Leigh Estes

Ensure agriculture doesn’t have to compete with data centers for water resources; prevent data centers from depleting the aquafers that provide major water resources

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Invest in greater scientific research to seek solutions for crop diseases and pests, and alternative energy sources to lessen dependence on diesel

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Protect agricultural lands and the Everglades

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Stop new data center development until clear policies are developed for environmental and public health standards, supported by clear, reliable scientific data which addresses short and long-term impacts

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Pocketbook Affordability and the Economy: Operating from her background as an accountant, Estes treats the rising cost of living as a systemic crisis. Her platform focuses on improving living conditions and securing fair living wages for Florida residents and workers. She prioritizes protecting retirement savings and ensuring that seniors can maintain decent independent living in the state.

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Workers’ Rights and Safety: Restore workers’ rights that were ceded to giant corporations by Republicans, allowing for stronger negotiation of wages and workplace safety.

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Public School Funding: Estes strongly opposes the diversion of public taxpayer funds into corporate-run or private voucher alternatives, characterizing these policies as attempts to financially cripple public schools. Her educational platform focuses on fully restoring public school funding and protecting the ability of educators to teach truthfully without legislative intimidation.

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Eliminate School of Hope’s ability to claim seats in underutilized schools at no cost and their disruption of established school schedules and protocols; review the program in its entirety—why is the state paying contractor start-up costs? (Budget was increased 233.33%, +$14 million)

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Increase teacher pay and negotiate better health insurance options (Florida teacher salaries ranked 50th in nation)

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Voting Rights: Her governance platform includes defending and expanding voting rights, choices, and access for all Florida citizens.

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Utility Costs: Residential utility costs have increased in certain areas significantly, and additional increases are anticipated for the next two years. Florida needs a Public Service Commission that will actually regulate utilities, instead of conceding to all their proposed increases. Utility companies should be limited in which costs can be passed on to residential and small business customers.

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Strengthen climate change regulations to protect crop yields and lead to rising sea waters that threaten fresh water resources

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Establish a Florida-protected designation for the Florida manatee, the Florida panther, the Florida Keys mole skink, and the bonneted bat (since Trump removed them from the federally protected status.)

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Protect agricultural lands and the Everglades

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Stop new data center development until clear policies are developed for environmental and public health standards, supported by clear, reliable scientific data which addresses short and long-term impacts

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Anti-Corruption and Government Transparency: A core pillar of her campaign is holding politicians accountable. She has criticized the current legislative majority for pursuing hyper-partisan corporate agendas and culture wars at the expense of regular citizens, pledging to push for an open, honest government that serves everyday people.

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Medicaid Expansion: Florida is one of ten states that has not taken advantage of the Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which would provide more affordable health insurance coverage to lower-income families and directly lower medical costs. Currently, there are roughly 388,000 residents with no access to affordable insurance; Florida has 3rd highest rate in the country.

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Homeowners’ Insurance: Florida pays the highest national premiums, averaging over $10,000 annually according to one source, with on-going premium hikes to follow. The state legislature and the Office of Insurance Regulation have continued to avoid regulating premiums in the state and are making it harder for homeowners to sue insurance companies for denied claims.

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Rent Control: Rents have increased 20% in five years, with more than 50% of Floridian renters using more than 30% of their income to pay for housing. Manufactured home (MH) parks are prevalent in Florida, with many seniors living in the MH they purchased but rent the lot/site on which their home sits. Historically, this was a cost effect means for retirees and working families to own a home in established communities. The issue arises when the rent increases are not regulated and many tenants can no longer afford the increased rent on their stagnating income. Then they are faced with trying to sell a home that requires a large monthly rental payment. If they are unable to find a buyer, they are likely forced to abandon the property.

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Restoring Home Rule: She opposes state-level preemption that overrides local municipal authority. She advocates for restoring the decision-making power of local jurisdictions to manage and regulate growth, development, and zoning within their own borders.

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Restoring Home Rule: She opposes state-level preemption that overrides local municipal authority. She advocates for restoring the decision-making power of local jurisdictions to manage and regulate growth, development, and zoning within their own borders.

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Stop new data center development until clear policies are developed for environmental and public health standards, supported by clear, reliable scientific data which addresses short and long-term impacts

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