Gov. Scott gets budget; veto clock is ticking
From the Tampa Bay Times: The clock starts today for Gov. Rick Scott who has 15 days to decide whether to sign an $82.4 billion state budget — and just…
Florida House wants to push property tax dollars to unpredictable charters
The Florida House is pushing to force school districts to turn over a portion of local property taxes to charter schools. These schools are housed in privately owned buildings on…
House and Senate Divided on Education Budget
The House and Senate released their Education budgets last week with the Senate proposing more per pupil funding and less charter school construction money than the House. The House version…
What to expect in the 2016 Florida Legislative Session
The 2016 Florida Legislative Session begins Tuesday. What should public education supporters expect? Well, not much according to policy leaders in Tallahassee. Congress passed a sweeping overhaul to No Child…
Less money for schools than promised
Florida lawmakers are wrapping up the budget work that was so contentious it required a special session to complete. Most issues have been settled including the education budget. Last minute negotiations…
Schools Likely Losers in Budget Fight
News out of Tallahassee Tuesday night says the House and Senate have reached an agreement on education spending levels. Reportedly, they have agreed to a modest 3% increase that puts school…
Legislature returns to Tallahassee for special session
The Florida Legislature opened the special session Monday in Tallahassee. Because they ended regular session without passing a budget, legislative leaders had to convene a special session in order to avoid…
Governor warns of possible “government shutdown”
Governor Scott issued a statement that asks agencies to identify their critical needs in case the Florida Senate and House cannot come to agreement on a state budget by July…
Legislature to hold Special Session
In a joint statement yesterday, House and Senate leaders announced a special session to begin June 1st and conclude June 20th. They are divided on the issue of Medicaid funding from…
House, Senate and Governor face off over budget stalemate
The 2015 Legislative Session abruptly ended without passing a constitutionally required budget. Now, all sides are facing off as they decide how to proceed. The Senate Democrats filed an emergency…