University Performance Funding Set for Changes

University Performance Funding Set for Changes

By Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida university leaders want to revise the system’s performance-funding model, looking to eliminate a dreaded “bottom three” that annually denies state money to the lowest-performing schools. In this academic year, Florida A&M University, the University of North Florida and New College of Florida missed out […]

Caldwell, Fried Square Off to Replace Putnam

Caldwell, Fried Square Off to Replace Putnam

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — A state lawmaker from North Fort Myers who is a real-estate appraiser and an attorney from Fort Lauderdale who lobbies for the medical-marijuana industry are competing in next month’s election to replace term-limited Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Unlike candidates in races for other Cabinet […]

BREAKING NEWS: New Governor to Appoint Justices

BREAKING NEWS: New Governor to Appoint Justices

The News Service of Florida The Florida Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the next governor — not Gov. Rick Scott — will have the authority to appoint three justices to the Supreme Court. The decision ends a long-running dispute about the power to appoint replacements for justices Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis and Peggy […]

Scott Says Health Care a ‘Right,’ But Questions Remain

Scott Says Health Care a ‘Right,’ But Questions Remain

By Christine Sexton, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — In trying to distance himself from a multistate lawsuit that could eliminate insurance protections for people with pre-existing conditions, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said this week he believes health care should be a “right.” Scott’s statement, which came during a debate against U.S. Sen. Bill […]

Putnam Says Trade Deal Falls Short for Florida Farmers

Putnam Says Trade Deal Falls Short for Florida Farmers

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam would like the renegotiated and rebranded North American Free Trade Agreement to do more to help the state’s farmers. And he’s not alone, as U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also expressed concerns about the absence of relief for Florida agriculture […]

Florida Education Board Backs $673 Million Boost for Schools

Florida Education Board Backs $673 Million Boost for Schools

By Lloyd Dunkelberger, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Board of Education on Friday advanced a $21.8 billion request for public school funding in the next budget year, including a $200 boost in per-student funds and increased funding for school-safety initiatives. Highlights of the 2019-20 budget proposal include: — An overall $673 […]