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In a bold move to prioritize education funding, the Florida House unveiled its proposal that could significantly boost funding for K-12 education and higher education institutions across the state, referred to as SB 2502 and HB 5003.
This general bill, proposed by the Appropriations Committee and championed by state Representative Thomas “Tom” Leek, a Republican who has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2016, aims to address critical needs in the state’’s education system.
The House’s proposed budget allocates approximately $28.4 billion for K-12 education, marking a notable increase of about $1.8 billion, or 7%, over the current year’s budget. This substantial investment aims to not only increase per-student spending by over $215 compared to the current year but also to potentially bolster teacher salaries, a move long awaited by educators statewide.
In addition to the increased funding for K-12 education, the proposal also includes approximately $100 million more in spending for Exceptional Student Education programs, underscoring a commitment to supporting students with special needs.
Sherri Wilson, ESE coordinator at Christian Academy for Reaching Excellence Elementary School, emphasized the importance of professional development and collaboration with teachers and organizations, by investing in ongoing training and fostering a culture of collaboration, to ensure that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of every student effectively.
“These resources being readily available to our educators, allowing them to address individual student needs as they arise, helps ensure that every child has access to effective learning modalities,” Wilson said.
Regarding the collegiate level, the House’s budget plan for colleges and universities designates $4.3 billion for universities and $1.5 billion for state colleges. Notably, the proposal includes a $26 million increase in Bright Futures scholarship funding, which could alleviate financial burdens for many students pursuing higher education in the state.
However, amidst these funding increases, the budget plan also sets aside $2 million for defending the state in lawsuits. This allocation comes at a time when the state university system faces legal challenges, including a contentious lawsuit challenging a law banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
No comments were provided by the parties responsible for implementing this allocation.
On Wednesday, both the Senate and House deliberated and voted on their individual budget bills, namely SB 2500 and HB 5001, which lawmakers will navigate disparities between the Senate’s $115.9 billion spending plan and the House’s $115.5 billion proposal.
Lawmakers are set to finalize the budget by early March, aligning with the scheduled end of the legislative session on March 8.
With education funding taking center stage in the legislative agenda, stakeholders across Florida await the outcome of the upcoming debates and the impact these budget decisions will have on the state’s educational landscape.