Phil Ammann
Florida Education Association President Andy Ford hailed the newly passed $78.8 billion budget as a “step forward” in properly funding the state’s public education.
But more work is needed, he cautioned.
Florida lawmakers finished the overtime marathon session after 6 p.m. Passed unanimously by the Senate and by a 96-17 vote in the House, the budget includes a $780 million increase for public schools.
After signed by Gov. Rick Scott – with some widely expected line-item vetoes – the budget will guide spending from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
Ford, who leads the state’s largest association of professional employees, with more than 140,000 members, released a statement this afternoon:
“The budget that legislators approved today represents a step forward for properly funding our public schools. The budget agreement provides a total in FEFP funding of $19.68 billion – an increase of $780 million over the current year. Per student funding increases to $7,097 – a boost of $207 over last year. We appreciate the funding for our early learning and post-secondary education as well. But it’s worth noting that Florida still languishes near the bottom in its investment for K-12 education when compared to other states and funding for this year is still below the per-student spending of eight years ago.
“This budget and the reduction in testing madness that we hope will result from passage of HB 7069 during the regular session are steps forward. For Florida and its public schools to continue to deliver the type of education that our accountability system demands — and to be able to deliver a valid and meaningful education for all of our students — continued investment will be necessary.
“FEA remains committed to working with lawmakers and the governor in next year’s early legislative session to improve funding and further reduce the overtesting in our schools.”
