Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

>> Good morning. The Appropriations Committee in Pre K 12 education will now come to order. Regina, please call the roll. >> Chair Burgess here, Vice chair pizzo Senator Bradley here. Senator Calatayud Senator Gaetz here, Senator Jones, Senator Massullo Senator Osgood here. Senator Simon, you're Senator Yarborough. A quorum is present to please silence all electronic devices. >> It's really funny. I was reading a script, but in the mean that that was good to us. Senator Pizzo is excused from today's meeting. He had the run-in get emergency here product. >> And anyone wishing to >> anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete an appearance form and hand it to a member of the sergeants office. Should you select to waive your speaking time? Your position will be included in the committee meeting records. Senators. We're going to take up tab to the bill that I'm really proud to be a co-sponsor of Cs for SB 1062. On speech in debate by Senator Brodeur, Senator Brodeur, welcome to the committee. You're going to enjoy it. I'd love for you to present your good Bill. Thank you so much, Mister Chairman, members of the committees. This it's a bill about speech and debate and the members whether you know it or not, Florida is a true national leader in high schools, speech and debate and it's not an accident. In fact, the story of Florida speech and they started great but then really took some hits as we went into the great Recession of 0, 8, 0, 9, 10, 11, some of you that were members of the legislature that remember the funding cuts we took and it has since 2014 been resurrected. We're very fortunate in central Florida that we had a former three-time national debate champion come back to her former high school only to find the program in shambles and she and some others put their own time and effort and money back into it. We started the Central Florida debate initiative where we had several schools that were participating so much so that by 2019, then Commissioner Corcoran Education Commissioner Corcoran said are these kids being held hostage here? Why on Earth would students come to a high school on a Saturday put on nice clothes and debate each other? He thought it was so remarkable that they then embarks on a statewide challenge to get this in every high school because we know that when students learn how to use their words, they don't need to use their fists. We know that those that participate in rhetoric, those who learn how to argue persuasively become members of a civil civil pahor, less pluralistic society. And so for that, we were able to put together a number of different funding sources, some private foundation. But really they've been ilf IRS for the since I've been in the Senate to be able to get the funding that allows these families to compete, believe it or not could competing in debate is very expensive. It's not just buying the clothes, but it's traveling, putting on the tournaments and making sure that students of all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in this. And so with that, we have make sure we wanted to memorialize what we've been doing over the last several years because come January 2027, we're going to have a new governor. Maybe that governor loves debate as much as Governor DeSantis does, but maybe they don't. And so with that what we've done in this bills, we've made sure we memorialized that partnership, understanding what it is we're going to do all 67 counties going forward and put funding in place to make sure that what we've started here in the state of Florida continues to be a national model. And with that, there's a strike all great explanation. Senator Brodeur, he explained everything and wants to delete everything. Senator Brodeur. Yeah, you're recognized to explain your deletion of everything. >> Certainly. And so what we've what we've done is we've kept making sure February 1st through 7th this Florida speech and debate week. There's a good reason for that for every for says National Freedom Day in February, 7th is national. Take your child to the library day. So bookended in between those 2 would be speech and debate today. But really what we've done is we want to do this in collaboration with the Department department helps administer a lot of this. And it is all part of Governor DeSantis is a vision for what debate should be in the state of Florida. We've got the Florida Department of Florida debate Initiative is the state's nonprofit statewide speech and debate organization aligned with the Department of Education Civics in debate initiative. This bill memorializes the collaboration between the 2 and jointly hosting major events such as the great debate. And then it requires annual public reporting of how we're going to be spending the money. And then it removes all the other stuff from the bill, always open to collaboration. And so making sure that we're doing this so that we really we really are going to be the national model for speech and debate and the in the country. And that is the strike. All. Thank you. Are there any questions on the strike all seeing no questions there. Is there any appearance forms on the strike? All not seeing none. >> Any debate on the debate strike all seeing? No. Oh, senator Osgood, would you like to debate the debate? Bill? 70, thank you, Senator Brodeur for your leadership in this. I wanted to. >> I commend you and thank you. We have one of the largest debate programs in the state in Broward County, Florida. Actually, many of, you know, for senator to listen to me and form a school board member, Lori Leveson least at initiative. And we do. And and you will find ways to to support our students. And I just want to add to what we think about the bay. When we look at improving their reading scores and math scores and those types of things in our schools. If you attach to low performing school to a debate program, it will blow your mind how it would help move that needle help our children engage in. This is a program that is available to all students and the funding is needed for the travel it, but then the compete. We want them to go and represent Florida and represent us well, not to have to worry about resources to get to compete. So I I'm so excited about this bill. I would like for you county to debate Broward County. At thing we got some things we can show you guys. We could make it a beat. Big deal. But thank you so much. Medicine is so important. And I just wanted to make sure that we sometimes think about initiatives and we think about high-performance students. But this is something that truely empirically moves in need. And when you want to turn the school around, you want to improve the school grade included debate program in the children will blow your mind what the results are. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Osgood. >> You're recognized to close on your delete everything played closer, waiving close. All those in favor of that lead. Everything say yea, yea, all opposed. Say nay. The your delete everything has been passed. Now we are back on the bill as amended. Is there any questions on the bill as amended seeing no questions. Do we have appearance forms? We do. Mackenzie Fulton is speaking for the bill. Come on up, McKenzie all the way from Tallahassee, Florida. You're recognized. >> Thank you so much. And good morning, senators. My name is McKenzie full and and I'm a Tallahassee local in a junior at Rickert High School. I compete with the Florida Civic Centre of Initiative speech in debate competitions. And I stand before you today to speak on the importance of Senate Bill 1062 for staff. I'd like to thank Senator Brodeur Senator Gaetz and Senator Burgess. First some sponsor in this bill and recognizing the impact that the Florida debate initiative has as a girl growing up in Tallahassee. The capital in Florida politics have always been in the background. I knew they existed by member quite to a connection with them. I was fascinated on how government works by another released part of it. That was until the Florida debate initiative last year. My title one high school was fortunate enough to join debate and learn about the FDA I applied and was selected for the FBI's to become urgent ripped her nation's capital. It was there. I connected with the history of our great country. I visited Smithsonian museums, all 3 branches of government and the actual founding documents of our country. Currently I'm in an FBI program called Salute to Service Crime paired with the military mentor a major at Tyndall Air Force Base with creating a service project that helps the Bennett, the military community. With in this program, I get a close view of the military community and the struggles they face and I would not have the opportunity to learn if it wasn't for Florida Bay Initiative. The Florida debate initiative will always have an extremely special place in my heart because it truly changed my trajectory. The support that the F D I has received so far has been incredible. And I want to ensure that the support continues. So that students after we can have the same opportunities that I did, the Capitol that used to be my background is now something I see in my future. All thanks to the FBI's leadership. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you so much for sharing. So is it next up? And Leslie Miranda is speaking for the new good morning. Good morning from FOX for Florida. Welcome to that's the Bellevue exit is a yes, yes, right. That's that's the Raceway Museum center. Allow somebody on garlic. That's a little bit surprising to us. >> To say that I'm proud to be a long night would be quite the understatement. In Twenty-twenty post COVID. I had life changing the surgery where I was benched from all of my sports including weightlifting, golf and flag football. Pretty sad. Pretty rough. But I found something even better. The Florida Civic debate initiative and it was thanks, the continued support of Governor DeSantis and all the staff here at the Capitol that we're able to do this coming from a title. One school speech and debate followed a new way to succeed and be the system that really isn't meant for students. Sometimes that don't have a large income, but it allowed me and others to showcase our cells. And for the next 4 years of high school, I was able to compete in the FCI. I attended every single national Civic Centre of a championship, both as a student and volunteer. I was the state champion for extemporaneous debate my senior year and thanks for their financial support here at FDI and a CBI myself and many others are able to qualify for national championships with other organizations, allowing us to hone our skills and meet debaters from across the globe throughout my time competing and I'm a countless friends and allies having experiences and I could never really duplicate but more. So I was able to better myself. I now run the biggest nations, student-led nonprofit equality in forensics where we have over 5,000 members. And we're still growing to this day. And it is all because of the communication and all the skills that I learned during a speech in debate. I graduated in 2024. With honors from Wildwood, Middle High school ranked in the top 10 of my class. And now I tend to eat less trees. Florida State University where I completed my first year abroad in London and now I compete on their college to be team just this past December. I just finished my tenure as the FBI fellow with Mister Abe Lopez in the back. And I was able to help students across the state of Florida Excel the way that I was able to with the support of these amazing organizations and programs, the alumni involvement, FDI, not just myself but others around the state shows that speech debate isn't just an activity while you're in middle school and high school, it's something that stays with you for the rest of your life. Does this yesterday, even I was across the courtyard was 50 the brightest minds here in the state of Florida, in our education system, at the se, the idea of the capital when I was able to help out and see just what the future holds for all the students, your continued support committee. It allows students to be just what I was able to. It allows us to excel and to achieve the FCI. The FDI programs allows the next generation that will one day be sitting here. It allows them to have an experience that can never be replaced. It allows them to get the knowledge to read this incredible station, this incredible state and possibly even the nation. >> And it's not possible without your support. So thank you so much. Thank you so much for that awesome testimony appreciated. Next up, Stephanie Cell of a cell of a from Alachua speaking for the bill that your last name. Correct. Solid. They they go. You're recognized. Thank you. >> Chair members, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be here today. My name is Stephanie Silva and I'm a student at Santa Fe High School in Alachua Florida speech and debate has to meet opportunities within civics. I had never imagined possible. Last year the Florida debate initiative took us to Washington, D.C., where we visited the House of Representatives standing there. I realized that the people and the places we the people we met and the places we saw we're not distant for unreachable in America getting involved in government is not impossible. But it's something accessible to every citizen who wants to step forward. I saw the place that the decision I saw the place where the decisions that are made affect my family, my school in my community. And for the first time I realized that I could one day be a part of those decisions in a meaningful way. As the first person in my family born in the United States, that moment meant everything to me. Speak in debate did more than just inspire me. It gave me direction. After that trip. I started to be team at my high school because of the stipends provided by the Florida government of rural school, such as mine were able to compete, learn and grow. The fund's made it possible for students who might have otherwise never have had the chance to find their voice. Debate teaches students how to think critically. Listen, respectfully, speak with confidence and prepare this to engage in our communities with knowledge and integrity. It shows me that loving this country means participating in it learning its laws respecting different viewpoints. Chair members, thank you for your time and consideration of Senate Bill 1062, your support makes things like this possible without it. Thousands of Florida students would lose the opportunity to grow in respectful dialogue. But with your continued support, even more students across our state will be able to step forward and to serve the community and contribute to the future of Florida. Thank you so much. Also testimony. >> I appreciate Sharon. Next up, Abraham Lopez speaking for the bill from a veto. Good morning. Good morning. This is Mister Florida debate our and to see him and good to see. Chairman Chairman Burgess had honorable and Distinguished Committee, Senator Brodeur, our sponsor, Senator Don Gaetz. Thank you so much for your time. We've got nothing but gratitude this morning. My name is a blow pass and I serve as the proud president of the Florida Debate Initiative where nonprofit partner of the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Civic debate initiative working side by side to build informed, engaged citizens. Our programs instill a love of country, a commitment to community service. As you've heard from some of the testimony this morning and a deep appreciation for our systems of government, it is our sacred mission to help raise the next generation of Florida leaders. I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of SB 1062. I first discovered speech in debate through a program sponsored by the American Legion called Boys State. It opened my eyes to our Constitution, to civil discourse and to the responsibility of citizenship. I often reflect how different my life would have been had. My urban school offered this opportunity to me at a much earlier time in my life as be 10, 62 ensures today's students won't have to wonder members the impact of this work. It's not theoretical, it's personal. The lives that are impacted. The stories that you're hearing are the kids that we serve day in and day out. Take a Lewis, a student who fled tyranny in Venezuela. He learned English through our program and just yesterday, it's a matter of fact. He won in a 3 way tie Harvard University National speech and debate tournament. Now that is the American dream. We're making a reality in the lives of the students. Think of a student from Fort Walton Beach who had never left his city and to our civics in the Bay program and particularly the cynics immersion program that some of the students I did this morning, he took his first flight and he witnessed our Constitutional Republic at work. And I think of a young woman who once Toby that she would not stand for the national anthem. She would not place her hand over her heart. We had no issues. We welcomed her. We brought her to Arlington National Cemetery where they're veterans shared their stories and the sacrifices they've made. Now a year after falling our programs today, she says she probably says she's committed to making ours a more perfect union and she understands why she should stand, why she should place her hand over her heart. This is what happens when we teach our students how to think not what to think. Our students increase critical thinking skills by 87%. 98 a half percent of our students to graduate college and they are 70% more likely than any other students in their in their classes to a spin and of course exam. So Senator Brodeur, I'd like to publicly thank you for sponsoring this Bill. Chairman Burgess, Senator Gaetz, thank you for your leadership. Every committee has voted so far unanimously in support of this bill. And I trust that this great body will to the same republic does not sustain itself. We must prepare the next generation to store it and SB 1062. Helped us do exactly that. So thank you. Thank you so much. Heat you run for office and boys state. I was a boy state senator. Nice. >> Mayor of Air Force County lost my agricultural commissioner election. Though I ran for that and that he has my and that was a big loss actually. And I think I would mask tunnel. State senator had I had speech unabated, my inner city schools or, you know, the fans in as President Gaetz, we say to not vote for the bill would be treason right now. >> He was a a. >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Appreciate you. We have a couple people waving Jason Crawford with the Home Education Foundation is waiving in support and then we have please help me get this wrong. Katc Arena shares. Nick, they get that right. Perfect waiving in support. Thank you so much. That is all we have from public testimony. Is there any debate on the bill? Senator Jones, thank you. So thank you so much with the chair and thank you so much, Senator. J B for this amazing Bill and shout out to the 2001 speech and debate team from page from American See has cooled as a team that I was on. And so I'm excited about this particular Bill. I know the speech and students that you are very familiar with your debate strategy, words that you're giving us. The shaking is I want to just thank you because speech and debate does something for me. >> When I was in high school for someone who had to take speech to learn how to speak now, the elementary school tables turn when I got to high school, enjoy the speech and debate club and it was nothing about it would not unlike being able to learn, not just distracted words, but also learn the techniques communicate and how to do a presentation that her look at my 4 corners to make sure I'm not looking at people's faces to get nervous. But those are the techniques that I believe that every student should have the opportunity to Lauren members died. Senator Gaetz President Gaetz Senator Breaux. But all the members into those who are here, we could not have one better bill right now. And then this bill right now to be able to give not just every student the opportunity to be able to do it. But like Senator Osgood made mention up to welcome the students to be a part of speech and debate because of what they show where shares and we'll see how to help you us grow. Not just in in when you and speak in debate, but when we take you to do later on. So thank you again, Senator Breaux for this amazing Bill. Thank you. Any further debate on the debate Bill. >> Senator Massullo, thank you, Mr. Chair Senator Jpa to that's a new one for me. But I'll take it. I have to agree with Senator Jones, the you know, there's a lot in life that we do to make us ourselves successful. But there can't be anything that we can do. It's more important than getting along in civil discourse with each other. And it's true debate. It's true that civil do, of course, that our country's found synergy and grow and is is great is it is today. But the most important thing in that is understanding human nature in developing empathy and nothing does that better than debating someone in a civil way. Thank you for the bill. >> I would like to add that if there's no other further debate, I'd like to add that, you know, I I we've all had trial by fire debating here in this process. I feel like I've developed a little bit through through the links in the wounds that we've taken along the way. I just feel like if I had half the confidence that I have today in myself to be able to project a feeling or communicate my thoughts and in a debate format and you would be unstoppable a not. So that's why I just think this this foundational program at such a young level that they use the use level is is critical. It's needed. You know, I just I'm so proud to be a co-sponsor of this. And I think that we should be propping it up this committee if it's accomplished, nothing that we've we've shared in some great debate a couple meetings ago. We had an 80 minute, a debate with students that kept coming in over whether or not we should have even George back in school classrooms. So, I mean, it's it's just profoundly can happen when you debate in civil discourse. So very, very happy for you. We actually so happy that we got more public testimony, but I think they're waiving. So, Zain, some the is waiving in support. No, actually 3 would like to speak. Senator Brodeur, would you like to be cool if I just had some folks come up and tell you why they lead the nation March area. So I'm gonna do that. Alright, if we just keep it to a couple minutes just because these are coming in late, we do have other bills we have to do. Lewis Feliciano is speaking for the bill. You're recognized. Lewis. >> Chair some members of the committee. My name is was Feliciano and I represent see lines coming from Polk County. I want to state that we support SB 1062 and use pension of speech and Abe indication in Florida schools speech and the pay instructions supports literacy research skills, structure, reasoning, public speaking and civic participation. The propose have tredegar relation requirement beginning in the coming years. Police is this skills within the academic program for this requirement to be workable. District will need sufficient time train indicators and online coursework because this bill's enclose includes recording public funding. Transparency and accountability are essential. Clear reporting on funding school participations measurable outcomes will help ensure a consistent statewide implementation. We also encourage foreign prioritizing schools that have not historically had access, including title one routed through our schools, access to non the pain, a location with transparent funding in practical implementation. This policy can expand opportunity statewide for all students. Thank you. Thank you so much. Next up, Gavin Reynolds speaking for the bill for Sunrise a given. >> You're recognized. I like the best. Thank you. I decided a change in at this time. >> Chair and members. My name is Gavin Reynolds for one of the Florida and I'm a student organizer with the Alliance. I believe that speech in debate education is more than just an extracurricular. It is a final engine for that or C leadership and civil discourse by establishing a statewide framework and graduation requirement. This correctly elevates the skills to an academic priority for this act to truly transform our schools. We must approach its implementation with unwavering conviction. This cannot be just a symbolic gesture. We must a man radical transparency and how public funds are appropriated and absolutely accountability and how outcomes are measured. Statewide access must mean all students. We must be accountable to our title one and roll communities ensuring that infrastructure is built where it has historically hasn't been access to the POW. Access to the power of one's voice should never depend on his of cult. I urge you to support this bill while ensuring the clear standards and public reporting remain the bedrock of its implementation. Let's give every Florida student the tools they need to lead. >> Thank you. Thank you. Also want to be fair and acknowledge that our previous speaker had a vest on to. You guys are rocking a 3 piece, but absolutely we actually have a question for you all given you get what schools where school to you. A 10 point lead to Di school. That's what I want to say. Go for it. I knew it. I was waiting for the shout-out court. Ask thank you so much. Thank you. Next up, Jennifer Hopkins is speaking for the bill from Rockledge, Florida. >> Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, chair and committee. My name is Jennifer Hawkins. I live in Rockledge Florida. I'm here with sea Lions. We're excited about the potential improvement to educate to the educational experience this bill can bring to Florida students encouraging. So the confidence literacy and critical thinking will help students develop important skills that will support success in any of their future endeavors. I attended public high school in Florida and participation in a debate program was an important piece of my overall education. It help me become a better researcher and speaker and presented new ways for me to communicate with my friends. We will encourage this committee to pass this bill with commitment to transparency and spending clear accountability standards and equitable access so that students that have the most to gain have the easiest access. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. And our last speaker is Kylie Kyle. So go from Sunrise, Florida. >> How are you this morning? I'm good. How are you? Good. You're recognized chair members. My name is Mike House and I'm a student organizer would see alliance and also the student adviser for additional 3 of our county public schools speaking for students, families and educators across Florida. We strongly support this bill because beach in debate is not a club for if you it is a classroom for leadership, literacy and democracy. These programs teach students how to research think critically communicate clearly and also participate, meaning they're able to experience certain things in life and also stand up for themselves and know how to speak for themselves as well. Giving speech and debate graduation credit recognizes what students already know. That is that real, a real academic work prepares for college careers and also citizenship. So this bill has the power to strength in a public education across Florida. But only if it is built the right way with real funding, strong accountability and also equal access and every district. So without those protections, those students who need these programs the most, I will continue to be left out on to make sure that is not a problem, you know, for assess students as well. Also title one schools and rural communities mode must not be an afterthought. Many of these schools have never had access to debate programs, even though their students have just as much talent and also potential. So this legislation should be a bridge, not a barrier and bring opportunity to students. No matter their zip code has gotten said. So if a compliment to me, you know, this is make sure that we have transparency, equity and also accountability so that all of our students can have the same legal access and also the same opportunities so that we can, you know, fixes generation. >> Thank you so much. Some testimony preaching buying of the they go. I want to recognize the last 2 speakers. I think you're becoming frequent fliers in your here a couple weeks ago for the epic Georgian, a debate of 2026. That want to just recognize Julia Cohen, Penske from Hindi Atlantic, Florida and as well as Ni. But Bob and from Sarasota, Florida are waiving in support of the bill. And we are we have one more waiving in support of on Brown, waiving in support from North Lauderdale, Florida. So >> at this point we've debated, I believe you've closed. Well, is there more you'd like to say, sir, who would like to invite or beekeeper back up? And thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mister Chairman. I just want to thank you, Mister Chair. I know you didn't go through this program, but if you keep at it, I think you're going to be pretty successful. I will encourage that. My co sponsor, President Gates as well as you chair Burgess and invite all of you that would like to do that as well. We are very, very grateful to both Commissioner Kamoutsas as well as the staff. Very infrequently. Does your staff analysis starting the year 6.21? BC, but this one doesn't. So thank you to everyone who went through the history of why this is so important. But lastly, I want to thank our students who came up to testify on this. We know that students that are going to be affected by this bill have made a deliberate decision to think critically to speak clearly into engage courageously. Every debate that this round of the students go through is an opportunity for them to practice for citizenship to practice chance for leadership. It's a practice for a living in a society. 4 people think differently. They believe differently and they vote differently. And so I would tell you that debate is not just the competition, but it's a commitment to result in conflict with reason rather than while it's. And so that means that it's not just a scale. It's a civic virtue. So thank you, Beijing close Regina, please call the Roll on Cs for SB 1062. >> Senator Bradley. Yes, senator Calatayud Senator Gaetz said Senator Jones, Senator Massullo. Yes, senator Osgood. Absolute. Senator Simon. Yes. Senator Yarborough vice chair pizzo chair Burgess. >> Yes. And by your Vote Cs for SB 1062, is reported favorably as amended. Congratulations. Senator Brodeur, thank you for coming by. You know, if these kids keep coming here and participating in in our debates and they're going to be like the great orders of our time like Winston Churchill and even the legendary Don Gaetz. Okay. Yeah. Next up, senators we are going to do Tab 3 SB 1718, educator preparation certification by Senator Calatayud. Senator Calatayud. You are recognized to explain your Bill. Thank you. >> Are there questions on the bill that of them? >> This bill allows candidates to access coursework at in education. Your preparation institute all says find the department's statement of status expands eligibility for temporary educators. Certifications to individuals whose professional certification of its has expired and allows us with expired certification to use their previous subject area examination results to satisfy. >> Their choir. And that is the bill, Mister Chair. Thank you, Senator Calatayud. Are there questions seeing no questions? Are there appearance forms seeing new appears there are we now? Quite a few speaking if we could keep our comments to just about a minute and a half 2 minutes just because we do have a big agenda in today's budget day in. So we want to afford plenty of time for public testimony on that. So Stanislav cost Roman from the coldest Florida, the shark tooth capital of the world is speaking for the bill. Did you know that debate up next? >> As you know, the the shark tooth capital. Yeah. My most favorite part about living there is that finding the certainty. And, you know, we also have the shark bite capital of the world on the East Coast. No, I did not. You know, that's awesome or Joss actually. Just awesome to get it. That's right. This is a and that this is a fantastic day. You're recognized. Thank you very much. Hello, chair members. My name is status of concern. And I came here from the coma, Sarasota with Sealants to speak on SB 1718. I think it's important to make the process of returning to the classroom easier and smoother for experience. Educators, however, certification flexibility does not substitute for long-term stability within this kind of work. Sustained investments in teacher compensation and retention are the best way to make sure educators are qualified for every classroom. Florida currently ranks near the bottom nationally, an average teacher salary for us to have of for us to have highly qualified educators in every classroom. Investment in the profession must accompany pathway reforms. This being said, I support and appreciate the focus on maintaining strict standards. I ask you to vote Yes for SB 1718, for you to continue to keep our schools and the further development of education in your thoughts when making these decisions. Thank you for your time. Thank you, sir. >> Me Rupa Rupa Rao but from Satellite Beach, Florida, speaking for the bill, you're recognized. >> My name is Amy Rao. I'm of a mother of 4 from Brevard County and you would see alliance. >> And I'd like to talk about how this might be a short term solution for a long-term problem. I appreciate you making it equally accessible for people that may not otherwise be able to for the certificate. Public schools being the great equalizer. But I encourage you to consider teacher of workload without having to also study and play catch up with their certificates. Instead, I'd love for you to concentrate on teacher retention and recertification. Having the lowest teacher pay in the country is not helping. We all know that. So let's set our sit or kids up for success, right? Okay. Thank you, Jack. >> Potts OCE from Melbourne Beach, Florida, speaking for the bill. >> Hello, hi, chair and members. My name is jackpot us of a student half of our county and I'm here speaking for SB 1718. The intent behind clearing unnecessary barriers to entry for teachers is a great step, however, is not a long-term fix to the problem. If Florida wishes to create and retain quality teachers as well as a competitive students, we must look towards raising teacher pay. Thank you. Cassandra. Did you say from Coral Springs, Florida, speaking for the bill followed by Julia Cohen, Penske. >> Members of the Committee, my name is consent use and I'm from Crowe Springs, Florida and I'm here with Sea Lions. I have 2 systems currently in the Florida K through 12 Education and speaking on SB 1718, because I believe every child is deserving of the quality education. I believe that this bill covers vital temporary measures happened to poor student. However, I believe in any way that we should be lowering standards for educators. I do believe this is a good Perry thinks. However, a long-term solution isn't ensuring that we are retaining the educator to not be are helping ensure that the education require an educators as affordable into the end of it can be something that they can maintain. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you. Next up, Julia Cohen Pinsky. >> Speaking for the bill in our last speaker of the bill will be Nia, Bob. >> Wars. Hello, members of the committee. My name is Julie Cohen Pinsky and I'm student from Brevard here With C Alliance. I Support SB 1718 because it helps experienced educators return to the classroom and provides no-cost professional learning. I've been lucky to learn from teachers pushed me beyond the textbook. They encouraged me to think critically and connect to what I learned to the real world, which has prepared me for my future. Make professional learning free removes barriers and support equity. At this same time, we must keep strong standards. So students continue to receive high quality instruction. Finally, while certification reforms helps the real solution to teacher shortages is competitive pay. And professional respect is the Florida watch. Great educators. We must invest in then. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mia. Bob, I'm speaking for the. >> Hello members of the committee. My name is Nia Bob. And I'm all the way from Sarasota County and I'm proud to be here with C alliance. Everyone in this room has had a teacher had made a difference in their lives. This bill recognize that exact important and teachers as this makes it easier for experienced educators to return and access. No cost professional learning as a high school student. I share these concerns with you all in amending our state policies. But once Florida ranks the bottom of all, 50 states in teacher salary, teacher of tension remains the number one challenge. So how can we improve that retention? This means investing in teachers in a way that allows him to remain in our classrooms year after year. So that are so that long-term stability and maintain I urge you to make sure that certificate should reform is aligned with 100% commitment, compensation and stability. We students depend on teachers every day recognizing teaching as a fully respected professions means investing in it accordingly. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> One more speaker came in. Callan, Nile, speaking for them. You're recognized. Good morning. I'm Kallyn Miles. And it was the alliance. >> I support the intent of this piece, 17, 18 providing easier pathways for seasoned educators to return to the classroom and providing no cost professional learning are reasonable steps to relieve staffing needs while we support reducing unnecessary various for qualified teachers, certification, flexibility is not a long-term solution to Florida's teacher shortage, stability, respect and competitive compensation should be the ultimate goals for recruitment and retention. Our city continues to rank near the bottom for average, just salaries. If we won high-quality educators, we need more investment as well as how they are forms. Thank you. Thank you. >> Waiving in support is Nathan Hoffman with Florida Foundation. For Florida's Future. Just Pritchard with I teach is waiving in support. Stephanie Kunkel with Florida Education Association is waiving in support of lower. All good is waiving in support. Stephanie Ev is waiving in support. Kim Garmin is waiving in support, Crystal, that that that DNA is waiving in support. >> Miriam, what are Byrne who is waiving in support of hand is a year somebody is waiving in K is a year Kakko who to somebody is waiving in support and that is our speaker cards. Are there. Is there debate on the bill seeing no debate. Senator Calatayud. You're recognized to close wave close. Regina, please call the roll in 17 18. >> Senator Bradley Senator Calatayud. Yes. Senator Gaetz Senator Jones. Senator Massullo. Yes. Senator Osgood, senator Simon. Yes. Senator Yarborough. Yes. Vice chair pizzo. >> Chair Burgess. Yes by your vote show 17. 18 is reported favorably. We did have one speaker card coming after we had to kind of move on and continue with with the order of things. That is a Mikhail suit who was going to speak for the bill. So wanted for the record show that Kyle's wanting to waive in support of the bill for any future testimony. And we have a couple bills and we still have our budget. I just would ask that everybody could look ahead on the agenda in. See if there's an issue or a bill that they're looking to speak for, that we can kind of keep things moving along with our limited time frame that we have to do business today. Next up tab 4 spb 70, 38 on education by education post-secondary being presented by Senator Calatayud Senator Calatayud. You're recognized to explain the bill. >> Thanks, Mister Chair. This bill provides a tuition waiver for members of the Florida State Guard and clarifies residency for individuals who are incarcerated in Florida. It strengthens consumer protections and oversight for providers. Blind services and vocational rehabilitation clarifies licensure for private colleges and universities provides uniform grading system for honors. Acceleration courses clarifies eligibility for dual enrollment and ran first months. Updates college readiness assessments. Developmental education provides flexibility to fund industry certifications allows the student to defer their better question scholarship for one year and makes targeted or revisions to the college funding model in fiscal requirements, promote civility and responsible management of reserve funds. That is the bill, Mister Chair. >> Thank you very much. Are there questions on the bill? I do see we have an amendment seeing no questions. We do have an amendment. The amendment is tab. 4, 9, 4, bar code 9, 4, 1, 2, 2, 0, by Senator Calatayud Senator Calatayud. You're recognized to explain your amendment. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair this modifies, the grandparent out of state. The waiver provision retaining the classic learning test as a qualifying option. Removes requirements in an eligible student enrolled full-time in the fall immediately after high school revises the University Access Rate performance metric to measure percentage of newly admitted undergraduate student receiving a Pell Grant rather than all undergraduate students involved. This is a hopefully an incentive for our universities to be more aggressive in recruiting those first time in college, Pell Grant students systemwide revises the accreditation timeline for institutions from one year to 3 years following the reaffirmation or fifth-year review removes the requirement that institutions seek accreditation specifically from a regional accrediting agency expands resident tuition protection to individuals. Their dependent children serving outside of the state has active duty or civilian personnel in the armed forces or assignment from the Department of State Department of Defense. The Department of Defense Dependent Schools that and expenses sunset date for the eligibility into the marriage and family therapist licensure pathway. That is the Amendment. Mister Chair. Thank you, Senator Calatayud. Any questions on the amendment. Senator Bradley, you're recognized, sir. >> Thank you, Mister Chair. If this amendment passes, can you explain what the grandparent a fee waiver provision would would be? You're recognized? >> Oh, sure. So our get over to that. Thank you. Thanks for the questions. Senator Bradley. So in the original bill, we unintentionally struck the classic learning test as one of the eligibility mechanisms for the grandparent as the tuition waiver. The CTA secure CLT. So we're restoring that eligibility in the amendment. And we're also allowing for the students to defer their their acceptance of the grandparent out of state tuition waiver from fall to summer or to spring. Thank you, Patty. Senator Jones. >> Thank you so much. Mister Chair. I thank you. Senator Calatayud. I want to just as quick question about the performance metrics and it's a 2 part question is the the reason for the metric change and could this change have a negative impact on the institutions that receive the performance-based funding? Senator Calatayud. >> Thank you, Mister Chair. Thank you for the question. This is a really I think, positive performance, Max or change. It could change. So if you re ran the performance metrics based on this new metric could change the ranking or the ranking of the difference. It who shuns what this particular new or modified performance metric means is that rather than looking at the entire population of the state universities, Pell recipients, you're looking specifically and motivating and incentivizing every Florida University to recruit more and to essentially perform at a higher percentage of their first time in college entrance is to be Pell Grant recipients. So this is in terms of access. It's focusing on, you know, my alma mater years considered in the top 5 nationwide in public universities, in social mobility, our universities, our college system, our entire higher education system is is truly transformational for this first time in college and the low income students to transform their situation. This is creating an incentive structure within our performance funding for universities to take with greater agency and to financial motivate them. This we should make these investments. Thank you. All yesterday, Kuwait. >> In the event was in the investment is in the students. And so I just want to, but I appreciate as they are the answer. I just want to make sure that the universities that are probably missing 2 days that they don't believe that they will be negatively affected by it. So I'm sure that will probably be a question for them. Senator Calatayud. >> Thank you, Mister Chair. I think the best thing that can happen to our universities is higher program. Percentages of students. Yeah, in every way. Thank you. Thank you very much. A minority leader designate congratulations formally from the Appropriations Committee in Pre K 12. Thank you that we do have some appearance forms. Are there any other questions? We do have some appearance forms on the bill. Bob, us. We're on the amendment still. So any appearance forms on the minute there are none. Any debate on the amendment. You can close on your amendment. We close waiving close Rita, please call the role of I'm sorry. No, we're going to do it all in favor of the amendment. Say yea, yea, all opposed. Alright, show the amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended any appearance forms on the bill's amended. There are. Bob Harris is speaking against the bill with representing Britain, Dental assistance, assisting assistant. >> Mr. Chairman Senators, good morning. And please understand, I'm not opposed to the bill. This is an excellent bill and it needs to move forward is very, very important. But we have one part of the bill that we're concerned about. Let me explain that. And yet I am representing Britain, Dental assisting. There's one part of the bill is section 5 of the bill. It's lines 204 through 2.18. It's actually I think section with the amendment. Let me explain our concern that that take a language deals with the Florida Commission for Independent Education, which licenses all the private colleges and schools in the state and that language that's in this amendment changes law which is existed for 55 years. And we're concerned about that and effects particularly dental assisting schools. Explain that. And by the way, I've been working with the commission for 41 years, some a little bit familiar, but they do. And we're concerned with this amendment. Explain the reasons why. And again, please, the bill is excellent news to go for, but we think this language should be removed. Let me explain why this amendment is a solution looking for a problem. You're not going to find any e-mails, text messages, anything phone calls and your system about a problem with dental systems being trained and dental office. And I can find one. The region is this law was first put in place by this legislature in 1971 55 years ago. And it said at that time when this commission was created for the first time and it said commission, you're going to look at colleges and then universities, but which exempt from your review and your your process, our dental schools and real estate schools. And the reason is because at that time in 1971, the real Estate Commission of the Dental board had approved programs well for prepare review done by dentist. And so they said there's no reason to duplicate that effort. So that's been exempt since 1971. In this law, this amendment would change that law. You're not gonna find any that had to say that since the last session 171, you're not gonna find any factions for those young people. Factions will explain what factions are, but you're not going to fund any Western Union Telegram and that's how we communicate it back in 1971, you're not gonna find one in your office. Second thing is this language in this amendment is unfortunately confusing. Came from the department is very confusing. Here's why it has 2 lines. First line says colleges and schools are exempt from licensure by the commission and then the second line says colleges and schools. If you offer courses or programs, you're not exempt and they're over 100 dental schools in the state over 30 real estate schools and are going to be very confusing. The problem is you're going to end of having lawsuit and challenges and it's really not worth it. Center changing a lot of this work for 55 years. The 3rd thing is this. The reason why this legislature established in 1971 and why it's not been basically undone for 55 years? It's because the board of Dentistry through its council down the existing does a remarkable job in terms of what they require of their dental assisting schools that they manage. Sometimes the dental offices to local dental offices will train our own staff are trained other people. What you have to go through to the Board of Dentistry to have your training program approved is enormous. It's accredited national credited standard curriculum. It's clinical in classroom training. It's on the job training. It's an extensive program. That's why the legislature, 55 years has not met with fish and allow dental schools to be approved by the Board of Dentistry. And again, real estate schools approved by the real Estate Commission. Think of the impact, if this, if sunny, this law takes effect and everything has to go to the commission because they license schools. Think about the impact on those potential those dental assistants who want to be trained at one of the local dental dental offices. The difference is this. You can go to dental office fully approved by the Board of Dentistry Page 3 to $4,000. And you can become expanded function, dental assisting, and you're on a new career or you can go to the commission and it takes anywhere from 6 ton 12 months to get approved. And during that entire time, you can operate as a school and we will not have any people train. That's a perfect moment for that. That right before you're not gonna have people trained and you're going to see a workforce that's going to be heard if this changes made to the commission, the commission, again, I I've been working the commission to staff is phenomenal direction. The budget you don't have to fish not have an extradition. Same like the Board of Dentistry does a great job. Last reason, you know, I just kind of bringing in a little bit years just from a time that the commission thinks they're all these license schools. I asked the publication, send me all these bad actor sending a list and I have still had not received it. We don't think there's a problem. And what I'd ask you to do is remove this one amendment and tell the stakeholders work over the summer, get it resolved and come back. It's been law for 55 years. I think we can go through one more summer lasting. Same. Our chairman is tomorrow scuba Dive day at the Capitol and you'll have a lot of experts about sharks there and can and can tell you where, in fact and why. In fact, we are the short by capital of the World Bank used for East coast for a New Smyrna Beach. Thank you. That's a good way to bring in actually. Thank you to be more time for short conversation. >> Next up is Joanne Heart with the Florida Dental Association speaking for information only Senator Calatayud has managed to bring the dentists to the education committee. I think this is really cool. I just thought you were lost their first that I realized with a connection that I know this is I'm in foreign waters here. But >> friendly faces fair. I want to thank you chair and committee members. I am Joanne Heart, the chief legislative officer with the Florida Dental Association and I'm here to speak regarding Section 8 of this amendment. And I want to also thank Senator Calatayud for agreeing to work with us in this concern. One of the things that we just want to make sure that whatever changes are being made here is going to impact programs that are being offered on-the-job training for dental assistants. This is not a licensed provider. You can come right out of high school and want to be a part of the dental team and is on the job training. Well, the dental assisting program creates is a formalized training so you could king and those skills and become a better worker at your job and assisting the debt dentist at the office. So we want to thank Senator Calatayud for working with us on what we want to make sure that we are not impacting those current programs that we do believe should be exempt from the CIA. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. We have a few folks waiving former the other Keith Platt is waiving in support. I was a lot is waiving against Alexander Vlahos is waiving in support. Mona Ahmed is waiving against Alice Warburton is waiving against Riley. Blom is waiving against and sidra to fail is waiving against our there. It is there any debate on the bill? >> Senator Jones and very quickly as the chair I was just going to ask is the bill sponsor can address the concerns from the dental association, her clothes. Absolutely. Any other debate on the bill. All right. Seeing none you're recognized to close on your bill. Senator Calatayud. >> Thank you so much, Mister Chair. Well, thank you for the individuals who both visiting with me in my office and spoke in public testimony today. We're continuing to work with the dental association and also other stakeholders to provide dental education programs to clear up new you want says in the legislation versus offices that provide associations that provide individual dentist that provide this type of this type of workforce training in their own facilities versus institutions are schools. So we'll be working through the legislative process iterating to find the right balance to make sure that we're not this incentivizing or disallowing important workforce programs like to ask for your favorable support. Thank you so much. >> All right. Having closed on her bill, Regina, please call the roll on Spb 70, 38. >> Senator Bradley Senator Calatayud Senator Gaetz Senator Jones. Senator Massullo yet Senator Osgood yet. Senator Simon. Yes, Senator Yarborough vice chair pizzo. >> Chair Burgess yes by your vote show SB 7030 is reported favorably as amended. Congratulations, senators. I believe that brings us to the tab one. We're going to do a quick review and discussion of the fiscal year 2026 2027 budget issues relating to the Department of Education. And then as I'm sure by now, everybody has seen the proposed gaa for this fiscal year, the upcoming fiscal year and the accompanying budget spreadsheets. We've also provided the spreadsheets as part of the packet. I want to thank President Albritton chair Hooper for their support of education in Florida, interest of this committee to be able to do this hard work. I would also like to thank each of you for your input over the past couple of months. I want you to know that matters. And I think we have collaboration and a lot of ways on this initial proposal. My plan today is to provide a high-level summary of the major funding issues in the proposed budget. As we're all aware, we will be moving on to the full Appropriations Committee and rapid fashion. So at that point in time, I'm sure there will be more of an extensive conversation as well. The total budget for Pre K 12 education including local funds is 34.9 billion dollars. Some overall highlights for the fefp or providing 3 billion for public schools and K 12 scholarships representing a 693 million dollar increase over the current year. We're increasing the total funds per fte. By 1.0, 6, 4%, were increasing. The base student allocation by $50 are funding. The Family Empowerment Scholarship says a separate state funded categorical within the fefp representing a total of 4 0.5 billion dollars. And as President Gates is the through his legislation, the past couple years is shown us kind of why that's that we believe that that's an important step to take and obviously with a lot of the safeguards and checks and balances that are in his bill together, that would make for for a a pretty solid rep around solution. We're also providing 25 million to assist districts that have a decline in student enrollment during the 2026 2027 school year compared to the 2025. 2026 school year supplement helps ensure districts can manage fixed costs like staff and facilities. Even when student numbers decrease preventing severe immediate budget cuts such as school closures. I think at this point we've heard from a lot of different school districts around the state regarding declining enrollment. And we believe in the Senate that we should be taking active efforts to try to offset that. We're also trying to get our arms around where students are in as Senator Osgood said so eloquently before the meeting started as as we can help school districts right-size through this changing environment. In addition to the increase in FEFP funding, the proposed budget provides funds for the PRE the key Pre-K to the the PRE K 12 issues including a 432.8 million for vpk program to maintain the same per student funding is the current year and 30.4 million for the regional education consortia to provide additional support to Florida's world and smaller school districts. Lastly, in the back of the bill, the proposed budget provides 65.0. 3 million to assist districts with decreasing student enrollments in the current 2025. 2026 school years. So on. That's important to know that both future and current issues or are seeking to be addressed in our proposed budget. There was significant decrease in student enrollment for school districts over their forecasted in budgeted amounts. And this supplement is meant to cushion the loss of revenue and help mitigate any unanticipated budgetary impacts. That is the high-level highlights of this budget. Want to make sure that we afford any comments by our committee if anybody has any at this time. And also if there's any public testimony, salt scope of the Florida senator's first, Senator Jones. >> Thank you so much, Mister Chair and thank you for this. Get this good budget and I to the staff for putting is good budget together. I get so the first thing out. One thing, God, thank you. Chair into the staff of 1, 4, for move in the FBS scholarship out of the fefp. That's the first thing. But also and it beggars can't be choosers are and you can be have what we have, which we can have a higher base student allocation. But I'm happy where we at all right now, I do want to ask the question when it comes to some of the allocations within the fefp that were reduce or they could have receiving any increases. I'm looking at the djj supplemental allocation. The education enrichment allocation and the ESE guarantee allocation more who are receive reduction in the fund in and also in the mental health assistance allocation. And along with the safe schools allocation, can someone explain why these allocations will reduce or receive no increase in allocation? More specifically, especially the ESE guarantee allocation. >> But thank you, Senator Jones and I wanted to confirm wit