🎙️ 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.

Hey y’all — and welcome to the very first episode of In Session with Rep. Rita! I’m Representative Rita Harris, and I started this podcast because I believe you deserve more than soundbites and headlines. You deserve a seat at the table, a clear view of what’s really happening in Tallahassee, and a voice in the conversations that shape our lives.

This show isn’t just about politics — it’s about people. It’s about pulling back the curtain, breaking things down in plain language, and making sure the decisions that affect our communities aren’t made in silence or behind closed doors. So whether you’re tuning in from your car, your couch, or while walking the dog — I’m glad you’re here.