Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Joe HendersonMarch 6, 2018

If you look closely, there actually are a couple of decent things in the just-passed Florida public education bill that is headed to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature – basically scraps offered to schools as balm for their tattered remains. But let’s call HB 7055 for what it is. It’s a victory lap for […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 23, 2018

The Florida Education Association hasn’t often championed Gov. Rick Scott‘s education proposals, but it is applauding his $500 million plan to address school safety that he announced Friday in Tallahassee. The suite of proposals most notably does not include arming schoolteachers, an idea that President Donald Trump and other Florida Republican lawmakers have proposed in […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 7, 2018

The House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday decided to oppose a bill it calls an “attack on … public education.” The “caucus position” against the measure (HB 7055) came during a meeting before the afternoon floor session where House members are discussing their version of the state budget for 2017-18. The education bill, among other things, would […]

Joe HendersonFebruary 7, 2018

As much as I’m anticipating the Great Debate next Tuesday between House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Tallahassee Mayor (and gubernatorial candidate) Andrew Gillum, there is another showdown I would like to see more. A faceoff between Corcoran and Florida Education Association president Joanne McCall could be one of the great confrontations in state political history. I’m serious. […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 7, 2018

Teachers union Florida Education Association has more than a few gripes with the omnibus education bill being fast tracked by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, and it’s going after a long list of Republican representatives to put a stop to it. “This monstrosity is a clear attempt to destroy our public schools while telling professional educators […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 5, 2018

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The state’s largest teachers union is airing a digital ad opposing a major education bill in the Florida House. The Florida Education Association’s anger is linked to HB 7055, a “conforming” measure sponsored by Miami Republican Michael Bileca and backed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran. The bill includes a number of provisions that FEA opposes, including a voucher program […]

Staff ReportsDecember 18, 2017

This weekend, delegates to the Florida AFL-CIO 2017 Biennial Convention unanimously reelected Mike Williams as President and Andrew Spar as Secretary-Treasurer of the state federation, according to a press release. Williams represents the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Spar is with the Florida Education Association (FEA). “I am honored that my union sisters […]

Staff ReportsNovember 27, 2017

After deep cuts in spending for Florida schools and other public programs following the Great Recession, outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott this month proposed an $87.4 billion budget he says boosts spending on some depleted services to record levels. Despite Scott’s meaty 2018-2019 budget recommendation, which is about $2.4 billion above current spending, advocates for Florida […]

Joe HendersonJune 5, 2017

After the budget compromise reached by Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Joe Negron, and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, the biggest question hanging over the Legislature’s three-day special session this week is whether there is enough time for some lawmakers to grow a backbone. Only one of two things can happen. There will either be a […]

Staff ReportsJune 2, 2017

The Florida Education Association isn’t satisfied with Gov. Rick Scott’s and legislative leaders’ plan to pump another $100 per pupil into public education. The union also wants Scott to veto HB 7069, the Legislature’s big education package. “The gaping flaws in HB 7069 haven’t changed with this suggested increase in funding,” FEA President Joanne McCall […]

Tag: Florida Education Association

Joe Henderson: Florida public education takes another hit

Florida’s largest teacher union backs Rick Scott school safety plan

House Democrats unite against contentious education bill

Joe Henderson: A more important debate for Richard Corcoran to have

Teachers union asks if Republicans are ‘too cowardly’ to stand up to Richard Corcoran

Teachers’ union joins swamp-draining chorus with new ad targeting Richard Corcoran

State labor union re-elects top officers

Doubts linger after Rick Scott pitches biggest budget

Joe Henderson: Tallahassee gets special session, the public gets the bill

Another $215 million for schools doesn’t go far enough, FEA complains