Politics

Medicare Advantage delivers for rural seniors – now’s the time to protect it

Published

7 hours ago

February 26, 2025

Prioritizing Medicare Advantage: Affordable health care for millions of rural Americans.

As President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term, our nation’s leaders have a crucial opportunity to prioritize programs that truly impact Americans’ lives. At the top of this list for me is Medicare Advantage, which provides high-quality, affordable health care to more than 34 million seniors — including over 4 million in rural communities.

As the executive director of the U.S. Rural Health Network — and the spouse of a Medicare Advantage enrollee — I see every day how Medicare Advantage enhances the lives of seniors in rural America. Many of our communities face unique challenges, and Medicare Advantage helps by offering additional benefits tailored to rural seniors’ needs. Many plans provide caregiver support, meal delivery, and transportation services, which are particularly valuable for those with mobility challenges or disabilities. Preventive care and early intervention also help keep seniors healthier longer, reducing the need for emergency care and costly hospital visits.

Medicare Advantage is a smart investment in rural seniors’ health. It caps out-of-pocket costs, offers affordable premiums, and ensures that seniors living on a fixed income don’t have to sacrifice their health care needs.

As Trump takes the podium at the State of the Union, seniors like me will be listening closely. He has demonstrated a commitment to lowering costs and expanding health care choices, and Medicare Advantage is a shining example of these principles in action. Now is the time for his administration and our Congressional leaders like Sen. Ashley Moody and Reps. Byron Donalds, Kat Cammack, and Anna Paulina Luna to reinforce their support for this vital program, ensuring that seniors in rural America — and across the country — continue to benefit from its affordable, high-quality care.

Protecting Medicare Advantage isn’t just smart policy — it’s essential for the millions of seniors who rely on it daily, especially in rural America.

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Cheryl Elias is executive director of the U.S. Rural Health Network.

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Politics

Donald Trump says Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House Friday to sign U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals deal

Published

11 minutes ago

February 26, 2025

May Greene

Trump made the announcement Wednesday at start of his first Cabinet meeting.

President Donald Trump says Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the White House on Friday to sign a critical minerals deal.

Trump made the announcement Wednesday at start of his first Cabinet meeting.

A full agreement could hinge on talks scheduled to take place in Washington as early as Friday, Zelenskyy said during a news conference in Kyiv.

The framework of an economic deal with the United States is ready, Zelenskyy said Wednesday, but it does not yet offer U.S. security guarantees that Kyiv views as vital for its war against the Russian invasion.

The agreed-upon framework is a preliminary step toward a comprehensive package that will be subject to ratification by the Ukrainian parliament, Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine needs to know first where the United States stands on its continued military support, Zelenskyy said. He said he expects to have a wide-ranging conversation with President Trump during the visit to Washington.

The economic agreement “may be part of future security guarantees, but I want to understand the broader vision. What awaits Ukraine?” Zelensky said.

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Republished with permission from The Associated Press.

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Politics

University of West Florida names Alex Smith as Director of External Affairs

Published

43 minutes ago

February 26, 2025

May Greene

A political player in Pensacola politics is moving into an advocacy role in academia.

The University of West Florida (UWF) announced that Alex Smith has been named Director of External Affairs for the Panhandle campus. He takes over the post Monday.

Smith is no stranger to the inner workings of Pensacola power brokers. He is leaving the post of Constituent and Legislative Liaison for the city of Pensacola. He was also Special Assistant to Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves.

While Smith might be transitioning to academia, that doesn’t mean he’s leaving politics entirely behind. As Director of External Affairs for UWF, Smith will manage and lead relations between the school’s President and initiatives with public and private agencies, organizations and stakeholders.

“I’m looking forward to working with Alex as we strengthen our service to the community, the region and the state,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “His energetic approach to the work will serve us well.”

Smith will also help in developing UWF’s vision and shepherd the school’s Master Plan, which is a guide for developing and expanding the campus and programs.

More in line with his experience in Pensacola politics, Smith will lead UWF’s legislative strategies. Smith will also be a conduit between the UWF President’s Office and the school’s Board of Trustees, as well as other panels and institutional bodies.

“I am honored to step into the role of Director of External Affairs at the University of West Florida,” Smith said. “UWF has a strong legacy of academic excellence and community engagement, and I look forward to working with (President) Saunders and her leadership team to continue to build meaningful and impactful partnerships in and beyond Northwest Florida for the students, staff and faculty.”

Smith is well-versed in fundraising efforts in a governmental context. He helped secure some $75 million in state and federal funds as the Legislative Liaison for the Mayor’s Office in Pensacola. He was also a key player in Reeves’ political campaign.

Smith is a product of Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Business Administration.

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Politics

Who will run for Byron Donalds’ seat in Congress?

Published

1 hour ago

February 26, 2025

May Greene

With U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds running for Governor in 2026, who will represent Southwest Florida in Congress?

A year and a half out from the 2026 Primary, nobody has formally filed. But political consultants in the region say a host of politicians and potential self-funders have already taken steps to jump into the race in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. That includes multiple candidates who served in Congress in other areas of the country.

Many expect Madison Cawthorn, a former North Carolina Congressman who moved to Lee County after losing a 2022 Primary, to get into the race. The far-right Republican has been politically engaged in Florida politics since his arrival in the state.

There are also many who wonder if former state Rep. Bob Rommel, a Naples Republican currently filed for a Florida Senate race, leaves that contest in favor of running for Congress. Should he do so, that may mean several political allies considering a run will stay out of the race. If he files for Congress, a substantial amount already raised in a political committee could be redirected to a federal super PAC, though federal law would require Rommel to relinquish control of how it gets used.

Other well-financed figures are also likely to jump in. That could include former U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, who represented New York but resigned amid an insider trading scandal. Collins had been the first member of Congress to endorse Donald Trump for President before he was convicted on federal charges. Trump pardoned Collins in 2020, and Collins has reportedly approached local consultants about potentially running again.

Jack Lombardi, a onetime congressional candidate in Illinois, already told Florida Politics before Donalds announced that he may run for the seat if it opens up.

“Should Byron decide not to seek re-election,” he said, “it is essential that the 19th District have a proven conservative representing it in Congress and supporting the Trump agenda. I would definitely consider being that person.”

Former Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis could also jump in. The investment manager and frequent CNBC guest now lives in Southwest Florida and could bring an opportunity to self-fund.

Catalina Lauf, another former Illinois congressional candidate who worked in the Commerce Department under Trump, has also moved to Florida and been suggested as a possible candidate.

Former state Rep. Spencer Roach told Florida Politics he is considering a run for the seat as well.

“I’ve been approached by supporters and donors around the district who are looking for a strong conservative with a proven record, and I’m listening,” the North Fort Myers Republican said. “The decision on whether I enter the race will be a very deliberative process, but I am giving it serious consideration.”

Jim Schwartzel, owner of 92.5 WFSX and President of Sun Broadcasting, has also spoken to political leaders about a potential run.

A host of sitting lawmakers all could jump in, but are not making a decision immediately.

“Today is Byron’s day,” said state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a Fort Myers Republican. “I’m focused on supporting him and ensuring we continue to build a strong conservative legacy in Florida.”

Others quickly ruled out the possibility. State Rep. Yvette Benarroch, a Naples Republican endorsed by Donalds last year, said she will not run for the seat. State Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, a former Senate President, has also ruled out a bid.

State Rep. Adam Botana, a Bonita Springs Republican, waved off the question. “I’ve got boats to wash,” he said.

Dane Eagle, a former state Representative and Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary, came in second to Donalds in a 2020 Republican Primary the last time CD 19 was an open seat. But he said he isn’t running this year. “I like my peaceful life,” he told Florida Politics.

Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell said he is watching the race but expressed no interest in running himself.

“I’m excited about what we are accomplishing in my current role as Property Appraiser,” the Republican said. “Southwest Florida absolutely deserves someone as talented as Congressman Donalds to represent us. We will see who throws their hat in the ring over the next few weeks.”

Another business owner sometimes considered a candidate for high office is Seed to Table owner Alfie Oakes, who at points has been seen as a political kingmaker in Collier County. But many suspect ongoing legal troubles will sideline Oakes from the race.

On the Democratic side, Donalds’ exit has less impact.

Howard Sapp, a Fort Myers Democrat who has previously run for Florida House, is expected to file Tuesday. Democrat Kari Lerner, former Chair of the Lee County Democratic Party, challenged Donalds in 2024. She closed the year with a little more than $5,500 still in her campaign account.

But CD 19 remains a Republican stronghold, where Donalds won more than 66% of the vote in November.

The district covers most of Lee County and the populous coastal areas of Collier County.

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