Freshman Rep. Brandes Lauds School Reforms as Early Accomplishments

ST. PETERSBURG - Rep. Jeff Brandes ranks "greater school choice" as his biggest accomplishment in his first term in the Florida Legislature.

The Republican lawmaker from District 52 also outside his 4th Street North offices, timed just before the evening rush hour. Brandes, who lives in northeast St. Petersburg, said that organizers were not from his district.

Brandes noted that legislation passed this session will allow for easier expansion of charter schools and virtual education in Florida.  Brandes said he can imagine a day in the near future when high school juniors and seniors will take some of their courses online at home.

Brandes said that he is hoping that education reforms led by Republicans will help to place Florida at the forefront of “school choice,” giving parents “a menu of options.”

He also lauded the expansion of the John McKay scholarship for students with disabilities. The scholarship gives state funds to disabled students to attend private schools.

Brandes did not see specific law changes as prompting protests by a group calling itself Awake the State. The group, which formed on Facebook, held protests around Florida. Brandes said that District 52 is considered a “swing district,” because he won by a 1,000-vote margin. Brandes believes his district was targeted because of his status as a freshman who forced out the incumbent Democrat.

The group had said in a written statement that it disagreed with his votes on  environmental regulations, workers and unions, consumer rights and voters rights.