Governor Rick Scott has signed the so-called Immigrant Tuition bill, the first of the 105 bills sent to his desk last week. But, some say it’s all just a re-election ploy.
Florida Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Annette Taddeo-Goldstein says while she’d like to see the measure do more, she’s happy Scott signed the bill granting in-state tuition rates to undocumented students.
“You know, we have been working over ten years to get this passed, and although it was watered down, it’s still a wonderful win, not just for dreamers, but for Floridians. When we have so many kids that we educate and we sort of drop them. So, this is a wonderful opportunity for them. Having said that, Rick Scott is doing this because it’s an election year, and he sees the numbers,” said Taddeo-Goldstein.
As part of a week-long statewide campaign tour called the “College Affordability Tour,” Governor Scott plans to tout the measure. That includes the provision prohibiting public colleges and universities from increasing tuition without legislative approval with a few exceptions.
“Making sure all Floridians have access to an affordable higher education is one of my top priorities. Signing this historic legislation today will keep tuition low, and allow all students who grew up in Florida to have the same access to affordable higher education. With this legislation, higher education became more affordable and more accessible to all Floridians,” said Scott, in a statement, announcing the signing of the bill early Monday.
Scott made his first campaign stop in Fort Myers Monday. He’s also expecting to visit Boca Raton, Miami, Orlando, and Pensacola this week.
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