Public Education

I believe that improving public education is the first step toward creating high-wage jobs and a quality workforce that the 21st Century economy demands. That’s why I had hoped the Legislature would have made greater progress on education reforms and would have invested more in our schools.

While the state budget approved by the Legislature increases the average per-student spending by $1.22, school officials say their expenses, including insurance, retirement and utilities will outstrip that increase. The budget also allows for university tuition hikes of up to 15 percent, just as it cuts scholarship awards under Bright Futures.

I was also concerned by the Legislature’s decision to pass Senate Bill 6, a measure that drew widespread attention and criticism from across the state for how it would have altered public school teacher benefits. Thankfully, Governor Crist vetoed this bill, which in my view, would have punished our school teachers and harmed education in our state.

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The 2010 Florida State Budget What's great about District 58! Healthcare Concerns Clean, Renewable Energy Fostering Good Government Public Education Encouraging Economic Growth Representative Cruz Named Legislator of the Year House Bill 1493 Signed into Law Sponsored Bills Photo Gallery Return Home Email Representative Cruz

District Office: 4221 North Himes Avenue, Suite 102 Tampa, FL 33607-6228 Phone: (813) 673-4673

Capitol Address: 1401 The Capitol - 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 488-9460