Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersOctober 9, 2018

A new television commercial being launched Thursday by the Democrats’ Senate Majority Political Action Committee is attacking Republican Gov. Rick Scott over the education cuts he oversaw early in his administration, bringing the cuts back for consideration in Florida’s U.S. Senate race. The new commercial, “Cuts,” focuses on the $1.3 billion that Florida cut from […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerAugust 5, 2018

Florida “medallion scholars” will be among the biggest beneficiaries this academic year of the state’s efforts to expand financial aid for university and state college students. As students enroll for their fall classes this month, the projected 46,000 medallion scholars will have their Bright Futures scholarships increased to cover 75 percent of tuition and fees, […]

Scott PowersDecember 22, 2017

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham released her plan Friday for assisting the tens of thousands of Puerto Rican families displaced to Florida because of devastation on their island from Hurricane Maria, including proposals ranging from affordable housing investments to Medicaid expansion. Graham’s package of proposals includes a call for a statewide coordinator of assistance programs […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerOctober 23, 2017

Sen. Bill Galvano, a 51-year-old lawyer from Bradenton, will be designated Tuesday by Senate Republicans as the next president of the Florida Senate. The Republican lawmaker will lead the 40-member Senate for two years after the November 2018 general elections, assuming the Republicans hold their majority — now at a 24-16 margin — in the […]

Peter SchorschOctober 10, 2017

Florida families by the millions are aspiring to a new American dream – debt-free college education for their children. Considering the myriad challenges facing the Sunshine State, Senate President Joe Negron believes nearly everyone can agree that improving opportunities for Florida students must be placed at the top of the list. That is why the […]

Associated PressAugust 30, 2017

Republicans in the Florida Senate are moving ahead again with an ambitious proposal to boost financial aid for college students. Sen. Bill Galvano filed a bill (SB 4) Wednesday that would require the state to permanently cover 100 or 75 percent of all tuition costs for top high school students who attend a Florida university […]

Gary FineoutMay 9, 2017

Nearly a decade after the Great Recession, Florida may finally restore one of its main programs that aids students headed to college. The state Legislature late Monday approved an overhaul of the state’s higher education system that is intended to lift schools in the Sunshine State into the ranks of elite counterparts. A key part […]

Associated PressMarch 9, 2017

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College students in Florida could soon get extra help under an ambitious proposal passed by the Florida Senate. The Florida Senate voted 35-1 Thursday for an overhaul of the state’s higher education system that is a top priority for Senate President Joe Negron. It boosts financial aid and calls for new programs to help universities […]

Associated PressSeptember 19, 2016

Florida’s state university system may ask legislators to expand the state’s popular Bright Futures scholarship program to cover summer courses. The Board of Governors plans to discuss this week whether to ask the Florida Legislature to set aside nearly $50 million so eligible students can use the scholarship for classes taken during the summer terms. […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 13, 2016

Fewer than two out of every 10 Florida high school graduates qualify for a Bright Futures scholarship that helps pay their tuition and fees at state universities and colleges. New data, being reviewed by the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, shows the number may be improving, with an initial projection suggesting it could […]

Tag: Bright Futures

New Democratic ad hits Rick Scott on education cuts

Students get boost from Bright Futures changes

Gwen Graham’s plan for displaced Puerto Ricans: Housing, Spanish tests, Bright Futures, Medicaid

Bill Galvano brings policy skills to top Senate post

Expanding Bright Futures makes good policy, better politics

Florida will again consider college financial aid boost

Florida may restore college aid lost during Great Recession

Florida Senate says yes to more help for college students

Florida universities may push for summer scholarships

Bright Futures renewals decline, scholarships could drop 20 percent