School voucher reform bill clears Senate Education Committee via Florida Politics

School voucher reform bill clears Senate Education Committee Proponents argue the bill makes navigating the state’s school-voucher system easier. By Jason Delgado on February 3, 2021 The Senate Education Committee advanced a sweeping proposal Thursday that further promotes Florida’s school choice options.  The measure, SB 48, passed along a party-line 6-4 vote. Sen. Manny Diaz, a South Florida…

Manny Diaz bill would expand eligibility, maximize parental choice in K-12 scholarship programs via Florida Politics

Manny Diaz bill would expand eligibility, maximize parental choice in K-12 scholarship programs Donors would be allowed to contribute through a newly created state trust fund. By Peter Schorsch on January 21, 2021 A bill that would simplify Florida’s education choice programs by merging five scholarship programs into two, while adding flexible spending options, has been filed…

Prioritize teachers for vaccinations | Column A letter to Gov. DeSantis from Tampa Bay thought leaders.

Prioritize teachers for vaccinations | Column A letter to Gov. DeSantis from Tampa Bay thought leaders. Published Jan. 13 Dear Gov. DeSantis, Happy New Year! Thank you for your leadership balancing COVID-19, Florida’s economy, and budget. Florida is making progress on every front. Here in the Tampa Bay area, a group of community and business leaders…

Florida House & Senate Release Protocols for Interim Committee Weeks

Last week, Speaker Sprowls and President Simpson released Covid-19 protocols for interim committee weeks and the tentative calendar for Week 1 (full memos below). Of note: Senate Will hold no more than three committees at one time Will provide off-site viewing rooms for the public, with opportunity to virtually address committees Will encourage Senators to…

Florida House Announces Committee Leadership

Late last week, House Speaker Chris Sprowls released committee assignments and subcommittee leadership posts. List of leadership below, memos attached at bottom Education & Employment Committee (previously announced) Chair: Chris Latvala (R-67) Vice: Stan McClain (R-23) Pre-K12 Appropriations Subcommittee Chair: Randy Fine (R-53 Vice: Melony Bell (R-56) Early Learning & Elementary Education Subcommittee Chair: Vance…