Florida’s largest teachers’ union has criticized the Governor’s proposed budget, arguing that it does not provide enough support for public education. The Florida Education Association (FEA) said the proposal fails to address issues such as teacher shortages and low pay, and instead continues policies that direct public funds to private interests.
“A budget demonstrates values, and this proposal makes it clear that Florida’s students are not valued by the Governor,” the FEA stated.
The union highlighted ongoing concerns about underfunding in the state. “Despite Florida ranking 45th in the nation in per-student funding and 50th in the nation in average teacher pay, the Governor’s budget offers little to address the waste and abuse of education funding. In fact, instead of fixing these failures, his budget doubles down on them, continuing to support policies that divert billions of taxpayer dollars into the hands of unelected private interests while leaving public schools and their students behind.”
The FEA also disputed claims of increased investment in educator salaries. “And while the Governor continues to tout ‘record’ investments in educator pay, the lived experiences of educators tell a different story. Eight years of broken promises have left them in a financial crisis, struggling to afford rent, homeowners’ insurance, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and other basic day-to-day expenses. This story is all too familiar for many Floridians who know it’s far more expensive to live in Florida now, under the Governor’s leadership, than before he took office.”
With legislative review pending, FEA called on lawmakers to make changes: “The budget is now in the hands of lawmakers. It is now up to them to right the ship. We’re calling on the Florida Legislature to stand boldly for public schools, where 80 percent of parents proudly opt to send their children, and to pass a budget that strengthens our schools so every child can have the education and future they deserve.”
The FEA represents 120,000 members across PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty and staff professionals throughout Florida.
