Rachel Grage

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Rachel Grage completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Grage's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388086-2026-01-09\" id=\"heading-key-message-388086-2026-01-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-388086-2026-01-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388086-2026-01-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-388086-2026-01-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-388086-2026-01-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>The rising cost of everyday living for working families\r\nI am focused on reducing the day-to-day living expenses that families face, such as the cost of health care premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, the affordability of insurance, the availability of housing, and other elements that have a direct impact on the financial stability of American households. This is the place where I will be making a difference. I am committed to making it easier for families to plan, reduce uncertainty, and keep the services they need and want within reach. Our government should be loosening the squeeze, not tightening it.</li><li>Government Accountability \r\nPublic servants are responsible for being accountable to the people they serve\r\n\r\nAccountability is a basic tenet of public service. Elected leaders must be reachable, open about their actions and accountable for their votes. We need regular and meaningful engagement with the community, clear lines of oversight of government activities, and a Congress that is doing its job and acting within its constitutional authority. Representation should require that our elected officials listen, respond, and are accountable to the public they serve.</li><li>Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Protecting Rights Mission Statement\r\n\r\nI support reinforcing our democratic institutions by ensuring that our constitutional processes, checks and balances, and the rule of law are strong\r\n\r\nWe must protect individual rights, the separation of powers, and the limits of government as outlined in our Constitution. Additionally, democratic institutions should operate in a lawful manner, with transparency and oversight. A healthy and vibrant democracy relies on public trust and a well-functioning government, fair representation, and leaders that are respectful of civil liberties as well as the Constitution.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388086-2026-01-09\" id=\"heading1-388086-2026-01-09\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-388086-2026-01-09\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388086-2026-01-09\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-388086-2026-01-09\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-388086-2026-01-09\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am most interested in issues that impact people's day to day lives and long term financial stability.<br/><br/>\n<p>I am passionate about health care costs and access, including defending Medicare and Social Security and preventing Americans from being priced out of basic care. I also prioritize housing and insurance affordability, which are huge problems in Florida where costs are increasing and climate change impacts are leaving families and seniors vulnerable and in real instability.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nMoreover, I am dedicated to accountability in government and the protection of our democratic institutions. This includes being guided by the Constitution, transparency, and ensuring that elected officials are accessible and responsive to the people that they ser\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nRachel Grage completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Grage's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? The rising cost of everyday living for working families\r\nI am focused on reducing the day-to-day living expenses that families face, such as the cost of health care premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, the affordability of insurance, the availability of housing, and other elements that have a direct impact on the financial stability of American households. This is the place where I will be making a difference. I am committed to making it easier for families to plan, reduce uncertainty, and keep the services they need and want within reach. Our government should be loosening the squeeze, not tightening it. Government Accountability \r\nPublic servants are responsible for being accountable to the people they serve\r\n\r\nAccountability is a basic tenet of public service. Elected leaders must be reachable, open about their actions and accountable for their votes. We need regular and meaningful engagement with the community, clear lines of oversight of government activities, and a Congress that is doing its job and acting within its constitutional authority. Representation should require that our elected officials listen, respond, and are accountable to the public they serve. Strengthening Democratic Institutions and Protecting Rights Mission Statement\r\n\r\nI support reinforcing our democratic institutions by ensuring that our constitutional processes, checks and balances, and the rule of law are strong\r\n\r\nWe must protect individual rights, the separation of powers, and the limits of government as outlined in our Constitution. Additionally, democratic institutions should operate in a lawful manner, with transparency and oversight. A healthy and vibrant democracy relies on public trust and a well-functioning government, fair representation, and leaders that are respectful of civil liberties as well as the Constitution. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am most interested in issues that impact people's day to day lives and long term financial stability. I am passionate about health care costs and access, including defending Medicare and Social Security and preventing Americans from being priced out of basic care. I also prioritize housing and insurance affordability, which are huge problems in Florida where costs are increasing and climate change impacts are leaving families and seniors vulnerable and in real instability. Moreover, I am dedicated to accountability in government and the protection of our democratic institutions. This includes being guided by the Constitution, transparency, and ensuring that elected officials are accessible and responsive to the people that they ser\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Video for Ballotpedia", "answer_html": "<div style=\"float:left\">\n<table cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"wikitable\" width=\"205\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td><div class=\"thumb embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"width: 258px;\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideowrap youtube\" style=\"width: 250px\"><iframe allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"141\" loading=\"lazy\" modestbranding=\"1\" src=\"//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/u_o1-3tDPro\" width=\"250\"></iframe></div><!--\n--></div><!--\n--></div><span style=\"font-size:80%\">Video submitted to Ballotpedia<br/>Released June 30 2024</span>\n</td></tr></tbody></table></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Rachel Grage completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Grage's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading-bio-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was born in Oswego, New York, and introduced to politics early on through my mother’s work as an executive assistant to the city mayor. This experience showed me the power of public service. I went on to study biomedical engineering at Tulane University, where I earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees while also pursuing a minor in dance. My work focused on the biomechanics of the foot en pointe, and I later conducted research at LSU Medical School on dynamic ankle foot orthoses for children with cerebral palsy.\r\n<p>At Tulane, I met my spouse, whose military career took us to Hawaii and Kentucky. We were blessed with two children, and after returning to upstate New York, we welcomed twin girls. We spent two decades building a home in our community, where I served as president of our 3500-home community association. We later relocated to Florida, where I became active in local democratic clubs and served as a legislative liaison.\r\n</p><p>I’m running for District 16 because I'm tired of culture war politics and I think it's time we get back to real issues that matter to most people. I believe in diverse representation and the power of democracy. I’m also deeply involved in volunteer work with Catholic Charities and Equality Florida. I’m passionate about the arts, having performed in numerous plays and musicals in Jacksonville and previously serving on theater boards in New York.\r\n</p>\nMy husband is a radiologist at Mayo Clinic. And family drives my dedication to public service.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading-key-message-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Skyrocketing insurance premium and housing costs are a key problem for my district. \r\n<p>We must:\r\n- pass legislation for fair insurance practices, increase oversight, and encourage market competition\r\n- invest in disaster resilience, support state assistance for low-income residents, and demand clearer rate information\r\n- strengthen state reinsurance to stabilize the market and lower premiums\r\n- enhance fraud prevention efforts to minimize fraudulent claims, which contribute to higher premiums\r\n</p>\n- encourage partnerships with federal programs like FEMA to increase resources for disaster recovery, lowering financial pressure on insurers.</li><li>Provide more funding for education. Inadequate funding is leading to the closing of some of our beloved local public schools. \r\nFlorida ranks near the bottom nationally in terms of public education funding, and several steps can be taken to address this, including:\r\n- increasing state budget allocation: Florida can raise its education budget by reallocating funds from other areas and increasing the percentage of state revenues dedicated to public schools.\r\n- leveraging federal grants: Florida can actively pursue more federal education grants and programs to supplement state funding, especially for low-income or high-need schools. \r\n- incentivizing public-private partnerships: Encourage partnerships between local businesses and public schools.</li><li>Economic growth and the need for robust economic and job creation initiatives.\r\nI support policies to stimulate economic growth and attract investment through tools like Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions. Prioritizing workforce development, apprenticeships, and job training will equip Floridians with skills for high-demand industries. I'll address income inequality and advocate for fair wages, benefits, and strong workplace protections.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading1-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am deeply passionate about tackling the issues that impact our daily lives—starting with affordable housing and skyrocketing insurance costs, which are placing an immense burden on Florida families. <br/><br/>\n<p>Public education is also a top priority for me. As a state, we rank near the bottom nationally in education funding, and our teachers and students deserve far better. I’m committed to increasing funding for our schools, raising teacher pay, and ensuring that every child in Florida has access to a world-class education.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nEconomic development that lifts everyone is key to building a prosperous future. We need to create opportunities for small businesses to thrive, while also fighting for equality and justice across all sectors of government.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading2-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs an elected official, I believe the most important characteristics are integrity, accessibility, and accountability. <br/>\n<p>Integrity means staying true to your values and making decisions that genuinely serve the people, not special interests. <br/>\r\nAccessibility ensures that I remain available to listen to my constituents, understand their concerns, and keep the lines of communication open. <br/>\n</p>\nAccountability means being transparent about my actions and decisions, taking responsibility for outcomes, and always striving to do what's right for District 16. Leadership should be rooted in service, honesty, and trust. And that's what I will bring to this seat, if I'm elected.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading3-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty, transparency, integrity and a strong desire for equality for all.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading4-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities for someone elected to the Florida House of Representatives include representing the interests and values of the constituents, passing legislation that addresses community needs, and ensuring that government works for everyone. <br/><br/>\r\nThis means advocating for policies that improve education, lower the cost of housing and insurance, protect healthcare access, and support small businesses. It’s also essential to be transparent and accessible, making sure constituents’ voices are heard and respected. Ultimately, the job is about serving the people and working to build a stronger, more equitable community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading5-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t•\tEquality Florida<br/>\n<p>•\tSierra Club<br/>\r\n•\tEverytown for Gun Safety<br/>\r\n•\tNOW (National Organization for Women)<br/>\r\n•\tFlorida AFL-CIO<br/>\r\n•\tDemocratic Women’s Club of Florida<br/>\r\n•\tDuval Democratic Asian Pacific Caucus<br/>\r\n•\tDemocratic Environmental Caucus of Florida<br/>\r\n•\tDemocratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida<br/>\r\n•\tFL House Rep. Angie Nixon<br/>\n</p>\n•\tFL Senator Tracie Davis\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-250495-2024-09-08\" id=\"heading6-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-250495-2024-09-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-250495-2024-09-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-250495-2024-09-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEducation &amp; Employment, Health &amp; Human Services, Hurricane Resiliency &amp; Recovery, Commerce Committee.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released June 30 2024\n\n\nRachel Grage completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Grage's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I was born in Oswego, New York, and introduced to politics early on through my mother’s work as an executive assistant to the city mayor. This experience showed me the power of public service. I went on to study biomedical engineering at Tulane University, where I earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees while also pursuing a minor in dance. My work focused on the biomechanics of the foot en pointe, and I later conducted research at LSU Medical School on dynamic ankle foot orthoses for children with cerebral palsy. At Tulane, I met my spouse, whose military career took us to Hawaii and Kentucky. We were blessed with two children, and after returning to upstate New York, we welcomed twin girls. We spent two decades building a home in our community, where I served as president of our 3500-home community association. We later relocated to Florida, where I became active in local democratic clubs and served as a legislative liaison. I’m running for District 16 because I'm tired of culture war politics and I think it's time we get back to real issues that matter to most people. I believe in diverse representation and the power of democracy. I’m also deeply involved in volunteer work with Catholic Charities and Equality Florida. I’m passionate about the arts, having performed in numerous plays and musicals in Jacksonville and previously serving on theater boards in New York. My husband is a radiologist at Mayo Clinic. And family drives my dedication to public service. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Skyrocketing insurance premium and housing costs are a key problem for my district. We must:\r\n- pass legislation for fair insurance practices, increase oversight, and encourage market competition\r\n- invest in disaster resilience, support state assistance for low-income residents, and demand clearer rate information\r\n- strengthen state reinsurance to stabilize the market and lower premiums\r\n- enhance fraud prevention efforts to minimize fraudulent claims, which contribute to higher premiums - encourage partnerships with federal programs like FEMA to increase resources for disaster recovery, lowering financial pressure on insurers. Provide more funding for education. Inadequate funding is leading to the closing of some of our beloved local public schools. \r\nFlorida ranks near the bottom nationally in terms of public education funding, and several steps can be taken to address this, including:\r\n- increasing state budget allocation: Florida can raise its education budget by reallocating funds from other areas and increasing the percentage of state revenues dedicated to public schools.\r\n- leveraging federal grants: Florida can actively pursue more federal education grants and programs to supplement state funding, especially for low-income or high-need schools. \r\n- incentivizing public-private partnerships: Encourage partnerships between local businesses and public schools. Economic growth and the need for robust economic and job creation initiatives.\r\nI support policies to stimulate economic growth and attract investment through tools like Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions. Prioritizing workforce development, apprenticeships, and job training will equip Floridians with skills for high-demand industries. I'll address income inequality and advocate for fair wages, benefits, and strong workplace protections. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am deeply passionate about tackling the issues that impact our daily lives—starting with affordable housing and skyrocketing insurance costs, which are placing an immense burden on Florida families. Public education is also a top priority for me. As a state, we rank near the bottom nationally in education funding, and our teachers and students deserve far better. I’m committed to increasing funding for our schools, raising teacher pay, and ensuring that every child in Florida has access to a world-class education. Economic development that lifts everyone is key to building a prosperous future. We need to create opportunities for small businesses to thrive, while also fighting for equality and justice across all sectors of government. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? As an elected official, I believe the most important characteristics are integrity, accessibility, and accountability. Integrity means staying true to your values and making decisions that genuinely serve the people, not special interests. Accessibility ensures that I remain available to listen to my constituents, understand their concerns, and keep the lines of communication open. Accountability means being transparent about my actions and decisions, taking responsibility for outcomes, and always striving to do what's right for District 16. Leadership should be rooted in service, honesty, and trust. And that's what I will bring to this seat, if I'm elected. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Honesty, transparency, integrity and a strong desire for equality for all. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities for someone elected to the Florida House of Representatives include representing the interests and values of the constituents, passing legislation that addresses community needs, and ensuring that government works for everyone. This means advocating for policies that improve education, lower the cost of housing and insurance, protect healthcare access, and support small businesses. It’s also essential to be transparent and accessible, making sure constituents’ voices are heard and respected. Ultimately, the job is about serving the people and working to build a stronger, more equitable community. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? •\tEquality Florida •\tSierra Club •\tEverytown for Gun Safety •\tNOW (National Organization for Women) •\tFlorida AFL-CIO •\tDemocratic Women’s Club of Florida •\tDuval Democratic Asian Pacific Caucus •\tDemocratic Environmental Caucus of Florida •\tDemocratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida •\tFL House Rep. Angie Nixon •\tFL Senator Tracie Davis What committees interest you? Education & Employment, Health & Human Services, Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery, Commerce Committee.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]