A Florida Senate panel has rejected several attempts to revive a plan giving the children of undocumented immigrants in-state tuition.
Efforts to revive the proposal failed in the appropriations committee Tuesday as the bill sponsor, Sen. Jack Latvala’s (R-Clearwater) attempts to get the language amended onto other education bills were thwarted by Senate Rules Chairman John Thrasher. Thrasher ruled the language didn’t relate closely enough with the other proposals.
After the votes, Governor Rick Scott talked with reporters and repeated his support for the proposal:
“We have students here who deserve to get in-state tuition. All of our tuition needs to become more affordable," Scott said. "I’m going to work hard to make sure that happens. I’m comfortable the Senate president, the speaker—I’ve spoken both to them—are going to make sure that happens.”
The moves comes after Senate Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron dropped the in-state immigrant tuition bill from being heard during the appropriations committee citing his personal objection. Also opposed to the measure is Senate President Don Gaetz. The bill has already cleared the House and is supported by Speaker Will Weatherford.
