Larry Byrnes is a self-made man, a committed public servant, an internationally known leader in teacher education, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Guided by a set of core values, and a commitment to his family, community, and nation, Larry has dedicated his life to improving the quality of education and our quality of life in southwest Florida and beyond. Larry has the experience and proven effectiveness to bring the values we hold and the change we need to Congress.
Working For Excellence In Our Schools
In 44 years as an educator, including nearly a decade as a Dean and Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, Larry has worked to ensure that all children receive a quality education. Larry has helped train thousands of teachers for the classroom and, through business-education partnerships and the innovative use of technology, has developed creative and internationally recognized programs to help our children succeed in school and life.
In Congress, Larry will continue his work to ensure that our teachers are well paid and of the highest quality. He will fight for increased funding for early childhood education and programs that make it easier to afford college, particularly for students who are preparing to become engineers, scientists, medical professionals and teachers.
Promoting Economic Growth & Good Health
As the son of working class parents who worked to put himself through college, Larry understands the importance to our families of having good jobs at good wages. Larry supports economic incentives for companies who innovate, promote sustainable development, and keep those good jobs here at home.
Larry knows that our country's economy cannot grow to its full potential unless all Americans have ready access to affordable health care, including prescription medications and mental health care. A former athlete who has exercised virtually every day for over 50 years, Larry will also work to promote healthy lifestyles and fitness for all Americans, which will reduce the burden on our healthcare system.
Protecting The Environment
Larry believes that protecting the environment and promoting economic growth and our quality of life go hand in hand. He supports keeping our water and air clean, and protecting our public lands from misuse. Larry is also committed to helping America's innovators develop clean technology and alternative fuels.
Protecting Our National Security
Larry is committed to protecting our nation through a strong national defense, secure borders, redeploying our troops from Iraq, and providing America's men and women in uniform the training and support they deserve. Larry also believes that our nation cannot be truly secure until we have achieved energy independence.
Protecting Our Democracy
Larry believes that, as in daily life, honesty, ethics and integrity are essential to good government. Larry will help restore our constitutional system and the rule of law by supporting measures that ensure that our elected officials obey the law and preserve the constitutionally mandated separation of powers. In addition, Larry will work to preserve the integrity of our elections, ensuring that all voters can be confident that their votes will be counted as they are cast.
