Governor Rick Scott says he will veto the legislature’s education funding proposal, sending lawmakers back to the drawing board in a special session next week. Scott says he and legislative leaders have agreed to spend another $200 million for education, and put more money into the state’s tourism and job recruitment agencies.
“You always try to figure out how everybody wins. And I think everybody wins here. The students and the state win, the people who want a better paying job wins, everybody wins," Scott told reporters Friday.
The additional money for education will come from the veto of more than $400 million worth of member projects. The Governor says he’s still reviewing a hot-button education bill, HB 7069, but other lawmakers have indicated the measure is part of the education deal Scott has struck with House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron.
"Probably the only person that would know is me, since I’m the one who has told people," Scott said when asked if the bill is part of the budget deal.
"So what I have said is that I am reviewing 7069. I think it’s important we focus on the education system for all students in the state, and that’s what I am going to do.”
The measure makes it easier for charter schools to set up near failing public schools and requires districts to share their local capital funds with charters as well. It is House Speaker Richard Corcoran’s top priority.
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