Senator Bradley Introduces Legislation to Increase Transparency in Education Funding

Senator Rob Bradley unveiled legislation today to increase transparency in education spending by creating an easy-to-navigate tool that shows parents how much state, local and federal funding is provided for their child’s education.
“Florida invests nearly a third of the state’s total budget in education. Florida parents and taxpayers deserve access to easy-to-understand information about the average amount of funding dedicated to educating our students,” said Senator Bradley.
Senate Bill 1414 directs the Florida Department of Financial Services to create a parent-friendly online tool where users can view information about the average amount of local, state and federal financial resources generated to educate Florida’s students.
The tool would provide a per-student funding estimate based on responses to certain questions, including school district, grade level, whether the child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, whether the child is identified as a student with disabilities, gifted, or an English language learner.
“This legislation brings Florida’s legacy of transparency and public accountability to our state’s school funding program,” continued Senator Bradley. “As a parent and a taxpayer, I believe we should ensure that all parents are able to access this important information.”
Florida invested a record $22.1 billion in education spending last fiscal year, including a record $7,178 per student. The 2017 Legislative Session convenes on March 7th in Tallahassee.