On May 8th, Florida lawmakers revealed a 278 page, $419 million education policy bill along with $23.7 billion in K-12 public school funds. Rick Scott faces amounting pressure as teacher unions, parents, students, and friends advocate for a veto.

HB 7069, the education reform bill, was written in secret during the final days of Florida lawmakers’ annual session. If implemented, HB 7069 will lead to charter school financial incentives such as exemptions from teacher certification requirements and zoning regulations, as well as a cut of tax dollars designated for school projects.

According to the Center for Education Reform, this bill “helps successful charter schools to grow and to serve more low-income students” and “ensure equitable distribution of Title I funds.”

Supporters for the bill however are limited to the House Republicans, and the 650 charter school representatives. Public schools clamor for a veto and claim that this extra spending on charter schools can be redirected towards public, all-encompassing schools.

Miami-Dade superintendent also claimed this was a low blow; this is a historically low increase in education funding, which reflects on the nation’s values. HB 7069 provides an insufficient boost of only $29.49 per student, less than a 0.5 increase from 2016.  

The opposition movement, which includes superintendents of Miami-Dade and Palm Beach began prior to the bill’s release. Thousands are protesting the bill that “makes structural changes in public education that are more permanent.”

Rick Scott has fifteen days to accept/veto the bill that will possibly damage public education and alter Florida’s students quality of education forever.