Statement by Representative Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach) in Response to Governor Charlie Crist’s Veto of SB 6
“On behalf of the teachers, parents and students of Florida and, specifically, those of Palm Beach County, I commend Governor Crist for putting principle before political ideology and vetoing Senate Bill 6.
“There is no doubt Florida’s education system needs to be improved and accountability strengthened, but the effort should be transparent and the most important voices, those of the parents and the teachers, must be heard. It is they, along with the children of our great State, who will have to live with the results of any restructuring.
“As Governor Crist so eloquently stated, those efforts ‘are worthy of pursuit in a collaborative setting with participation of those who are directly impacted.’
“Sadly, that wasn’t what happened with SB6, a piece of legislation that fell victim to partisan politics at the expense of what is in the best interest of our students, teachers and the future of education in Florida.
“The Governor reiterated the principles behind my amendment that the system must take into account factors outside the teacher’s control, such as natural disasters, socioeconomic factors, age, and home environment, which must be included in evaluating the teacher and developing a performance pay plan.
“I hope in the future any such effort will be inclusive, bipartisan, and open to the best ideas of every stakeholder.”
Mark Hollis
Communications Director
Democratic Office
Florida House of Representatives
850-488-9622
www.flhousedems.com
