On Monday, March 27, 2023, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to allow all K-12 students in the state to get taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools, continuing a focus on education as he prepares to launch an expected Republican presidential campaign.
This new law expands Florida’s voucher system by eliminating income eligibility limits on the program.
“Now, primarily there will be a preference for low-and middle-income families but at the end of the day we fundamentally believe the money should follow the student and be directed on what the parent thinks is the most appropriate education program for their child,” said DeSantis.
DeSantis hailed the new Florida legislation when signing the measure into law Monday at Christopher Columbus High School, a private, all-boys Catholic high school in Miami.
The legislation makes all Florida students eligible for taxpayer-financed vouchers to attend private schools – a roughly $8,500 award that Democrats deride as a taxpayer supplement to wealthier parents with kids already enrolled in private education.
“The state of Florida is number one when it comes to education freedom and education choice. Today’s bill signing cements us in that number one position.” said DeSantis.
Teachers’ unions, Democrats, critics, and other groups have slammed the legislation, claiming that it will deprive public schools of already insufficient funds and empower private schools to discriminate against kids, especially those with disabilities. Some parents, especially those who already send their children to private schools, support the new legislation.
“I’m personally concerned, and I think many in our caucus share this sentiment, that this could be devastating to Florida’s public schools,” said House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa.
