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Gov. Scott Signs Immigrant Tuition Bill, Plans To Tout Bill In Week-Long Tour

MGN Online

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.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.