TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida senators on Thursday passed legislation that would allow more students to use taxpayer-funded scholarships to pay for private-school tuition, a major step toward expanding school choice in the state.
Voting 23 to 17 along party lines, the Senate signed off on a wide-ranging education proposal that would also restructure a controversial teacher bonus program, tweak other voucher-type scholarship programs and make it cheaper for teachers to get certified by the state.
The Senate measure would create the “Family Empowerment Scholarship” program, which could provide vouchers to pay for up to 18 thousand students to attend private schools.
Supporters, including Senator Rob Bradley, say traditional public schools don’t always work for all kids.
“We are taking care of our communities where traditional public schools are doing the job. But, we would be derelict if we didn’t also take care of those areas of the state where improvement is demanded and needed," said Bradley.
Democrats, including Senator Perry Thurston, have vigorously opposed the program, calling it another nail in the coffin of the traditional public education system.
“What is our obligation for education? It’s a well-funded public education system. That is not what this bill does. It does the exact opposite," said Thurston.
Supporters have praised the proposal as a “bold” push to help the individual needs of students.
With just over one week remaining in the 2019 legislative session, the bill now goes to the Florida House for consideration.
