State

State Sen. René García & State Rep. José Félix Díaz, 2016 Excellence in Public Policy Award

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• published: 26 Aug 2016
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2016 Champions for Children Awards Ceremony August 25, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/providers/news/events Excellence in Public Policy Award For championing children’s rights through dedicated public service State Sen. René García State Sen. René García’s commitment to equal-access health care for all children fueled a seven-year legislative battle that ended earlier this year, when a five-year waiting period was struck down to allow legal immigrant children to apply for KidCare health coverage. It is but one victory the Hialeah native has realized for children and families. Born to working-class Cuban-American parents, García was elected to the Hialeah City Council at the age of 24, where he served until 1999 while earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida International University. After being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, García went on to obtain an MBA in health administration and policy from the University of Miami. Elected to Florida’s State Senate in 2010, García has proven to be a passionate leader and advocate for children, the elderly and the disabled. Having served as the chair of the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation, chair of the Health Services Subcommittee and chair of the Florida Hispanic Caucus, he has developed expertise in areas such as health policy, local community affairs and education. He also serves as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, where he has introduced responsible, common-sense legislation to make Florida a healthier place to live. State Rep. José Félix Díaz State Rep. José Félix Díaz was born and raised in Miami-Dade County, and began a lifelong commitment to leadership and public service in high school and college. He graduated with honors from the University of Miami and went on to attend Columbia Law School, where he obtained his juris doctor degree. Upon graduation from law school, Díaz returned to Miami, earning admission to the Florida Bar in 2005 and subsequently joining the law firm of Akerman LLP. His practice includes litigation, land use and zoning. In November 2010, he reaffirmed his dedication to public service with his election to the Florida House of Representatives, where he is a tireless advocate for children’s issues, and where he pushed hard for the recent KidCare legislative victory. Locally, Díaz has served on the board of CHARLEE Homes for Children and is currently a board member at The Children’s Trust. He is also the chairman of the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation and of the Florida House Regulatory Affairs Committee.