Scott to propose $1 billion education boost

from News Service of Florida

Gov. Rick Scott is set to propose a $1 billion increase in education spending over this year. The governor will roll out a budget today that calls for boosting per-student spending from $6,262 to $6,372, even after factoring in expected growth of about 30,000 more students over the current school year.

Scott told school superintendents yesterday in a conference call that even with the near-$2 billion budget shortfall and declining local school tax revenues, he will insist that lawmakers increase education spending this year. Democrats are quick to point out that any big boost in education spending would only restore cuts that were made in recent years. This year’s education budget is more than $1 billion smaller than last year’s, so a $1 billion boost would restore that cut.