Previewing 2015 legislative session with Rep. Shawn Harrison

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

Here are the responses from Rep. Shawn Harrison of Hillsborough.

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

“Hopeful.”

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

“The move of the USF Medical School to downtown Tampa. Not only is the USF main campus in my district but I am a proud USF Bull, class of 1987. My alma mater is growing and the medical school location in downtown will open up much-needed space on the main campus as well as open up learning opportunities for our med students with the proximity of CAMLS (Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation) and Tampa General Hospital.”

Is there a special appropriations you are pushing for this session?

“Funding the Manatee Hospital upgrades at Lowry Park Zoo, the state’s only dedicated facility for the treatment of injured manatees.”

How would you find a way to expand health care coverage to the nearly 1 million Floridians left without coverage as a result of not expanding Medicaid?

“I am open to the expansion of health care for Floridians based on free market, private enterprise models. I do not favor a ‘Take it or leave it’ dictate from the federal government. In my district we already have the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, which provides medical coverage beyond traditional Medicaid for our most needy Hillsborough residents.”

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

“I did not support Amendment 2 but I agree that there are appropriate applications for medical marijuana as long as it is for limited and specified conditions. I am open minded on Rep. Steube’s bill and hope it can be further limited to distribution by traditional pharmacies.”

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

“I see no reason why they should not be available.”

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?

“Yes. Beer and wine can already be sold. I don’t believe there is a reason for the distinction.”

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 come from a long line of public educators. I agree with Governor Scott’s budget increasing classroom spending. I believe we should empower students and parents by posting homework online and moving towards digital textbooks. Good study habits make good students.”

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?  

“Our students have always adapted. We have the highest graduation rates in our state’s history at 76%. We need to keep raising the bar, not being afraid of it.”

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

“I believe these are local regulatory decisions.”

What is an issue you wish received more attention?

“Florida should be a destination for small business. We need to empower and incentivize our risk-taking entrepreneurs.”