Protecting our Environment
As the former Vice Chair of Agriculture in the State Senate, Maria believes that we must protect our most precious natural resources in Palm Beach County, so that our natural wildlife and climate can continue to be an asset for generations of Floridians to come.
Renewable Energy
While a member of the Comms, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee in the Florida Senate, Maria authored a bill to promote solar energy for use in residences and commercial buildings. After passing both chambers, it become an amendment the Florida constitution. It provides that Provides property tax benefits for the use of renewable energies systems in residential properties.
Supporting a Strong Local Economy
Palm Beach County is in a unique position to capitalize on the momentum of the emerging innovation economy of the 21st century. Our top tier research institutions have a prodigious commitment to leading our nation in innovation in the life sciences and high tech sectors. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and scientists alike have laid the groundwork in the development of innovation clusters focusing on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and information technology. Particularly in Southeast Florida, research universities heralded by Florida Atlantic University in the north, and Florida International University in the south, are joined by Florida Gulf Coast University, Nova Southeastern University, and University of Miami to create a "corridor" of high tech public-private partnerships in the Life Sciences industry. Analogous to Silicon Valley's stunning success, the link-up between Florida's top research universities and private institutes such as Mac Planck Florida Institute and Scripps Florida are emerging as initial players in Florida's economy. I believe in a knowledge-based economy that will bring economic growth through the Life Sciences. Together, we will revolutionize Florida's economy!