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Governor Rick Scott

Statement from Progress Florida Regarding Signing of HB 7069

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Statement from Progress Florida Executive Director, Mark Ferrulo, on Gov. Scott’s signing into law HB 7069:
“Today, Gov. Rick Scott ignored thousands of parents, teachers and community leaders who have spoken out against this travesty of a bill and embraced a secret and unaccountable process to deal an underhanded sucker punch to public education in our state. Our students — the next generation of Floridians — are the ones who will pay the price.

“Floridians deserve a strong and well-funded public school system so that a child’s opportunity to learn isn’t dependent on where they live or whether they win a school lottery. We shouldn’t waste precious resources on a parallel system of for profit private voucher and charter schools that is less accountable to citizens and has produced mixed results at best.”

Gov. Scott signs major education bill; increases Gardiner scholarships, teacher bonuses

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Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7069 which provides nearly $419 million to Florida’s K-12 education system, expands teacher bonuses, increases funding for the Gardiner Scholarship for students with unique abilities and ensures Florida’s students can get a great education at the school of their choice. Additionally, during the recent Special Legislative Session called by Governor Scott, the Legislature allocated the highest per student K-12 funding in state history, increasing funding by $100 per student.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to sign legislation that expands the Gardiner Scholarship program to help support even more students with unique abilities and provides nearly $234 million in bonuses for Florida’s incredible public school teachers. This legislation, combined with the historic $100 per student increase in funding I called for during the special session, will put all of Florida’s students on a pathway toward success.
“When I was growing up, I had access to a good quality education, and every Florida child should have the same opportunity. Florida’s K-12 education system is so important to the future of our children and our state, and we will never stop looking for ways to improve how our students learn and achieve.”
Florida House of Representatives Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Today is a great day for the students of Florida. Today is also a great day for parents and teachers who care deeply about our kids. Today is not a good day for the status quo or for those who accept failure as part of the system. I thank the Governor for his courage and his commitment to the hopes and dreams of the next generation. I look forward to working with him to make the promise of HB 7069 a reality.”
Former Senate President Andy Gardiner said, “Providing educational opportunities, resources and services to Floridians with unique abilities is so important in helping these individuals lead successful and independent lives. My wife Camille and I are proud to have Governor Scott sign this legislation today expanding the Gardiner Scholarship so that more children with unique abilities can receive a great education in Florida.”
Since taking office, Governor Scott has focused on ensuring that Florida’s children receive a quality education in K-12 public schools. Over the past six years, state funding for Florida’s K-12 public schools has increased by nearly $3 billion or 34 percent from a total amount of $8.7 billion in 2011 to $11.7 billion in this year’s Fighting for Florida’s Future budget.
Governor Scott is also a strong supporter of school choice. Along with expanding virtual education to all Florida students, the legislation signed by Governor Scott today continues the Governor’s commitment to supporting school choice for students across the state. Since taking office, Governor Scott has signed legislation providing flexibility and more than $450 million in funding to Florida’s high performing charter schools, allowing these schools to grow and serve more students.
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.

American Bridge statement on Rick Scott signing the most anti-education bill of his administration

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In response to Rick Scott signing HB 7069, American Bridge spokesperson Joshua Karp made the following statement:
“Since his first year in office, Rick Scott has fought against public schools on behalf of wealthy corporate special interests. Today’s anti-education bill was crafted in secret by lobbyists and Tallahassee insiders to funnel millions of dollars to corporations that seek to profit off children’s education while diverting precious funding from Florida’s public schools where every dollar is precious. Yet again, Floridians will be worse off because Rick Scott and his friends care more about making money.”

Governor Rick Scott Signs Major Education Bill Into Law

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Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 7069 which provides nearly $419 million to Florida’s K-12 education system, expands teacher bonuses, increases funding for the Gardiner Scholarship for students with unique abilities and ensures Florida’s students can get a great education at the school of their choice. Additionally, during the recent Special Legislative Session called by Governor Scott, the Legislature allocated the highest per student K-12 funding in state history, increasing funding by $100 per student.

ICYMI: Diaz Joins Scott for Signing of HB 7069

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Diaz calls today a landmark in Florida education reform
and praises Scott for his support of education choice.

State Representative Manny Diaz today joined Governor Rick Scott in Orlando as he signed House Bill 7069 into law. 
“Today is a landmark day for education reform in Florida,” said Diaz. “I commend the Governor for continuing his steadfast support for educational choice and opportunities. Florida once again leads the nation in bold, innovative education policy. I also want to thank Speaker Corcoran for his bold leadership and Chairmen Bileca, Raburn and Latvala for their work on this great legislation for Florida families.” 
House Bill 7069 includes a number of important provisions that will strengthen the state’s education system, including:

  •  Record-high funding, most of which will go directly to the classroom, teachers, and principals
  •  $30 million to ensure students with special needs maintain their scholarship through the Gardner Scholarship Program
  •  Funds to reward teacher excellence with bonuses
  •  Creation of the Schools of Excellence Program to provide administrative flexibility for the highest-performing schools
  •  $140 million to turn around failing schools through the Schools of Hope Program
  • Streamlined testing requirements
  •  Mandatory 20-minute recess for all K-5 traditional public school students

As Chair of the PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, Diaz took a leading role in crafting and passing the bill. He also serves on the Education Committee and is an education professional.
ON THE WEB:  www.VoteMannyDiazJr.com

Paid by Manny Diaz Jr., Republican, for State Senator

Governor Scott to Sign State Employee, Law Enforcement Pay Raise Bill

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Governor Rick Scott will sign SB 7022 and present veterans medals at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Auditorium in Tallahassee today.
WHAT: Bill Signing and Veterans Award Ceremony
WHEN: 2:00pm
WHERE: DHSMV Auditorium
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
NOTE: Governor Scott will be available to the media following this event in lieu of his normal press briefing after Cabinet.

Governor Scott Leads “Fighting for Florida’s Future Victory” Tour

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Governor Rick Scott kicked off his five-city “Fighting for Florida’s Future Victory” tour at Jungle Island in Miami to celebrate the major wins for Florida families and students during last week’s legislative special session. The tour is highlighting an all-time high of K-12 per-pupil spending, the establishment of the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, full funding for VISIT FLORIDA, and $50 million to kick-start repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Governor Scott was joined by House Speaker Richard Corcoran and local legislators. The tour also made a stop at the South Florida Water Management District in West Palm Beach and will continue in Fort Myers, Tampa and Jacksonville.
Senate President Joe Negron said, “I am grateful to Governor Scott for his commitment to fighting for Florida’s future in several key areas this session. From unprecedented per student funding for K-12 public education, to historic investments in student financial aid and higher education operations and infrastructure, Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature have prioritized Florida’s public education system in a manner that will provide a strong return on investment for taxpayers. Critical investments in our environment through the passage of Senate Bill 10 and funds to expedite the repair of the Herbert Hoover Dike will protect the health of our citizens and our economy in communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee for generations to come, while strategic funding for tourism marketing and economic development provide important tools that lead to a vibrant job market and growing economy. Additionally, Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature have demonstrated fidelity to the Constitution through legislation that fully and faithfully implements medical use of marijuana, as well as a number of other key pieces of legislation that protect the constitutional liberties of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and other rights we hold so dear.”