Jay Collins: Our veterans need Rick Scott in Washington

Serving our country in the United States Army was one of the greatest privileges of my life. Now, as a state Senator, there’s nothing I am more passionate about than ensuring every veteran receives the support, resources and respect they deserve.

While fighting for our veterans, I’ve met some incredible people who share my commitment to better serving those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. None are more committed in this fight than Sen. Rick Scott.

Scott’s service to our country extends beyond his political career; he is also a Navy veteran. His military background gives him a profound understanding of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and their families. This personal connection drives his relentless advocacy for veterans’ issues, ensuring that those who have served our nation receive the support and recognition they deserve.

During his tenure as Governor of Florida, Scott implemented numerous initiatives to benefit veterans. He spearheaded efforts to enhance veterans’ access to health care, education and employment opportunities.

Under his leadership, Florida became one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation, with programs designed to support veterans and their families in every aspect of their lives.

Now, as a U.S. Senator, Scott continues his mission to serve veterans. His position on the Armed Services Committee allows him to influence critical policies that directly impact the lives of those who have served. He has consistently pushed for increased funding for veterans’ health care, mental health services and benefits. He has secured significant funding to expand access to affordable child care for military families so they can focus on their important jobs knowing their kids are being taken care of. His advocacy extends to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring that veterans receive timely and quality care.

He gets it, and Florida’s veterans are better off for it.

Despite the significant progress made, we both recognize there is still a long way to go to ensure our veterans are taken care of. The challenges they face are complex and multifaceted, ranging from health care and housing to employment and mental health. There are still far too many homeless veterans, and suicides continue to be at an unacceptable rate for those who sacrificed so much for all of us. It is crucial to have a leader like Scott, who not only understands these issues but is also committed to finding real solutions.

Scott’s proven track record and his deep personal commitment to veterans, military members and their families make him the ideal candidate to continue this vital work. His dedication to our country’s heroes is evident in every legislative action he takes and every policy he supports. As veterans, we need a strong advocate in Washington who will tirelessly fight for our needs and ensure that our sacrifices are honored with the support we deserve.

I urge my fellow veterans and all Floridians to join me in supporting Sen. Scott for re-election. His leadership, experience, and unwavering commitment to veterans make him the best choice to continue representing us in the U.S. Senate.

Together, we can ensure that our veterans receive the respect, care, and opportunities they have earned through their service to our nation.

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Sen. Jay Collins represents SD 14, which covers parts of Hillsborough County.