Gov. Scott Proposes $1.2B Increase In Education Funding

Gina Jordan/StateImpact Florida

Gov. Rick Scott told reporters gathered at the Capitol that jobs and education are his top priorities for the upcoming legislation session.

Gov. Rick Scott is proposing a $1.2 billion increase in education funding for Kindergarten through 12th grade.

He told a gathering of reporters and newspaper editors at the Capitol today that education is one of his top agenda items for the legislative session that begins in March.

Alluding to the $1.3 billion cut to education in 2011, Scott said,”We had to make some tough choices in order to get our state back on track when I came into office. Now, we are in a position to strategically invest in statewide priorities.”

His proposal amounts to total per student funding of $6,800, an increase of more than $400 per student.

“This total includes $10.7 billion in state funding for Florida K-12 schools, the highest state funding in state history.”

The budget “also includes our $480 million commitment to give each and every classroom teacher a $2,500 pay raise along with the cost of related benefits,” Scott said.

He said investing in educators and teachers is key to the state’s continued economic growth.

“Of all the things government funds, I’m certain of the value our teachers add to our state. Teachers change lives,” Scott said.

The governor will unveil his proposed budget for 2013-14 tomorrow. He said it will also contain additional funding for Pre-K.