TODAY’S HAPPENINGS [NOTE: The bills listed below are linked to the each bill’s website where you can find information about the bill including the bill sponsor, committees of reference, and staff analysis. The committees/subcommittees are linked to each committee’s website where you can find information about the committee including the committee’s leadership, membership and staff, the committee’s…
Despite heavy skepticism, the Florida Senate Education Committee has kept alive an effort to extend a controversial bonus based on teachers’ ACT and SAT scores. The committee had been seen as the most likely spot where the program, which many teachers have roundly attacked, would fall apart. Sen. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami, opposed the bill. “The rewarding…
TALLAHASSEE – In a pivotal vote, a Senate education committee on Wednesday narrowly gave its support for continuing a controversial program that awards teacher bonuses based, in part, on how well they did on college-entrance exams. Although the “Best and Brightest” program is in its first year, senators didn’t debate it last year — only the House did —…
It’s the second time around for a bill that would allow Florida students to attend the public school of their choice. But unlike last year, when the measure was first introduced, this year’s effort is bringing sharp critiques from Democrats. Last year, Florida lawmakers expressed intrigue in a bill that would let kids attend schools…
Palm Beach County’s School Board has angered the charter school industry by rejecting two charter applications for not being “innovative.” Now the charter movement’s allies in the Florida Legislature are pushing back. A state House committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would change the Florida Constitution to give voters the option to let charter schools win approval…
TALLAHASSEE Tumbling financial markets are further clouding Gov. Rick Scott’s push for $1 billion in tax cuts as the Legislature deals with a suddenly less rosy financial outlook and less money to divvy up. State budget forecasters this week said they expect that Florida will have nearly $400 million less for its budget than originally…