$154 million for Florida Forever Programs, Law Enforcement Pay Raise,
Historic Investments in Need and Merit-Based Student Financial Aid
The Florida Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island), today filed SPB 2500, a proposed budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year. The balanced budget prioritizes Florida’s K–12 and higher education systems, while setting aside $3.4 billion in total reserves. The budget also makes critical investments in Florida’s environment, continues historic investments in need-based and merit-based student financial aid, and provides a pay raise for Florida’s state law enforcement officers.
“The budget proposal we released today reflects the Senate’s strong commitment to education,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “From unprecedented per-student funding for our K-12 schools, to continuing historic investments in need-based student financial aid and setting aside funds for the permanent expansion of the Bright Futures scholarship, the Senate budget recognizes the link between education and our economy and the significant return for taxpayers when we invest in Florida’s future.”
“The Senate budget ensures continued fidelity to the Constitution by fully and faithfully implementing the voter-approved Water and Land Conservation Amendment, including $154 million for Florida Forever Programs,” said Senator Bradley. “We also account for funding to combat the opioid crisis plaguing communities across our state and invest in pay raises for our state law enforcement officers. Additionally, the Senate budget reflects our commitment to sound fiscal planning by setting aside $3.4 billion in total reserves.”
