The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
What Can Your Elected Officials do for You?
Each month I write about different services that are available to seniors. If you are having trouble getting those services from local, state, or federal government then there is a place you can turn to that a lot of people don’t think of: YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. Constituent casework is a major function of their offices. Their staff can refer you to appropriate agencies for help and cut through red tape when dealing with federal, state, or county agencies. They can help expedite your receipt of services, and enable you to receive services you may need. They CANNOT give legal advice. It should be noted that speaking to a legislative aide is like speaking directly to your elected official. They run the office, have the ear of their bosses, and know how to get you the help you need.
When requesting help you should provide a detailed description of the problem and describe any actions already taken to address the issue. When visiting the office or mailing information, include copies of all documentation that support your claim or may be helpful, such as letters to and from agencies as well any forms. Senators Nelson and Rubio require that you fill out a consent form (available on their websites) giving them permission to assist you and to share their information with other agencies.
First, we need to understand who you go to for different issues. Caseworkers in Senate and Congressional offices specialize in various areas of concern to constituents. They can best help intervene with federal agencies. They have helped retirees resolve disputes with the Social Security Administration, assisted veterans in receiving long overdue military commendations, and filed complaints on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries related to fraud and other abuses. They also address problems with Veteran’s Benefits, Immigration, passports and travel visas.
Name: Congressman Ted Deutch
Address: 8177 Glades Road, Suite 211, Boca Raton 33434
Phone: 561-732-4000
Website: http://deutch.house.gov
Office Hours: M-F 8:30-5:30
Term of Office: two years
Name: U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Phone: 561-514-0189 or 888-671-4091
Fax: 407-872-7165
Website: www.billnelson.senate.gov
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: six years
Name: U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
Phone: 1-561-775-3360 or 1-866-630-7106
Website: www.rubio.senate.gov
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: six years
The offices of State Senator Joseph Abruzzo and State Representative Kevin Rader handle problems with state agencies. The most common issues they handle include nsurance Issues, Food Stamps, Unemployment Benefits, Medicaid, problems with condominium associations, and anything else relating to state law or services.
Name: State Senator Joseph Abruzzo
Wellington City Hall
12300 West Forest Hill Blvd, Suite 200
Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: 561-791-4774
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: four years
Name: State Representative Kevin Rader
Address: 561-218-5010
Phone: 9045 LaFontana Blvd, Suite 117, Boca Raton
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: two years
Century Village is located in unincorporated Palm Beach County. The County Commission oversees services in our area such as street light problems, zoning, roads, libraries, and community development.
Our County Commissioner is Mary Lou Berger. His office is the liaison between constituents and county departments. His office publishes a welcome guide to Palm Beach County. The County Directory of Services is available at www.pbcgov.com/publicaffairs or by calling 888.808.3127.
Name: Commissioner Mary Lou Berger
Address: County Courthouse, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach
Phone: 561-355-2205
Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: four years
It is important to let your elected officials know how their actions affect your life. Document how local, state, and federal programs have helped you and how cuts in services may hurt you. The State Legislature is in session until April 29th. Congress is in session year round. On the state level you can track bills and watch video broadcasts during this current Legislation by going to www.flsenate.gov or www.myfloridahouse.gov.
The staff of each Congressional or Legislative office tried to match up a person’s story or issues to the agencies that address their issues. They don’t have all the answers, but know where to find them. The staffs of our elected officials visit Century Village on the second Monday of the month from 10 AM-12 Noon in the Clubhouse.
Take an active role in determining government policies. Call, write, or email your Senator or Representative to voice your opinion on important matters that come before them. If there is an issue that you are for or against call your elected officials and voice your opinion. They keep track of who calls. Let the Senator and Representative know how their constituents feel about a particular issue. This helps them determine how to vote on an issue.
Issues of the day » Sen. Nelson’s take on news of the day.
Media releases » What the senator is doing to help Floridians.
News articles » Articles on significant issues in Florida.
Published columns » Sen. Nelson’s opinions in print.
Speeches and statements » Sen. Nelson in his own words.
