Lakeland, Fla. – Representative Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland), Chair of the House State Affairs Committee, today released the following statement regarding Governor Scott signing the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act into law.

“I applaud Governor Scott for signing the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act into law today.  I also want to thank Senator Siplin for championing this important legislation in the Senate.

“It’s essential that children adopt healthy eating habits at an early age and that starts with the meals they eat in their school’s cafeteria each day.  By moving the school nutrition program to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services we ensure that schools have direct access to Florida’s freshest fruits and vegetables from our state’s agriculture community, kick-starting healthy eating habits early.

“I am confident that the school nutrition program will thrive under the leadership of Commissioner Putnam and that we will see our schools’ cafeteria menus become healthier and in turn our state’s children will lead healthier, more productive lives.”

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“The Moffitt Momentum Award is our way of honoring outstanding public servants who have been tireless advocates for Florida citizens battling cancer,” said William Dalton, Ph.D., M.D., Moffitt’s President, CEO and Center Director. “The leadership of these legislators has been instrumental to building our cancer center’s momentum and for a wide range of public policies that benefit cancer patients in Florida.”

The following legislators are the 2010 Moffitt Momentum Award recipients:

Rep. Marti Coley (Marianna, FL)

Ardent supporter of cancer research initiatives throughout the state, including Bankhead-Coley biomedical research grants and the Florida Cancer Control Research & Advisory Council.

Rep. Oscar Braynon, II (Miami Gardens, FL)

Advocate for statewide cancer initiatives and patient protection policies. Strong proponent of state investment in cancer research as economic development and business growth mechanism.

Rep. Seth McKeel (Lakeland, FL)

As Chair of the Bay Area Legislative Delegation, galvanized Tampa Bay lawmakers in support of state funding for research and treatment initiatives at Moffitt Cancer Center and throughout Florida.

Sen. Ronda Storms (Brandon, FL)

Vigorous advocate for variety of measures to provide funding for cancer research to improve survival rates for cancer patients throughout Florida.

Rep. Will Weatherford (Wesley Chapel, FL)

Outspoken advocate for state investment in Moffitt’s statewide research enterprise, including support for ongoing scientific investigations as well as development of new cancer research facilities.

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center – a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt’s sole mission is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

“I congratulate Lakeland’s new Mayor-elect Gow Fields and City Commissioner-elect Phillip Walker. Their election is historic for our community and my party. Both men share a vision for regional economic cooperation and their election presents a unique opportunity for Lakeland to thrive in a new era where a regional economic approach with Tampa and Orlando is critical.

“I’m hopeful that Lakeland will do our part by partnering with Mayor Fields and City Commissioner Walker to enhance cooperation with our neighbors on regional economic matters. I look forward to working in partnership with them both in the years ahead.”

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“The small business owners of the Florida Solar Energy Industry Association understand that it is going to take a combination of measures – conservation, alternative fuel sources and increased domestic production – to ensure abundant and affordable energy to move Florida and America forward.

“Every other Gulf State is utilizing their available energy resources, and so should Florida. Moving forward with energy exploration off Florida’s coasts helps maximize our resources to build a bridge to the clean technology of the future and the new jobs that solar energy technologies will provide for Floridians.

“It’s a commonsense approach in these tough economic times, and Florida’s solar energy leaders deserve recognition for being foresighted in their approach to our state’s energy future.”

For more information or to sign up to help contact Joseph Agostini (850) 488-1993

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