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While Peter Schorsch holds many titles — blogger, consultant and editor-in-chief of Florida Politics, the most influential political website in the Sunshine State — the one which he’s proudest is “husband and father.” That’s what makes his new podcast so exciting: Peter’s co-host, a woman every bit as accomplished as he is — his wife, Michelle Todd Schorsch. “He Said, She Said” has Peter and Michelle — previously a respected political consultant, now the CEO of the bustling Schorsch household — discussing the driving topics of the day, especially how politics really goes down in Florida. But the political talk is just a jumping off point to a wide-range of subject matter, from the latest in pop culture to some very strong opinions on family life and parenting. Listen in to hear how one political couple balances it all. 

04/10/2019 | Episode 008 | 1:54:05

He Said, She Said: 2020 presidential campaign & school choice deep-dive with Commissioner Richard Corcoran

First thoughts on 2020 presidential campaign and a deep-dive with Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran

On this episode of He Said, She Said, Peter and Michelle welcome Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to the show. Corcoran makes a case for school choice, talks transformational changes to education in the DeSantis administration, and defends against school choice critics. Our hosts reveal their initial 2020 presidential picks and Michelle says she'll officially go from red to blue to vote in the primary. Peter talks to many special House races to watch throughout the state, as well as the upcoming Tampa mayoral election. Finally, this week's Veep recap and Peter's hot take on Game of Thrones and Avengers.

Key Insights

  • Peter and Michelle welcome Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to the podcast for a deep-dive on education policy.
  • But first, some local matters, like the 40th avenue bridge closing: Peter and Michelle are not pleased and share some takes on the Kriseman administration.
  • Peter and Michelle talks local sports: the Rays opener & Tampa Bay Lightning tie for most wins in regular season.
  • The 2020 presidential race comes to He Said, She Said: Michelle is for anyone except Trump - unless it's Bernie Sanders.
  • Today's 2020 prediction: Donald Trump gets reelected.
  • First take on 2020: #3 for both: Mayor Pete; #2 for both: Joe Biden; #1 for Peter: Kamala Harris; #1 for Michelle: Beto O'Rourke.
  • Which political consultant would Michelle hire if she ran for office?
  • Florida Politics stories of the week: State House races to fill slots left by Gov. DeSantis' appointments; Tampa mayoral election in one week; Volusia County race; Stephanie Murphy from Central Fl.
  • School choice with Education Commissioner and former House Speaker Richard Corcoran
  • "Transformational" changes to education going through the legislature now; new scholarship program that eliminates waitlist for Florida Tax scholarship program; eliminated old Best and Brightest program and came up with a new one; requiring computer science for graduation.
  • Corcoran says efforts to expand school choice scholarships will include more middle class families. House bill would expand scholarships to incomes up to $90,000 for a family of four, making 70 percent of the student population eligible.
  • Corcoran's response to criticism of harming public school: "We've studied because we've had the Florida Tax Scholarships for over a decade, overwhelmingly 40 percent more likely to go to college than the group they left behind... But group left behind also improved."
  • "Where you have a robust choice environment, traditional public schools get better in addition to the charter schools."
  • Corcoran talks where Florida education system ranks ranks currently, where teacher pay and compensation will move (on a national scale) if DeSantis' proposed changes take effect.
  • According to Corcoran, DeSantis' new Best & Brightest program will more than double the funds from $200 million to $400 million, and expands to 80,000 teachers. Eligibility for a bonus: If school improves from one year to the next and district ranks you (as a teacher) as effective/highly effective.

"We haven't seen since Jeb Bush a very strong conservative idealogical governor who is really passionate about education." - Richard Corcoran, Education Commissioner

"We've studied because we've had the Florida Tax Scholarships for over a decade, overwhelmingly 40 percent more likely to go to college than the group they left behind... But group left behind also improved." - Richard Corcoran, Education Commissioner


 

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About the host

While Peter Schorsch holds many titles — blogger, consultant and editor-in-chief of Florida Politics, the most influential political website in the Sunshine State — the one of which he’s proudest is “husband and father.” That’s what makes his new podcast so exciting. Peter’s co-host is a woman every bit as accomplished as he is: his wife, Michelle Todd Schorsch. “He Said, She Said” has Peter and Michelle — previously a respected political consultant, now the CEO of the bustling Schorsch household — discussing the driving topics of the day, especially how politics really goes down in Florida. 


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