Profile: State Rep. Janet Adkins
A Republican, she represents District 12, which encompasses parts of Bradford, Clay and Duval counties along with all of Baker, Nassau and Union counties.
Election History
Defeated Republican Bob Milner for the seat in 2008.
Family
Husband, Doug, and two children, Emily and Douglas.
Education
Earned a master’s of business administration and a bachelor’s of science in computer information science from the University of North Florida. Received an associate’s degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
Occupation
Full-time lawmaker.
Civic highlights and affiliations
Former Nassau County School Board member, formerly appointed to both the Nassau County Planning & Zoning Board and the Citizen’s Budget Policy Reform Committee. Member of the Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island Council, along with the National Rifle Association.
What she drives
“I have an Acura MDX we bought just after the 2008 election that now has almost 60,000 miles on it.”
Favorite legislative moment
“Getting our local bill regarding docks in the Aquatic Preserve in Nassau County through committees and ready to go to the floor of the House.”
Least favorite legislative moment
“Getting (the) staff analyst report back on one of our bills where state agencies attached a large fiscal component, making the bill hard to move through committee.”
On the budget
“Florida’s economy has taken a huge hit as a result of the recent national recession, and because of this our state revenues are down significantly. We were elected to lead, and leading means making hard decisions. The choices being made by the Legislature, while not perfect by any means, reflect the very difficult times we live in. There is no joy in making tough decisions that impact the lives of others.”
On health care
“Federal health-care reform is going to place tremendous fiscal burdens on the state, as well as the local and county governments. The expansion of the Medicaid provisions alone is anticipated to cost the State of Florida an additional $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion dollars a year in health-care costs from general revenue.”
How she destresses
“I rent a house about 15 minutes from the Capitol. I go there in the evenings and watch TV while I help my kids with homework via computer and fax machine.”
Guilty pleasure
“I really enjoy Peterbrooke chocolate from my hometown of Fernandina Beach.”