A.G. Gancarski
New legislation from a Brevard County Republican would eliminate tuition benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Sen. Randy Fine filed the legislation (SB 90), which he described as a “biggie.” The bill would end the 10-year practice of giving this group in-state tuition at colleges and universities, saving an estimated $45 million in taxpayer dollars currently encumbered for this purpose.
“This is a no-brainer way to reduce the size of government and free up resources to help Floridians in need. We must put Floridians first, and I am proud to do my part to rebalance the scales for our citizens,” Fine said.
It accords with a stated priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who said in 2023 that he wanted to repeal statutory language that conferred that benefit to students not legally in the country.
And it takes aim at legislation (HB 851) sponsored by former Rep. Jeanette Nuñez, who is the state’s current Lieutenant Governor.
Fine’s bill, if enacted as written, would strike provisions from Section 1009.26 of the Florida Statutes that cater to any student who attended Florida high schools for at least three years before graduating in the state, and who applied to an in-state institution of higher learning no more than 24 months after graduating.
The waiver is currently “applicable for 110 percent of the required credit hours of the degree or certificate program for which the student is enrolled.”
No House companion has yet to be filed, but Fine tells Florida Politics that multiple members want to file this legislation and that a House version will appear soon.
The bill as written would go into effect next July. Therefore, it would affect students beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
Fine, endorsed by Donald Trump in the Special Election next year in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, says the bill accords with the President-elect’s policy priorities.
“President Trump has made clear it is time to close the border and stop giving illegal immigrants rewards for breaking the law,” Fine said. “While blue-collar Floridians are struggling to make ends meet, it is not fair to require them to pay $45 million a year to subsidize sweetheart deals for college degrees to those who should not even be here.”
As of 2021, Florida only ranked behind Texas and New Jersey in terms of the number of illegal immigrants attending college in the state.
While the bill contemplates removing the in-state tuition benefit granted last decade, it would not change admission policy.
11 comments
MH/Duuuval
December 9, 2024 at 10:46 am
Here’s hoping Lt. Gov. Nunez has a high-heeled shoe with which she can whack Fine.
Jimbeau
December 9, 2024 at 11:16 am
I have made $200 reliably in one day.That was my ideal day in my life and my boss was to a great degree content with me..CNN is additionally awed from my work and is outstandingly happy..check also unpretentious parts by open the affiliation and tap on HOME TECH OR MEDIA………
Begin here>>>>>>>>> Payathome9.Com
Hung Wiil
December 9, 2024 at 11:49 am
MH, we fineally agree . . . see what I did there?
You’re a total douche, but Randy Fine is a bigger douche, and if illegals don’t earn degrees, their earning potential is lower. The more degrees, the more they will likely contribute to the tax base.
Fine is being stupid for stupid’s sake.
Gerry
December 9, 2024 at 11:08 am
Randy Fine will make moves like this one to try and secure his upcoming election for congress. If anyone who reads this thinks Randy Fine is a conservative, just look at his voting record for the last 8 years in the Florida House. This guy is a part of the establishment SWAMP. Vote Arron Baker
Anna Joe
December 9, 2024 at 11:55 am
Remote work isn’t just a trend, it’s the future of work. Work Remotely from your own house. We just want your typing skills, You can make more than 120USD/Hr. No matter where you are. Let’s Grow together and do great things, even if we’re far apart…
Take a Look…
Begin here>>>>>>>>> WorkJoin7.Com
Seber Newsome III
December 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
illegals should have never been getting free tuition to begin with, I support Randy Fine
Hung Wiil
December 9, 2024 at 10:31 pm
“Free tuition” is not a thing. Those who are here illegally, almost completely due to being brought here as children, are paying in-state rates for tuition. Rand Fine is a stupid blowhard.
MH/Duuuval
December 9, 2024 at 1:54 pm
I believe the persons eligible for in-state tuition in Florida are DACAs, who are still in limbo.
MH/Duuuval
December 9, 2024 at 1:59 pm
DOGE is pronounced “douche” and is headed by two of the biggest..
Patrick Simon
December 9, 2024 at 4:00 pm
I lead a team of volunteers who assist high school students as they plan and process post-secondary enrollment to colleges, technical schools, and universities – many of which are Florida schools. A year and a half ago, we tried to assist a student who was undocumented. She was ranked in the top 5 of her graduating class of 285 students, had an SAT score at the 95% and in the spring of her graduating year, lost her awarded scholarships from Florida universities due to a similar decision made that year by the Florida governor that eliminated her scholarship awards to her selected Florida universities. Her goal was to enroll in a 6-year medical program. She left Florida and is now attending college in NY, St. John’s University, on a scholarship.
This young lady is determined to be a physician, and I believe that will happen. She wants to practice in the US, but I doubt she will move back to Florida. Do our elected officials think about this drain of great talent with decisions such as those resulting from SB 90?
MH/Duuuval
December 9, 2024 at 5:35 pm
The administrator of the local Mayo outpost in Duval came over the border without anyone’s permission and somehow made it thru med school and etc.
Good luck to the young woman of your story and all the other strivers.
Comments are closed.