In Session with Rep Rita

In Session with Rep Rita: Middle Class, Maximum Pressure

n this episode of In Session with Rep Rita, I sit down with someone from our community to talk about something I hear all the time right now. People are working hard, doing what they are supposed to do, and it still does not feel like enough. This is a real conversation about what it looks like to be middle class right now. The cost of groceries, housing, insurance, and just everyday life keeps going up, and families are feeling it in a very real way. We talk about the stress that comes with trying to keep up, the decisions people are having to make, and how hard it can be to plan ahead when everything feels uncertain. This is not about politics as usual. It is about lived experience. It is about what people are going through right now. These are the voices that should be shaping the decisions we make. Thank you for being here and for staying engaged.

Session Summary

Friends, we made it through another legislative session—and if it felt long, that’s because it was. In this episode, I walk you through the biggest headlines, the real impacts behind the bills, and what you should actually be paying attention to (not just what’s trending online). Key Topics Covered What Passed * Major budget decisions and where your tax dollars are going * Key legislation impacting affordability, insurance, and everyday costs * Wins that will directly benefit our community What Didn’t Make It * Important bills that stalled or were left behind * Missed opportunities that could have helped working families * What I was fighting for didn’t cross the finish line The Controversial Stuff * Bills that sparked real debate on the House floor * What these policies actually do vs. how they were presented * Why some of these issues matter long after the session ends The Budget Reality Check * Where the state chose to invest—and where it didn’t * What this means for schools, healthcare, and local communities * The big picture: priorities vs. politics My Takeaways * This session moved fast—but not always in the right direction * Affordability continues to be one of the biggest issues facing Floridians * There’s a growing gap between what people need and what’s being prioritized * The work doesn’t end when the session gavels out What’s Next * How these new laws will start impacting you * What I’ll be working on during the interim * How you can stay engaged and make your voice heard Let’s Stay Connected Have a question about a bill or how something affects you? Reach out—I’m here to help. If You Enjoyed This Episode * Share it with a friend or neighbor * Leave a review * Follow In Session with Rep. Rita so you never miss an update

In Session: Mid-Session Breakdown

Recorded mid-session, I go over what's been happening in Tallahassee so far.

Budgets, Classrooms, and Consequences

🎙️ In Session with Rep. Rita Funding Our Future: A Conversation on Public School Funding In this episode of In Session with Rep. Rita, I’m joined by Orange County School Board Member for District 6, Stephanie Vanos, for an important and timely conversation about public school funding and what it means for our students, educators, and families. We break down how public schools are funded, where the gaps exist, and how state and local decisions directly impact classrooms. Stephanie brings her perspective from the School Board, sharing what she’s seeing on the ground and why transparency and community engagement matter for education dollars. This episode is about more than budgets. It’s about values, priorities, and the future we’re building for our kids. How residents can stay informed and engaged in School Board decisions Stay engaged: Orange County residents can watch School Board meetings, review agendas, and stay informed by visiting the Orange County Public Schools website here: 👉 https://www.ocps.net/about_us/school_board/board_meetings [https://www.ocps.net/about_us/school_board/board_meetings] Public participation matters. An informed community is a powerful one. Thank you for tuning in and for caring about our public schools.

Medicaid in Crisis – The Real Cost of Cuts in Florida

In this episode of In Session with Rep. Rita, I sit down with two incredible guests—Dr. Isiah Cochran and Dr. B.J. Brunious—to discuss the very real, very urgent impacts of Medicaid cuts in Florida. We cover everything from what these cuts mean for patients, providers, and hospitals. Whether you're a parent, a healthcare worker, or just someone who cares about the well-being of your neighbors, this conversation will explain how policy decisions made in Tallahassee affect lives across the state. We’re not just talking stats; we're talking stories. Guests: 🩺 Dr. Isiah Cochran – Family Physician and Healthcare Advocate 🩺 Dr. B.J. Brunious – Internal Medicine Physician and Health Policy Expert Host: 🏛️ Rep. Rita Harris – Florida House District 44 🎧 Tune in and get the full picture—because healthcare in Florida is on the line.