Episode Description

What exactly is a special session, and how is it different from a regular legislative session?

In this episode of In Session with Rep. Rita, I take you behind the scenes of Florida's special sessions to explain why they're called, how they work, and what the public doesn't always get to see.

From the fast-paced schedule to the differences in committee meetings, bill filing, and debate, I'll walk you through what makes a special session unique and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to serve in the Florida Legislature when lawmakers are called back to Tallahassee.

Whether you're new to following state government or simply curious about how the legislative process works, this episode offers an inside look at a part of the process that most people never see.

In this episode:

• What a special session is
• How a special session differs from a regular legislative session
• Why the Governor or Legislature calls a special session
• What happens behind the scenes before bills reach the floor
• What it's like to serve during a special session
• Why understanding the legislative process matters

I'd love to hear from you! What questions do you have about state government or the legislative process? Is there a topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode? Let me know, and it may be featured on an upcoming episode of In Session with Rep. Rita.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more Floridians stay informed, stay engaged, and better understand how state government impacts our everyday lives.

Welcome back to In Session!

After a busy legislative session and special session in Tallahassee, Representative Rita Harris is kicking off Season 2 with a look ahead at what's coming next. This season, we'll be diving into the issues that matter most to Floridians, from affordability and housing to healthcare, public education, the environment, and the policies shaping our communities.

You'll hear from experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday Floridians as we explore the challenges facing our state and the solutions that can help move Florida forward.

Whether you're a longtime listener or joining us for the first time, welcome to the conversation.

This Season on In Session:

• Affordability and the rising cost of living
• Property taxes and housing
• Public education
• Healthcare access
• Environmental protection
• Workforce development
• Community stories and constituent voices
• Behind-the-scenes perspectives from Tallahassee

Thank you for listening and being part of the conversation.

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.

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

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

🎙️ 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

Public participation matters. An informed community is a powerful one.

Thank you for tuning in and for caring about our public schools.

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.

A Legislative Recap, including a bit of an overview on the budget.