[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 52 (Friday, March 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    HONORING LOUIS G. BETZ, JR. AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Louis G. Betz, Jr., a lobbyist and political 
strategist, lived his entire life in his beloved Tampa. Louis began his 
political life in 1992 as a campaign manager for a successful 
Hillsborough County Commission race. This led to the launching of Louis 
Betz and Associates, a full-service lobbying firm both at the state and 
local levels. Clients ranged from Fortune 500 companies to small start-
up companies, as well as not-for-profits. His campaign experiences 
included local, state, and federal elections on both sides of the 
aisle. He worked proudly and tirelessly for his clients. He was always 
known for his integrity, perpetual optimism, and pure relentlessness.
  Louis led the charge to pass the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, 
which allows cities and counties to implement and utilize red light 
camera safety programs. He believed this program, enacted in 2010, 
would save lives, and he was instrumental in the statewide 
implementation.
  In 2011, working with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and various 
other organizations, Louis worked hard to help pass the landmark sexual 
assault legislation, Walk in Their Shoes Act, that expands the 
admissibility of collateral crime or ``similar fact'' evidence in cases 
where a person is charged with child molestation or a sexual offense. 
The Act also authorizes the use of service or therapy animals in courts 
hearing sexual offense cases.
  In 2014, Louis proudly organized and brought back Hillsborough Day to 
the Florida Capitol to showcase the community to decision-makers in 
Tallahassee. This annual event still continues to this day.
  In 2020, after a double lung transplant, Louis founded More 
Transplants More Life (MTML) dedicated to improving the processes to 
allow for more organs for transplantation to individuals waiting on the 
national organ transplant list and to provide support for patients and 
living donors.
  Louis was also very involved in his community, serving on the 
Wellswood Civic Association (1988 to 1995), Tampa Homeowners 
Association of Neighborhoods (THAN, 1988 to 1996), Mayor's Blue Ribbon 
Panel, the University of Tampa Board of Counselors (1995 to 2002), 
Mayor's Blue Ribbon Panel, serving under Mayor Dick Greco (1995), 
Joshua House Board of Directors (1996 to 2006), Museum of Science and 
Industry Board of Directors (1997 to 2003), Cubmaster for his son's Cub 
Scout Pack (2004 to 2006), member of the Italian Club of Tampa and 
Florida State Fair Authority Board member (serving with State 
Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson). Louis 
also organized, along with state representative Ed Narain, Senator 
Arthenia Joyner's 50 year anniversary for practicing law (2020).
  Louis' biggest passion was helping people. His heart and his brain 
rivaled in size. He thrived being challenged, hence his trademarked 
signature line, ``You Can't Beat Relentless''.
  He dearly loved his country, the state of Florida, and his Tampa 
community. Most of all he loved his family--his high school sweetheart, 
Jill Ippolito Betz, his children. Victoria and Louis III, as well as 
his grandchildren. Family was always first, and as he always reminded 
everyone, ``I'm the happiest guy you will ever meet,'' and he lived it 
every day. Words to live by.

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