Governor Scott Expected To Sign Controversial Public School Bill, HB 7069, Into Law
By Allison Nielsen, Sunshine State News // June 15, 2017
Bill narrowly approved 20-18 in Florida Senate
ABOVE VIDEO: The Florida House tries to dispell all rumors targeting HB 7069 and produced this video to inform Floridians on the benefits of the bill.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A controversial K-12 education bill is expected to become law Thursday after Gov. Rick Scott gave the legislation his blessing despite mixed reactions over whether or not the bill would truly be a boost to the state’s public school students.
Scott’s office announced he would be signing HB 7069 at Morning Star Catholic School in Orlando Thursday afternoon.
The bill was a top priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’Lakes, but most public school officials vehemently opposed the measure.
HB 7069 stirred up a storm of contention between traditional public school advocates and school choice supporters.
The legislation was one of the biggest battles lawmakers duked out during the regular legislative session, just narrowly approved in the Senate by a vote of 20-18.
ABOVE VIDEO: The Florida Education Association funded this ad in opposition of House Bill 7069.
Supporters argued the bill was a necessary move to increase school-choice options. HB 7069 heavily favors charter schools and school choice for Florida students.
Pushed into the bill was the $140 million “Schools of Hope” proposal, which would pump money into turning around failing public schools.
There will also be a daily recess mandate for all public school students, except for charter schools which already have a numerical requirement for recess time. The state’s Algebra II end-of-course exam will also be eliminated under HB 7069.
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