Legislative newcomer Canady determined to be as effective as possible in Tallahassee

Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, is no stranger to Tallahassee, as the wife of Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady. But Canady, a longtime teacher, has faced an educational process as she prepared for her first term as a member of the Florida Legislature.

Canady, 49, easily won election in November to the Florida House in District 50, which covers the Lakeland area. Canady said she has continued in her role as director of a science-based program at Lakeland Christian School while traveling to Tallahassee for a series of pre-session meetings.

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“It has been interesting, challenging and a rewarding seven weeks of committee (meetings),” Canady said. “I serve on two appropriations committees, and we've spent a lot of time learning how money is spent and having the opportunity to ask questions of agencies. It has been a great opportunity to get prepared to be effective during the session.”

Canady was appointed to the Education and Employment Committee and to five subcommittees, including Education Quality and PreK-12 Appropriations. Canady said she has received guidance from Rep. Josie Tomkow, R-Polk City, who is 22 years younger but in her third term.

Canady said she put in long hours during her weeks in Tallahassee before the session.

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“I'm typically at the Capitol before or as the sun's coming up, and I don't leave until sometimes far after dark,” she said. “And I think one of the effects of term limits is you have a very short period of time to make a very significant impact. And it's my goal to be as impactful as I can possibly be for the good of the people of District 50.”

Polk County has a tradition of influential legislators, from Spessard Holland and Lawton Chiles to J.D. Alexander and Kelli Stargel. Canady said she appreciates the weight of her role in Tallahassee.

“It is such a privilege to represent Lakeland in the Florida House of Representatives,” she said. “And every day when I drive to the Capitol, I am very aware of the responsibility that I have. I feel a deep responsibility to be as effective as I can be. I'm very aware every day of the privilege that it is.”

Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on Twitter @garywhite13.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Legislative newcomer Canady determined to be as effective as possible