Previewing the 2015 Legislative Session with Rep. Chris Latvala

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 Rep. Chris Latvala of Pinellas.

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

“Optimistic.”

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

“There are some local funding requests that I’ve received – some veterans projects, a Clearwater water project and substance abuse project.”

Are there any special appropriations you are pushing for this Session? 

“Of course the three projects I just mentioned. Also, a collaboration with Pinellas TASCO and Pinellas County Schools with Tampa International Airport that includes one high school in each of the counties and the Pinellas school is Clearwater high. It’s a collaboration where the kids will be working directly with people from Tampa International Airport – if they want to pursue a career in aerospace.”

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’m not on any health care committees, but I have met regularly with parties and constituents, but I’m not sponsoring bills in that area outside of the substance abuse.”

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

Undecided on both.

“I was not supportive of Amendment 2, but I do try to keep an open mind.”

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

“We can have 128-ounce growlers and the smaller ones. Why shouldn’t they also be able to have a 64-ounce beer. That to me is a common sense issue.” Latvala said he’s also in support of craft brewers being allowed to operate tasting rooms.

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?

“I voted in favor of a bill that would allow grocery stores to sell liquor.”

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?

“I think limiting the number of tests students have to take and teachers have to administer.”

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?  

“I think giving teachers more time to adapt to tests. I meet regularly with teacher groups and parent groups and one of the complaints I’ve heard the state [doesn’t give enough time. Also, hold off on tying teacher performance to test scores. It should be all inclusive, not just tied to tests.”

What do you think the state’s roll 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?

“I do think that there is a middle ground there and I think there’s room for both Uber drivers and taxi drivers. I think the public opinion is definitely swayed to support ride shares so I think there should be some regulation to protect passengers and make sure the drivers have bee screened, but I also think that taxi drivers and companies need to adapt to the changing times.”

What is an issue you wish received more attention?

“Technical programs in high schools for kids who don’t go to college – when I grew up you were basically told that if you didn’t go to college you’re a failure and that’s just simply not the case.”