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Gov. Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future Budget Continues Historic Investments in Education

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Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget makes historic investments in Florida’s public education system, with record high per-student funding; provides additional resources for school safety; and provides Florida teachers additional money to purchase classroom supplies.
Governor Scott said, “Florida has renowned K-12 public schools and nationally recognized colleges that ensure every Floridian has access to educational opportunities that meet their individual needs. We also have the best teachers in the world, and I am proud to support their efforts by increasing the supply grants each teacher receives to prepare their classrooms at the start of the school year. The Securing for Florida’s Future budget invests historic funds into our state’s public education system, enabling Florida’s students, educators and education leaders to continue building on the progress we have made to ensure this success continues for generations to come.”
The Securing for Florida’s Future budget includes:
RECORD K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS FUNDING:

  • $21.4 billion in state and local funding, an increase of $769.6 million.
    • Historic per-student funding of $7,497, an increase of $200 over 2017-18 levels;
    • $198 million increase in state funds to support an additional 27,184 students;
    • $63.2 million for teacher supply grants of $100 per teacher to purchase classroom supplies needed for the school year, an increase of $17.9 million; and
    • $74.5 million to ensure school safety for our students, an increase of $10 million.
  • Funding to help ensure that Florida students have well-prepared, high-quality educators and that educators are recognized and compensated for outstanding performance:
    • $12 million to establish Summer Academies to accelerate English Language Learners in grades 4-8 not meeting grade level expectations;
    • $15 million for computer coding and professional development initiative;
    • $770,000 to recognize outstanding educators in our public schools through the Teacher of the Year program which provides at least $10,000 for district winners; at least $15,000 for the top five finalists; and at least $20,000 for the statewide winner; and
    • $1 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.

RECORD FLORIDA COLLEGES FUNDING:

  • $1.24 billion in state operating funds, an increase of $31.9 million which provides:
    • $120 million for performance funding, with $60 million in state investment; and
    • $14 million to incentivize industry certification performance, an increase of $4 million.

BRIGHT FUTURES:

  • $420.6 million to fund Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which includes funding to ensure the Florida Academic Scholars award will continue to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees for all eligible students.

EDUCATIONAL FACILITY IMPROVEMENT:

  • $150 million for maintenance, repairs, renovation and remodeling includes:
    • $50 million for public schools;
    • $50 million for charter schools; and
    • $50 million for Florida colleges.
  • $34.4 million for Florida College System construction projects;
  • $1 million for security funding for Jewish Day Schools; and
  • $48.9 million for special facility construction projects.

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “With his Securing Florida’s Future budget, Governor Rick Scott has once again proven that he is committed to helping our state’s students reach their full potential. Year after year, Florida’s students have improved their academic performance and narrowed the achievement gap. This continued investment in our state’s public education system will help to maintain the momentum to the benefit of current and future generations.”
Marva Johnson, State Board of Education Chair, said, “As job growth in Florida soars, it is essential that students at every level of our state’s public education system receive a high-quality education that prepares them to meet workforce demands and positions them to enjoy the high quality of life Florida has to offer. Governor Rick Scott’s Securing Florida’s Future budget is paramount to students’ academic, career, and life success, and I commend him for his ongoing support.”
Andy Tuck, State Board of Education Vice Chair, said, “Every student deserves access to safe learning environments and, as a Board, we have continually prioritized funding to ensure our school and district leaders have resources to protect Florida’s greatest asset – our children. For four consecutive years, we have proudly proposed a $10 million increase in school safety, and I look forward to working with the Legislature to make this a reality.”
Dr. Tom LoBasso, Daytona State College President, said, “I appreciate Governor Rick Scott for proposing an increase of $30 million in state investment in performance funding for the Florida College System. Our 28 colleges serve more than 800,000 Florida students and lead the nation with graduation rates topping nearly every other state.”
Tammy Jerkins, 2018 Florida Teacher of the Year, said, “Our state’s teachers work hard to develop engaging lessons that help their students connect to the content. I have spent my own money to ensure successful classroom activities, and I know that many of my colleagues have as well. I am grateful to Governor Rick Scott for recognizing this great need and taking action to help our state’s dedicated teachers as they prepare the next generation for lifelong success.”
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.

Gov. Scott: The Securing Florida’s Future Budget Makes Historic Investments and Cuts Taxes

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Governor Rick Scott visited Northern Tool + Equipment, a supplier of high-quality tools and equipment in Jacksonville, to announce his Securing Florida’s Future budget which proposes $180 million in tax cuts to help Florida families. The Governor’s recommended budget also invests record funding in Florida’s education system, transportation, and environmental protection while continuing to support law enforcement and keep Florida’s economy growing. For more information, visit SecuringFloridasFutureBudget.com.
Governor Scott said, “When I made the decision to run for Governor in 2010, a lot of people doubted that a businessman who had never been in politics could cut taxes and get our state back to work. For years, politicians in Tallahassee had run our economy into the ground through tax increases, frivolous spending and a lack of focus on job creation. I have spent every day since taking office fighting to get Florida on the right track by turning back the harmful policies of past politicians and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to secure Florida’s future by creating an environment where Floridians of all ages have the tools they need to succeed in our state. Today, I am proud to announce my budget which cuts taxes and makes historic investments in education, transportation and Florida’s environment.
“Turning around Florida’s economy would not have been possible without our hard work to cut taxes and encourage business to thrive here in the Sunshine State. Since I took office, I have been proud to work with the Florida Legislature to cut taxes 75 times saving Floridians more than $7.5 billion. Together, we have paid down $9 billion in state debt and made government more efficient to save even more taxpayer money. These accomplishments have helped secure future success and prosperity, and have made it possible for more than 1.3 million Floridians to find a job so they can support their families. As we look ahead to the future of Florida, it is important to continue fighting every day to make sure that our children and grandchildren have every opportunity to lead successful lives in the Sunshine State. Our Securing Florida’s Future budget advances Florida’s record of success and represents years of fighting to do what’s right for Florida families and I will keep fighting every day to secure Florida’s future for every Florida family.”
Joe Apolloni, Senior Vice President of Retail at Northern Tool + Equipment, which has 12 locations across Florida and employs nearly 150 Floridians, said, “Northern Tool has seen firsthand how Floridians take action to prepare and recover from a hurricane, and we are proud to serve as a resource for important supplies like generators and water pumps. Providing a tax holiday for these essential products in times of great need will help more people be prepared and stay safe.”
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget highlights.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget FAQ.
Click here to view the Securing Florida’s Future Budget complete budget.

Gov. Scott proposes historic investments for environment

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$1.7 Billion for Florida’s World-Class Beaches,
Springs, State Parks, Everglades and Natural Treasures

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose more than $1.7 billion to protect Florida’s environment as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This $1.7 billion funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a more than $220 million increase over the current year.
The proposed funding will include:

  • A historic investment of $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A historic investment of $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands

Governor Scott said, “People from across the world come to Florida because of our state’s beautiful natural treasures. Over the past seven years, we have made historic strides to protect Florida’s lands, invest record funding in the Everglades and Florida’s springs, and preserve our beloved beaches. To make sure our state remains beautiful for generations to come, I am proud to announce today that my recommended budget will include $1.7 billion to protect and preserve Florida’s environment.
“This funding includes historic investments in our iconic springs, world-renowned Everglades, award-winning state parks and beautiful beaches, which is especially important following impacts by Hurricane Irma. I am also proud to be recommending $100 million to preserve and protect our natural lands, including $50 million for Florida Forever. Our natural treasures are so important to Florida’s economy and tourism industry and the many families that rely on them. I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session on these strategic investments to help preserve our environment for Florida’s children, future residents and visitors.”
Additional environmental funding will be included in the Governor’s recommended 2018-2019 budget. More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.