TALLAHASSEE — A major ethics and anti-corruption bill that advocates say is long overdue — but critics say may go too far — faces a rocky path in theFlorida Legislature. The legislation seeks to end what a 2010 grand jury called a “corruption tax” on Florida citizens amounting to millions a year in extra taxes,…
TALLAHASSEE – A state senator from St. Petersburg says he might wade into the controversial issue of prayer at high school athletic events during this legislative session. Republican Jeff Brandes’ interest in the topic stems from an incident in December when the Florida High School Athletic Association wouldn’t allow two Christian schools — Tampa’s Cambridge Christian School…
A lawsuit filed in 2009 alleging that Florida has failed in its most important duty — providing every student with a uniform and a high quality education — will finally go to trial in Tallahassee this March. To that end, the attorneys presenting the case are asking the community for financial help to ensure that…
Jeb Bush on Monday outlined a plan to overhaul education that seeks to diminish the federal role while providing more incentive for people to save. Coming on Martin Luther King Day, Bush said, “access to a quality education is the great civil rights challenge of our time.” Ideas include: Create Education Savings Accounts to replace 529 college savings…
A sweeping proposal to bring “school choice” to Florida high school athletics and other extracurricular activities passed its first Senate committee Thursday, despite concerns that it could encourage rampant recruiting of student-athletes. Senate Bill 684 — approved unanimously by the Senate Pre-K-12 Education Committee — builds on lawmakers’ efforts in recent years to grant more flexibility for student-athletes…
1. Legislative session hopes to be peaceful: http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/legislative-leaders-look-peaceful-session-start 2. Daily updates posted: https://fsba.org/2016-legislative-session-resource-center/ 3. Florida school districts struggling with teacher shortage: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-schools-teacher-shortage-20160113-story.html 4. Kindergarten is the new first grade: http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016/01/07/kindergarten-today-looks-like-first-grade-a-decade-ago 5. Kids want Presidential Candidates to debate science: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jan/14/kids-ask-us-presidential-candidates-to-debate-science
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…
Plans to expand education options for people with disabilities passed the Senate Wednesday with a unanimous vote. The measures are a priority for Senate President Andy Gardiner, who was moved to tears at the bill’s passage. Senator Don Gaetz of Destin’s plans would provide more scholarships and pave the way to college for people with…
Sen. Don Gaetz doesn’t like the sound of no. On Monday the Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee voted down his anti-corruption bill. So on Tuesday, the Niceville Republican inserted all of the bill’s provisions into another bill. Then he persuaded the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee to approve the proposal on a 7 -3 vote.…
TALLAHASSEE — Senate pre-kindergarten to 12th grade education committee chair John Legg plans to allow a vote on the controversial “best and brightest” teacher bonus program, but he has “reservations” about the legislation. The Lutz Republican hosted a workshop Wednesday on the program, which makes teachers who scored in the 80th percentile or above on…