The care of the elderly, access to therapies for children with autism, and safety in neighborhoods are among the most pressing concerns for many families in Miami-Dade. These social issues are the focus of the campaign by the Republican candidate for State Representative in District 118, Marco Insua, who is seeking this position in the August primaries with proposals aimed at expanding community services and strengthening support for families in the county.
Expand access to assisted living facilities
One of the central proposals of their platform is to increase the availability of assisted living homes (ALF) and group residences in Miami-Dade.
To achieve this, Insua proposes reducing the minimum required distance between these centers, which is currently 1,000 feet (about 305 meters), to 650 feet (about 208 meters). The current regulations date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when the county's population was approximately half of what it is today, which—according to the candidate—restricts the opening of new care homes now.
In practice, the current rule prevents many projects from being approved because there is already another residence within that radius. Reducing the distance would allow for more spaces to be opened up for new licenses, particularly in residential areas where the demand for services continues to grow.
More attention close to families
According to the proposal, the change would also make it easier for assisted households to be closer to the communities where families live.
This would allow residents to stay within their usual environment and for family members to visit more frequently, avoiding transfers to other areas of the county or even to other cities to find available spaces.
For districts like 118, the impact could result in more spaces for older adults, people with disabilities, or individuals with autism, as well as a reduction in waiting lists to access these services.
More affordable housing and local employment
Another highlighted advantage is that many assisted living residences operate in adapted residential homes, allowing for the use of existing properties without the need to construct large facilities.
According to the proposal, this could help to reduce care costs, expand the range of services, and facilitate the establishment of small care homes within communities.
Additionally, each new center requires caregivers, nurses, cleaning staff, and administrators, which would also create more local jobs in the district.
Support for children with special needs and working families
The Insua campaign also prioritizes expanding access to therapies and specialized programs for children with autism and other developmental conditions.
The candidate proposes to strengthen mental health services and expand Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs, a therapy widely used to support children with autism spectrum disorders.
Marco Insua's platform also includes strengthening security in neighborhoods, supporting working families, and promoting greater educational opportunities for children and youth in the county.
Experience in education and community work
Marco Insua presents himself as an educator, community leader, and behavior analyst with over a decade of experience working with families in Miami-Dade. He earned a bachelor's degree in Education with a specialization in Biology, in addition to a master's degree in Psychology from the University of Zaragoza in Spain, and another in Applied Behavior Analysis from Walden University in Minnesota.
Throughout his career, Marco has worked in public schools and community programs, providing support to children and families facing educational and behavioral health challenges.
As part of his candidacy, Insua emphasizes that his proposals aim to address the real needs of the community, especially for families facing the challenge of caring for their elderly or finding specialized support for their children.
His campaign emphasizes a social and human approach to politics, with initiatives aimed at strengthening community support networks and improving the quality of life for residents of District 118.
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