continue to work in Washington.”
