College tuition increase headed to Gov. Charlie Crist
by Michael C. Bender | April 29th, 2009Students could pay 15 percent more for college tuition next school year under a bill headed to Gov. Charlie Crist.
The House gave final approval to the bill in a 115-7 vote this morning. Opposition included Democratic Reps. Joseph Abruzzo of Wellington, Kelly Skidmore of Boca Raton and Mark Pafford of West Palm Beach.
The Senate approved the bill (SB 762) on Monday in a 30-7 vote.
The moves annual decisions about tuition increase out of the legislature and to the state university system.
Opponents said it was a bad time to allow tuition hikes.
“Right now the people of Florida are having a tough surviving,” said Rep. Marty Kiar, D-Davie. “This is the wrong time to do this in the state of Florida.”
Rep. Will Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican sponsoring the bill in the House, said it would give “resources and flexibility” to state colleges and universities. He said 30-percent of new money would be earmarked for financial aid.
“It is the right thing to do,” Weatherford said.
Crist sent out this statement after the House vote:
“I want to express my appreciation to Representative Will Weatherford and the Florida House for supporting the future of Florida’s state universities and their students and faculties. The vote today ensures these schools have the resources they need in order to achieve academic excellence. Students with financial needs, faculty members and researchers will benefit from these efforts to strengthen Florida’s 11 state universities and help them compete with schools across the nation.”
Tags: state universities, tuition
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