About TedTed Deutch

Senator Ted Deutch is an accomplished legislator who has passed legislation on critical issues benefiting seniors, public education, national security and victims of the Holocaust. Deutch, 43, was elected to the Florida State Senate in November 2006. His senate district consists largely of Palm Beach County with portions of north Broward County.

While in his first term in office and as a member of the minority, Senator Deutch passed two landmark legislative initiatives in the Florida Legislature. Deutch received national recognition and testified before Congress for his successful efforts passing the “Protecting Florida’s Investments Act,” which mandated that the retirement funds of Florida workers could not be used to support Iran’s illicit quest for nuclear weapons or aid genocide in Darfur. As a result of Senator Deutch’s efforts, the bill passed the legislature unanimously, and Florida became the first state in America to recognize the potential power of Iran divestment. He has continued to be a leader on this important issue by helping other state and local governments exercise their economic power to fight Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons.

In 2009, Senator Deutch authored the “Protecting Florida’s Health Act,” a public health initiative that will reduce youth smoking through an increased surcharge on tobacco products. The legislation will fund up to $1 billion in critical health care programs in Florida, including $50 million per year in dedicated cancer research funding. Ted’s ability to fund these critical health care programs, especially during a period of budget cuts, recently earned him national recognition as winner of the National Distinguished Advocacy Award given by the American Cancer Society.

In the Senate, Deutch has also passed legislation improving health care for seniors, promoting public education, and protecting children and our environment. In addition, he helped secure a new senior center in Palm Beach County and improved services for Holocaust victims.

Senator Deutch has long been a leader in community and philanthropic organizations. As a member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of United Jewish Communities, Ted organized over 2,500 people to march on Capitol Hill in Washington, pressuring Congress on a slate of vital issues affecting the well-being of children and the elderly. Ted’s commitment to public service earned him the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship, our nation’s memorial to President Truman. His civic and philanthropic work earned him the James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Deutch has also been honored for his efforts in the State Senate, including the Florida Education Association’s Champion of Public Education Award.

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Ted is the son of Jean Deutch and the late Bernard Deutch, who earned a Purple Heart serving his country during World War II. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted is an attorney with the Florida law firm of Broad and Cassel. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife of 18 years, Jill, his 14 year-old twin daughters, Gabrielle and Serena, and his 11 year-old son, Cole.

He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and the Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.


AWARDS

  • American Cancer Society, National Distinguished Advocacy Award, 2009
  • Univeristy of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine Legislative Champion, 2009
  • American Jewish Congress Distinguished Civic Achievement Award, 2009
  • Florida Bar Family Law Section, Chair's Award for Legislative Excellence, 2009
  • Florida Bar Equal Opportunities Law Section, Equal Opportunities in the Profession Award, 2009
  • Florida Hospital Association, Legislator of the Year, 2009
  • Private Care Association of Florida, Legislator of the Year, 2009
  • American Social Health Association, Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • Florida Association of Counties, County Champion Award, 2008
  • FEA, Champion for Public Education, 2008
  • FACTE, Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • Palm Beach County League of Cities, Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • ORT America, Tikkun Olam Award, 2008
  • Healthy Florida Alliance, Legislator of the Year, 2008
  • American Cancer Society, Legislator of the Year, 2008, 2007
  • Florida AFL-CIO, Legislator of the Year, 2007
  • FEA, Friend of Education Award, 2007
  • Boca Delray Democratic Club, Person of the Year, 2007
  • Miami Herald, "Freshman Most Likely to Succeed", 2007
  • Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, James and Marjorie Baer Leadership Award
  • South Florida Business Journal, Up and Comer's Award Finalist
  • Harry S. Truman Scholarship Recipient
  • United Jewish Communities National Young Leadership Cabinet
  • American Israeli Public Affairs Committee New Leadership Network