Florida Senate, District 12

Reynolds: My constituents’ top three priorities are:
1- Affordability: The rising cost of housing in Polk County is a significant challenge, particularly for lower-income residents and retirees.
2- Healthcare Access: Access to medical care is becoming harder to afford and secure for residents in the region. This problem exacerbates those who experience mental health challenges.
3- Community Policing: Our police officers and sheriff deputies need to be more proactive and be involved in our communities.

Reynolds: I am running as a State Senate candidate because there is a lack of leadership in our district when it comes to education and other local priorities. I also want to make a difference, which is the reason why my campaign is centering on regional challenges, including infrastructure, education, and economic issues. Further, my diverse professional background, including my experience in education, public service, and the military, is a very good asset that is needed to help our communities.

Reynolds: Yes, I absolutely support city and county governments’ right to local control. This is what we call democracy because most positive changes usually start within our communities to spread nationwide. As a state legislator, I can protect local governments from state overreach by strengthening home rule (amend the state constitution and clarify statutory authority); opposing broad pre-emption (vote against blanket pre-emption and override mechanisms); and, championing collaborative policymaking.

Reynolds: o protect Florida’s natural beauty and rural lands, the Florida Legislature should empower local planning, fully fund conservation programs, and reject state-level pre-emptions that bypass community oversight. There are at least two ways we can do this.
1- Strengthen Local Planning and Public Input (empower local governments, ensure public participation and protect local authority)
2- Fully Fund Land and Water Conservation (support conservation acquisitions and expand agricultural easements)

Reynolds: As an educator, education is my top priority. As a state legislator, I would address the structural formulas and policies within the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) with the following legislative measures:
1- Overhaul the District Cost Differential (DCD) formula
2- Implement Universal Voucher Accountability & Reconciliation
3- Increase the Base Student Allocation (BSA) and Categorical Funding
4- Provide Weighted VPK Funding for Students with Disabilities