Reporting back to my bosses, the citizens of Florida, is important to me. Open government and transparency are vital components of any well-functioning democracy, and it is a duty I take seriously.

This week, I had the opportunity to speak with news reporters and editors from around Florida who are tasked with the job of holding government accountable. This is the second time I have had the opportunity to speak with this group that reports news to millions of Floridians in every corner of our great state.

During our first meeting in January, I had only been Attorney General for three weeks. I announced an audacious plan to combat the opioid crisis, fight fraud and protect all Floridians.

A little more than 270 days after making those commitments, I was pleased to provide a progress report to the journalists at the Associated Press Legislative Planning Session. In January, I promised to create a Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse. Not only does Florida now have this Task Force, I have already chaired its first meeting.

We have made great strides to fight fraud. This year my Consumer Protection Division has obtained more than $128 million in recoveries through settlements and court-ordered relief. Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has obtained another $40 million in judgments and settlements.

We can still do better. That is why, I announced plans to seek a new cyber fraud team this legislative session. This team would be comprised of specially trained forensic investigators, accountants, prosecutors and Consumer Protection attorneys working side-by-side with law enforcement across the state.

To view the AP Day event, click here.

It won’t be easy. Nothing worth doing ever is, but making this commitment in front of the top news reporters and editors in Florida should demonstrate just how dedicated my team is to fighting fraud and protecting all Floridians.

By facing these challenges head-on, and reporting back to you, we can build a stronger, safer Florida.