Florida Education Association Criticizes Governor’s Proposed Budget for Public Schools
The Florida Education Association (FEA) has expressed concern over the state’s proposed budget, arguing that it does not adequately support students, families, or educators. The organization says the budget fails to address key issues facing public schools and instead continues policies that divert funds away from public education.
“A budget demonstrates values, and this proposal makes it clear that Florida’s students are not valued by the Governor,” FEA stated in a release.
The FEA pointed out that Florida ranks near the bottom nationally in both per-student funding and average teacher pay. According to the association, “Despite Florida ranking 45th in the nation in per-student funding and 50th in the nation in average teacher pay, the Governor’s budget offers little to address the waste and abuse of education funding.” The statement continued: “In fact, instead of fixing these failures, his budget doubles down on them, continuing to support policies that divert billions of taxpayer dollars into the hands of unelected private interests while leaving public schools and their students behind.”
The association also challenged claims about increased educator pay. “And while the Governor continues to tout ‘record’ investments in educator pay, the lived experiences of educators tell a different story. Eight years of broken promises have left them in a financial crisis, struggling to afford rent, homeowners’ insurance, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and other basic day-to-day expenses. This story is all too familiar for many Floridians who know it’s far more expensive to live in Florida now, under the Governor’s leadership, than before he took office.”
With lawmakers now set to review the budget proposal, FEA called on legislators to take action. “The budget is now in the hands of lawmakers. It is now up to them to right the ship. We’re calling on the Florida Legislature to stand boldly for public schools, where 80 percent of parents proudly opt to send their children, and to pass a budget that strengthens our schools so every child can have the education and future they deserve.”
The FEA represents 120,000 members across PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty and staff professionals throughout Florida.
