Catholic Bishops of Florida Honor Representative Jose Felix Diaz with Defender of Dignity Award

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Representative Jose Felix Diaz, District 116, Miami, was honored on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops Defensor Dignitatis (Defender of Dignity) Award for his ongoing, courageous and valiant defense of the dignity of the human person.
 
The award was presented by Michael McQuone, associate director for health, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, at the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol luncheon attended by the Catholic bishops of Florida, several state lawmakers and more than 300 Catholic faithful from across the state.
 
McQuone said, “Recognizing health care is essential for human flourishing, Representative Diaz began a multi-year crusade to ensure those who are most vulnerable, such as children, immigrants and families with lower incomes, have access to the Florida KidCare insurance program.”
 
Due to Representative Diaz’ sustained efforts Florida law was changed to remove a five-year waiting period and allow legally-residing immigrant children to qualify for essential health care benefits, including preventive care, from birth.
 
A graduate of St. Brendan Catholic High School, Representative Diaz was elected in 2010 and now serves the people of the Westchester area of Miami, the same area where he was born and raised. He currently chairs the House Regulatory Affairs Committee, and he and his wife, Therese, have two sons, Dominick and Christian.