Universal school choice headed to DeSantis’ desk after passing Florida Senate

Florida Governor is set to sign universal school choice legislation. After it was passed by the Republican-led Florida Senate with a large majority on Thursday, Ron DeSantis will be in charge of Ron’s desk.

Fox News’ Corey DeAngelis is a senior fellow with the American Federation for Children. He stated that he believes there has been a revolution in universal school choice.

He said, “The dominoes have fallen and there’s nothing that the power-hungry teacher unions can do to stop it.” Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, and her union allies are owed a special thanks for overplaying their hand to awaken a sleeping giant: parents who want more control over their children’s education.

The Florida bill, if signed into law by the governor, will make state-funded vouchers to students universal. It will also remove income limits that limit eligibility for education savings accounts.

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The final vote was split between party lines at 26-12.

The program provides $8,000 for education-related expenses, including tuition at private schools, homeschooling and tutoring. It also covers materials and fees for standardized exams. These vouchers will be distributed over time, with families of low and moderate income being prioritized.

According to DeAngelis, Florida is the fourth state to have universal school choice by 2023. It would also be the sixth state to adopt school choice for all families within two years.

He stated that Florida has been a leader in school choice over many years. However, Arizona and West Virginia have recently taken Florida’s place as the Sunshine State. “The bill’s passage will help Florida regain its school choice crown.”

The bill, HB1, passed the Florida House in an 83-27 vote with three Democrats voting for it.

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They said that Florida will likely keep its position as the best state for education freedom by expanding the state’s education savings account policy to all K-12 students.

DeSantis hesitated to support universal school choice, and questioned if wealthy families should be eligible for vouchers.

He said, “If you have a very wealthy family, you have school choice.” They don’t have to be eligible for this program. They are eligible. They are eligible to pay tuition.

He said, “I feel completely comfortable saying that if anyone in Florida can afford it and can travel on their own, and everyone else who cannot get it, it is still universal.”