Congressman Maxwell Frost Takes Orlando’s Questions on Future of Democratic Party, Lowering Costs, Federal Funding Freezes and More on Reddit
Congressman Frost’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) received over 81,000 views, 1,000 upvotes, and over 350 comments and questions from Redditors in Central Florida.
ORLANDO, FL — Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) joined Reddit users on the r/Orlando subreddit this past Friday to answer questions from Central Floridians concerned about the latest actions from the Trump Administration and what the Congressman is doing to fight back on various issues. Users asked various questions about the state of the economy, the dismantling of federal agencies, federal funding cuts to crucial programs, and the future of the Democratic party.
In case you missed it, here are some of the highlights:
During the AMA, one user asked the Congressman: Do House Democrats have a plan to offer an alternative to Trump's economic policy?
Congressman Frost replied: “My belief is that we can’t just oppose Trump’s billionaire takeover, we must provide our vision. The vision must be based in the reality that most working people are facing: shit is too expensive and living is unaffordable. Nobody wants to hear about how we’ll marginally make things better, they want bold, transformational change.
Expanding Medicare to cover all Americans so no one has to decide between a medical bill and their rent. Speaking of rent, ensuring that we up the inventory of affordable housing and pass robust protections for renters. Holding corporations accountable for price gouging and price fixing which is contributing to the high costs of living. Raising the minimum wage because nobody can live off of $7.25 an hour. We have a great thing going for us because our agenda is popular. We must forcibly oppose this billionaire takeover and in the next breath, give our vision.
We’re fighting to reclaim this narrative back and to put forward real solutions to give people results. While the Republicans are focused on covering up their SignalGate scandal, Democrats are working on lowering costs. I have been championing price-lowering legislation to fix the property insurance price crisis, decrease grocery prices, ban excessive hidden fees in rental housing, cap the cost of prescription drugs, including EpiPens, and help our community save on medical bills during hurricanes.”
Another user whose daughters’ school will be losing a large portion of their Title I funding asked the Congressman: I worry that the school will lose their free lunches program. I'm fortunate enough that that won't affect my children personally, but there will be plenty of children affected. What are you doing to fight back for education?
Congressman Frost replied: “Title I funding is especially important in a state like Florida, where the state government not only shows disinterest in the needs of marginalized communities, but is actively trying to dismantle public education.
I am proud to be the son of a retired public school teacher. My mom taught special needs students for 37 years. In February, when it was clear that the Department of Education was under threat, I marched with other Members of Congress to the Department’s doors. It took Department of Homeland Security officers in body armour to keep us out. No matter what Trump says, it will take an act of Congress to truly dismantle the Department of Education, so it is incredibly important that elected officials know how unpopular that goal is. I have been working to organize people in that effort. Parents, teachers, school administrators need to let their elected officials at all levels know that they oppose Trump’s desire to abolish the Department of Education. Making progress at the state level in Florida is hard, which makes a strong Department of Education even more important.”
Another Reddit user asked: I am concerned about Second Harvest getting its government support cut. Is there anything you can do to help?
Congressman Frost replied: “For folks who are catching up on this news, this week the Trump Administration canceled shipments of food for Second Harvest, and we just found out it’s likely not a temporary cut. Being hungry is a tragic and terrible experience that harms people’s physical and mental health and Second Harvest plays such an important role in preventing that. I was able to secure $200,000 for Second Harvest to help them save money on their monthly energy costs to store food, but I’m going to continue to fight for resources for our partner. Over 300 local partners in my district (churches, food pantries, etc.) rely on Second Harvest to help them get food out to our community and the individuals and families that need it.”
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