Previewing the 2015 Legislative Session with Rep. Dana Young

In anticipation of the 2015 Legislative Session, FloridaPolitics.com is asking state lawmakers about their goals and priorities – and whether they support some controversial issues in the state..

Here are the responses from House Majority Leader Dana Young of Tampa:

In one word, how would you describe your expectations for the Session, i.e. “Excited.”

 “Successful!”

What’s a local issue you are making a priority this Session?

“My top priority for this session is implementation of Amendment 1 (the “Conservation Lands Amendment”) and the adoption of long-term, comprehensive, state-wide water policy to ensure our water supply for the future. This course of action is critical for the Tampa Bay region and the entire state of Florida.”

Are there special appropriations you are pushing for this Session?

“The Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation will be submitting joint budget requests for reasonable funding needs within Hillsborough County. We have not finalized our requests, but hope to do so soon. I’m looking forward to working within the Appropriations process in a bi-partisan manner with my Hillsborough colleagues.”

How would you find a way to expand health care coverage to the nearly one million Floridians left without coverage as a result of not expanding Medicaid?

“I support a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens, but I believe that Medicaid expansion is the wrong approach to strengthening that net. I believe it should be strengthened by continuing to find new and better market-based solutions that are sustainably funded and will provide Florida families and seniors with access to quality, affordable healthcare.”

Do you support Sen. Jeff Brandes’ medical marijuana bill? Greg Steube’s version in the House? Why? Why not?

“I think our first priority should be ensuring that the law we passed last year is properly implemented and functions as planned before we begin new discussions about expanding the usage of medical marijuana. And I believe that the Legislature is the proper forum for that debate to take place.”

How do you think the ongoing debate over 64-ounce growlers should be solved?

“The so called “beer wars” are a perfect example of over-regulation and government intervention designed to benefit one sector of the business community over another by restricting competition. The fight to “Free the Growlers” is a metaphor for fairness. I will continue to fight to tear down absurd government regulations that are stifling our small Florida craft brewers for the benefit of Big Beer.”

Would you support allowing grocery stores and other retailers to sell alcohol along with beer and wine inside existing stores by removing the law requiring a stand alone store? Why or why not?

“We have a bill in the House that addresses that issue and will begin to work its way through our Committee process [this] week. I look forward to hearing more about it from both sides and working with my colleagues to determine the best course of action for our state.”

Recent surveys have shown teachers and parents are largely frustrated with the state’s public education system. What would you do to improve morale among teachers, education professionals, parents and students?

“As part of the Work Plan 2015 joint agenda, the Legislature is committed to increasing funding and working to strengthen Florida’s education system. Our number one priority in education is to ensure that our schools are focused on student success. Our students deserve to receive a first-rate education that prepares them to succeed in today’s world. The Legislature’s efforts to set clear goals and measure learning gains have yielded remarkable results for our students. Of course, there is always more we can do to improve. I believe there are legitimate concerns from parents, teachers, and other education stakeholders about student assessments and school accountability, and that is something we will be taking a look at this session.”

As the state continues its transition to the new Florida standards instead of the Next Generation Sunshine State standards and previous Sunshine State Standards, many teachers worry the new more difficult standards will be difficult for both students and teachers to adapt to. What would you propose the state do to help the transition?  

“Each time Florida has raised its standards in the past, students have risen to meet the challenge. In fact, Florida’s graduation rate is at an 11 year high of 76.1%. Raising the bar helps students set higher goals and achieve more success. To help ease the transition to the news standards and assessments, there will be no negative consequences for 2014-15 School Grades and no interruption in current support to underperforming schools. This baseline approach in the first year provides everyone – parents, schools, districts, the general public – a clear understanding of a student’s and a school’s starting point on the new, more rigorous Florida Standards and Florida Standards Assessment.”

What do you think the state’s role in regulating rideshares like Uber and Lyft should be? How can the state help regulate the industry so both Uber and taxi companies can compete?

“As technology advances, the state must adapt to protect consumers and ensure the safety of our citizens, while allowing for free-market competition and innovation. I expect we will see legislation filed again this session to address this issue and look forward to having the debate with my colleagues on the best approach to take when that time comes.”

What is an issue you wish received more attention?

“It would be refreshing if the media would focus less on sensational stories and more on the hard work Florida Republicans are putting in to create a positive environment for Florida small businesses and the Floridians they employ.”