RPOF Swipes at Charlie Crist on Education

Republican Party of Florida Chairman (RPOF) Lenny Curry took aim on Monday at former Gov. Charlie Crist -- who is the front-runner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination -- over education.

Charlie Crist was an empty-chair governor when it came to education, just like his now-Democratic Party pointed out while he was governor, Curry said, responding to a Crist column at the Tampa Bay Times over the weekend. Charlie Crists failed leadership left the budget a complete mess and Floridas students and teachers suffering because of it."

Curry insisted Gov. Rick Scotts record on education was much stronger than Crists.

Governor Rick Scott has made education a top priority since he took office just under three years ago, Curry said. He has implemented record state-based funding for K-12 schools, including over $2 billion in just the last two years, which puts state-based funding at the highest level in Floridas history. He set aside $480 million for teacher pay raises and has held the line on college tuition so its affordable for more families. He challenged all Florida state colleges to offer a bachelors degree for $10,000 a challenge that was accepted and is being implemented by many institutions, and he supports the highest academic standards for all of Floridas students. Governor Scott understands that creating a world-class education system will prepare Floridas workforce and spur economic growth. Its clear Charlie Crist doesnt share this view as he let Floridas education system wither on the vine and created a mess that Governor Scott has cleaned up. So Charlie Crist and Allison Tant can continue spitting their nonsense and baseless attacks, but this just proves they have no positive agenda to improve education for Floridas students and teachers.