Search Results

Y’all, This session is moving FAST. So far, we’ve seen the same amount of big bills that most legislatures see all session, and we’re only coming into week 4. As a Democrat in District 44, I want you to be empowered to be engaged, so I will send out updates and ways for you to be informed so you can get involved because the antidote to despair is ACTION! There is a lot of misinformation traveling around via different avenues about gender-affirming care and children. One of the biggest myths is that children are getting surgery, which is FALSE. MOST gender-affirming care for children is social and doesn’t even involve medicine. Still, we must fight back against these overreaches in government and the attacks on our children! What exactly does HB 1421 do? Authorizes court of the state to enter, modify, or child custody determination under specified circumstances; prohibits persons & entities from expending funds for reimbursement for specified clinical interventions; prohibits person’s biological sex from being changed on the birth certificate; prohibits gender clinical interventions for minors; authorizes certain persons to refuse to participate in gender clinical interventions; prohibits health insurance policy & health maintenance contract from providing coverage for gender clinical interventions; provides physician liability & authorizes the award of specified damages, fees, & costs. Why do we need to take action now? The bill goes through the House and Senate committee process, then onto the floor for a final vote in the State House and Senate. Governor Ron DeSantis will sign this bill if it passes his desk. This bill goes against the will of Florida voters, doctors, and the transgender youth who know this bill will only lead to an increase in the mental health crisis in Florida. If enacted, It would take effect on July 1st of this year. In Florida, kids and parents want their family members and themselves to get the proper gender-affirming care. This is imperative for the young transgender community to feel safe/comfortable not only in their state but in their bodies. Unfortunately, this bill will worsen the youth mental health crisis as people will have to live with a negative stigma and a gender that is not theirs. We must organize a large-scale, coalition-based, nonpartisan resistance to stop this dangerous bill. When is the Health and Human Services Committee Meeting? Monday, March 27th, 2023 at 2:00PM k them to vote NO on HB1421 and instead pursue voting for real people and their choice versus this dangerous legislation. Contact your Representative here!: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.asp Contact Members of the Health and Human Services Committee here!: Sample Script for Calling: Hi Chair (Fine), my name is (your name) from (area of FL) calling in Opposition to HB1421 Gender Clinical Interventions. This bill would remove children’s and parents’ choices and force a lot of people to be uncomfortable in their state, classroom, home, and their own bodies! This bill does not help families and is only concerning a certain group’s agenda. Please Oppose this bill by voting no on this bill. I can be reached at (number/email) if you have any follow-up questions! Sample Script for Calling: Hi Rep (Blank), my name is (your name) from (area of FL) calling in Opposition to HB1421 Gender Clinical Interventions. This bill would remove children’s and parents’ choices and force a lot of people to be uncomfortable in their state, classroom, home, and their own bodies! This bill does not help families and only concerns a certain group’s agenda. Please Oppose this bill by voting no on this bill. I can be reached at (number/email) if you have any follow-up questions! The Florida House voted on HB 543, which does away with the requirement to apply for a gun permit. I voted down this bill. You can watch my floor debate here: In the News... Honored to join the Democratic Women's Club of Florida to discuss what is happening in Tallahassee. I was quoted in WFTV: “I’m not asking that we ban them, I’m just asking for some simple training that people understand how to put it away safely, people understand what can be done with a gun, how it can harm somebody,” Rep. Rita Harris (D-Orlando) said I was also happy to join Florida Internet and Television for a quick interview. Events and more... Yours in Service, Rita!

March is Women's History Month, and it's a time to reflect on all the amazing women who have helped shape this world. Women like Shirly Chisolm and Fannie Lou Hamer. When I think of the incredible women who have inspired me, there are many, but the first to come to mind is my daughter, Anissa. Anissa was diagnosed with OCD as a teenager. She worked diligently to manage her mental illness and find ways to achieve her goals. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see myself moved to reach for my dreams, and it's because of her. This month, let us appreciate all the fantastic women in our lives! Speaking of inspirational women, attending Senator Geraldine's Event, "Resistance and African American History at Icon Park was an honor. It's more important than ever that we learn the history of our country. I was honored to join Democratic LGBTQIA Caucus President Nathan Bruemmer and Senator Torres on a panel hosted by Representative Carlos Smith to discuss legislation that will impact the community. It is always my honor to do this work on behalf of my constituents. The next 60 days are gonna be hectic, but I am excited to serve! Yours in Service, Rita!

Black History Month is when we should reflect on the History of the African Diaspora, especially in how it relates to being an American. Black History IS American History and thus should be part of robust history classes in elementary, middle, and high school, but also at Colleges and Universities. Learning about Black History is invaluable and helps us create a more inclusive and equitable country for all. Here are a few links to great books that relate to Black History! The Three Mothers The First Next Time Hidden Figures Brown Girl Dreaming The Voice of Freedom There are many more great books out there and so many ways to learn Black History, not just in February but every month! During this special session, we saw several bills pass, two of which I voted no on and even filed amendments to make better. For HB 9B, I had concerns about the Governor (and any Governor, for that matter) appointing an entire board. In addition, this bill addresses an issue created because the Governor disagreed with a business's position on one of his bills. We can't allow free speech to be threatened in this manner. Watch my debate here. I've also had the opportunity to meet with many constituents and advocacy groups and discuss their priorities for the upcoming legislative session, and find out what is important to them. Some of these groups I met with in Tallahassee, and others came to our office in the district. I enjoy listening to the community's needs and finding ways to solve problems. A few outlets picked up the Reedy Creek story and covered me and fellow Democrats. You can read them here: Orlando Sentinel Yahoo Law.com Hopefully, we will see you there! As always, yours in service, Rita!

A Little About Rita My name is Rita Harris, and I'm proud to be the State Representative for Florida House District 44! In addition to being a public servant, I am a mother, an advocate, an activist, and a twenty-year resident of our community. I started my activism at Planned Parenthood when I was in high school. As a theater kid, I worked with other teens to develop skits to perform at high schools that dealt with everything from safe sex to drunk driving. I was also trained to be a certified peer counselor and talk to other teens about the issues we faced. ​ My journey back into activism started in 2017. My daughter had just started college, so I was deciding what I wanted to do in my next chapter in life - I could go back to school or back to work, but Trump had just been elected, and the threat to our values and way of life was very real. As a wife to a Black man and mother to a biracial Black child, I was horrified by the blatant racism, and I feared for their safety, so I rolled up my sleeves and got to work with the goal of electing as many Democrats as possible in 2018. I became the events chair for the Orange County Democrats and founded the Democratic Women's Club of South Orange County. E Eventually, I was elected the Vice-Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party. In August of 2022, I was elected to office for the first time. I am grateful to serve the great people of District 44 and can't wait to go back to Tallahassee to continue to serve you with dedication and hard work. ​ As one of the few people of Jewish descent in the Florida House of Representatives, I know that Representation matters. As someone who has struggled with money, I know what it's like to be unable to afford childcare or pay for medication one week at a time because of the extreme costs of prescription drugs. I bring my compassion, my perspective, and my work ethic with me, whether it's up in Tallahassee or in the District. This district includes Universal, International Drive, Seaworld, and the Orlando airport. COVID has exposed cracks in our system - the people that work at these economic engines should be able to afford to live here, have access to affordable housing, and earn fair wages with benefits and paid time off. 2022 Endorsements My Platform I will continue to fight for you! Work hard to make sure there are economic opportunities and an economy that works for you, by supporting small-business and fair wages. Fully funding our public schools by increasing teacher pay for all teachers, and education support staff like bus drivers. Make sure that school funding resources are allocated by need, and ensure that our students have what they need to learn in a safe and inclusive environment. As a teenager, I found my voice in advocacy at Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is why I discovered my passion for being a champion of bodily autonomy and the right to privacy. Our right to agency over our body is innate, and as your State Representative in Tallahassee, I will be diligent in protecting it. However, access to healthcare, like abortion, requires us to be bold and willing to stand up. I am that candidate that will stand up for the right to choose. As Ruth's List endorsed candidate, I know what's at stake, and I'm ready to go to Tallahassee and work for our community. I will stand up for our civil rights and work to ensure that voting is accessible, and stand against attacks on historically excluded communities like Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQIA people. Black Lives Matter, and the LGBTQIA community shouldn't be erased. As legislators we are incumbent on being leaders and using our platforms to speak out against hate. Climate change is the existential issue of our lifetime and we must address the issue at hand. I will work to protect Florida’s wetlands, by limiting unfettered sprawl. I will work with leaders on expanding opportunities for clean energy use, that will bring good-paying jobs to Florida and ease the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. Our district has beautiful Shingle Creek, considered the headwaters of the Everglades, and will work to preserve it. Affordable housing - As your state rep I will fight against the continued raiding of our Sadowski Funds, and work to protect them to help those who are dealing with housing insecurity. I will work for a statewide rental increase cap that will put a stop to out-of-control rent increases that no one can afford. I will work to increase good-paying jobs. ​ Every family deserves the opportunity to do a little better than the last generation and offer their children a better future. That's the Florida I believe in. I hope to have your vote on August 23rd. Sign Up For Emails Stay informed through our email list! Email Subscribe Thanks! Support Our Campaign Thank you for your support! Our campaign is a grass roots effort funded by people like you. All donations are handled securely through ActBlue. Donate To Our Campaign Follow Us On Social Media Please follow us on social media

Sign Up For Emails Stay informed through our email list! Email Subscribe Thanks! Support Our Campaign Thank you for your support! Our campaign is a grass roots effort funded by people like you. All donations are handled securely through ActBlue. Donate To Our Campaign Follow Us On Social Media Please follow us on social media

2024 Endorsements My Platform I’m running to be our voice in Tallahassee to fight for: Affordable housing - As your state rep I will fight against the continued raiding of our Sadowski Funds, and work to protect them to help those who are dealing with housing insecurity. I will work for a statewide rental increase cap that will put a stop to out-of-control rent increases that no one can afford. I will work to increase good-paying jobs. Fully funding our public schools by increasing teacher pay for all teachers, and education support staff like bus drivers. Make sure that school funding resources are allocated by need, and ensure that our students have what they need to learn in a safe and inclusive environment. As a teenager, I found my voice in advocacy at Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is why I discovered my passion for being a champion of bodily autonomy and the right to privacy. Our right to agency over our body is innate, and as your State Representative in Tallahassee, I will be diligent in protecting it. However, access to healthcare, like abortion, requires us to be bold and willing to stand up. I am that candidate that will stand up for the right to choose. As Ruth's List endorsed candidate, I know what's at stake, and I'm ready to go to Tallahassee and work for our community. I will stand up for our civil rights and work to ensure that voting is accessible, and stand against attacks on historically excluded communities like Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQIA people. Black Lives Matter, and the LGBTQIA community shouldn't be erased. As legislators we are incumbent on being leaders and using our platforms to speak out against hate. Climate change is the existential issue of our lifetime and we must address the issue at hand. I will work to protect Florida’s wetlands, by limiting unfettered sprawl. I will work with leaders on expanding opportunities for clean energy use, that will bring good-paying jobs to Florida and ease the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. Our district has beautiful Shingle Creek, considered the headwaters of the Everglades, and will work to preserve it. I have been an advocate for equity, and I've been to Tallahassee many times to attend committee hearings to fight back against the atrocious bills of the Republican legislature. ​ Every family deserves the opportunity to do a little better than the last generation and offer their children a better future. That's the Florida I believe in. I hope to have your vote on August 23rd. Sign Up For Emails Stay informed through our email list! Email Subscribe Thanks! Support Our Campaign Thank you for your support! Our campaign is a grass roots effort funded by people like you. All donations are handled securely through ActBlue. Donate To Our Campaign Follow Us On Social Media Please follow us on social media