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Economy

Darren believes the biggest issue facing our District and our Nation is the need for higher paying jobs. To meet these needs, Darren is working to foster strong long-term job growth by boosting existing high tech sectors in and around our District and supporting the robust tourism and agricultural industries which make up the foundation of our economy.

High Tech

Specifically, Darren supports further development of the University of Central Florida's Simulation and Training program in East Orlando, developing the biotech industry at Medical City in Lake Nona, promoting sensors manufacturing in Kissimmee-St Cloud, the data storage and cybersecurity industry in Winter Haven, applied engineering programs at Florida Polytechnic in Polk County, and the space industry in neighboring Brevard County.

Over his legislative career, Darren has brought in millions of dollars in investments to support research and development and grow higher paying jobs right here at home.

Tourism

Visitors come from around the world to experience Florida's beautiful beaches, amazing theme parks, diverse native species, as well as our countless lakes, rivers and springs.

Darren successfully sought a seat on the Natural Resources Committee, to continue his career-long fight to protect our environment and quality of life and keep tourism going strong. He also supports the investments in airports, roads, railways, and ports infrastructure that we need to help employees get to work and visitors to their destinations.

Agriculture

Darren successfully sought a seat on the Agricultural Committee to support critical jobs for Central Florida and feed America.

He is fighting for continued funding to combat citrus greening which is hurting our groves, to advance cattle research, and to provide access to crop insurance for our emerging blueberry and peach growers.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit, Darren is working to ensure the smooth functioning of commodity exchanges, promote access to agricultural credit, and support rural development and electrification. This work benefits 9th District farmers, consumers, and our economy.

Supporting Working Families

Prosperity begins by making sure America's working families get ahead in life and can pursue the American Dream.

That's why Darren supports policies that keep and grow jobs in America, raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, strengthen collective bargaining rights and workplace protections, increase access to quality education and healthcare, and protect Medicare and Social Security for our seniors and future generations.

Finally, Darren is working to assist Florida's strong cultural and economic partner, Puerto Rico, as our neighbors work to recover from a long recession. He will work on the Subcommittees on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs, and on Oversight and Investigations to ensure fair implementation of the PROMESA Act and assist our friends and family on the Island in returning to economic prosperity.