Rick Scott Plans Record-High Spending on Education

Gov. Rick Scott announced plans on Thursday to raise education spending to more than $19.6 billion, increasing per-pupil spending to $7,176, which is $232 per student more than last year.

The previous record high was $7,126 from 2007-08.

I am proud to announce that in the upcoming legislative session we will propose an increase in Floridas per-pupil spending to the highest level in our states history, Scott said. We already have the highest total spending in K-12 this year and gave every teacher the opportunity for a pay raise. Because we were able to get Floridas economy back on track, revenues are now projected to stay at a strong enough rate to support historic investments in education.

Scott insisted that Floridas revived economy allowed him to increase education spending.

Florida job growth, and the overall growth of Floridas economy has made it possible for us to invest record amounts in education, said Scott. The credit for our historic investment in education goes to the hard-working people of Florida who make it all possible.