House District 65

Candidate Ashley T. Brundage

5.0

Florida Democratic Party


2024 Questionnaire

Score 5.00

If you have you run for state office before, what year?

NA

Will you pledge to protect patient access to Medical Marijuana if Amendment 3 passes?

FLCAN supports safe, affordable, and accessible Cannabis for patients. The Constitution was amended in 2016 by popular vote to allow qualified patients access to medical Cannabis. This program must be reauthorized should Amendment 3 - adult non-medical use pass in November.

Many states consider the ability for patients to cultivate at home a key to access and affordability. Will you support legislation designed to expand access by allowing home cultivation?

Yes

Regulating Cannabis Businesses

The Department of Agriculture is already licensing businesses to grow, process, and sell low-THC Cannabis products. The Department of Health licenses businesses to grow, process, and sell Cannabis products to qualified patients. After the passage of Amendment 3 in November, we will have non-medical adult use.

Do you know someone who benefits from the existing hemp businesses operating in Florida?

No

Should businesses currently licensed to cultivate, process/manufacture, or sell Cannabis products be allowed to expand into the adult social market?

Mostly yes, depending upon their License certification, potentially ensuring that they understand the social market and how that differs from medical. Want to make sure that there are safeguards and resources for all the people of Florida once this passes.

Since November 2019, polls have shown 2/3 of Americans believed Marijuana (Cannabis) use should be legal.

Do you intend to introduce a Cannabis-related bill if elected?

Yes

Would you accept donations or volunteers from FLCAN supporters?

Yes

Is there anything you want our members and supporters to know?

2) on the second question, it just depends on how that bill would be framed for home cultivation. I would want to make sure that there were safeguards and educational resources surrounding it. Personally, I do not have a medical card because of the high cost of doctor visits and my current income level along with the fact that I have a very expensive insurance policy, that is more catastrophic. While I’m traveling around the country and other parts of the world, I certainly take advantage of where it is available recreationally and I, purchase outside of Florida currently. This is exactly why it is so important for us to pass amendment three so that way people like me don’t have to travel out of the state in order to gain access. Also, below is my full candidate bio with all of my positions in case anyone else is interested. Looking forward to partnering with you to make Florida.Better. Ashley T Brundage is a distinguished community leader, award-winning author, professional development and leadership educator, and candidate for Florida House District 65. Having navigated personal challenges such as discrimination and homelessness, she began her career as a part-time bank teller and rapidly ascended to the role of National Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at PNC Bank within just five years. Her extraordinary rise is detailed in her award-winning book and online course, "Empowering Differences," which outlines her method for leveraging diversity as a pathway to empowerment. Ashley's extensive background also includes significant contributions to advocacy and community engagement. She has served as a consultant to the White House and received accolades from the Governor DeSantis of Florida, reflecting her broad influence on policy and social issues. As the founder and president of Empowering Differences, Ashley has devoted herself to promoting inclusive professional environments through meticulously designed development sessions, which aim to enhance the representation and success of diverse employee groups. Throughout her journey, Ashley has been a prominent voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Her work includes volunteer leadership roles with several organizations, including the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Equality Florida, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. She also held a national board position with GLAAD, helping to steer media advocacy to accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals. In recognition of her profound impact, Ashley has been honored with numerous awards, including the Community Spirit Award from the Florida Commission on Status of Women and by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) Women in Leadership Institute's Executive Impact Award in 2021. Her advocacy extends beyond professional realms as she frequently speaks on topics related to workplace equality, leadership, and change management. Ashley is running for the Florida House, aiming to bring her vision of inclusivity and fairness to Tallahassee. She is committed to protecting reproductive rights, addressing the property insurance crisis, and empowering small businesses throughout Florida. Inspired by her two teenage sons, Bryce and Blake, Ashley is driven to create a Florida where every person has the freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe. You can learn more about Ashley and her campaign by visiting: www.ashleybrundage.com

On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not interested, do you consider yourself pro-Cannabis?

10