State Representative Randy Fine to Repeal $45M Worth of Tuition Subsidy For Illegal Immigrants
By Randy Fine, State Representative District 53 // January 22, 2021
REP. RANDY FINE: 'It is neither fair to our fellow Americans nor to Florida’s taxpayers.'
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Representative Randy Fine (R-Palm Bay) has filed HB 6037 to repeal a 2014 state law offering immigrants who have not come to the United States legally heavily-subsidized in-state tuition rates for Florida’s 12 state universities and 28 state colleges.
“With a multi-billion dollar projected budget deficit, Florida can no longer afford to spend $45 million a year on college and university subsidies for families who came to this country illegally,” said Representative Fine.
“We charge American students from the other 49 states and Puerto Rico the full-price to provide them with the nation’s top-rated public education – three times our subsidized Florida resident rates – but students who are in this country illegally get a sweetheart deal.”
“It is neither fair to our fellow Americans nor to Florida’s taxpayers. As we work hard to bring our budget into balance, this is a no-brainer way to contribute to that goal.”
“With President Biden’s proposed new immigration policy rewarding illegal immigration, this financial burden will only get larger,” said Fine. “We need to put Floridians first, and I am proud to do my part to do so.”
HB 6037 would not modify the admission policies of Florida’s state colleges and universities; it would simply eliminate the subsidized rate that was written into state law in 2014. Illegal immigrants currently do not qualify for Florida-sponsored financial aid.
As a repeal bill, this legislation does not count against Representative Fine’s seven-member bill quota.
A Senate companion is expected to be announced shortly.
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