HIALEAH, Fla. — Continuing his trek around the state following the 2021 legislative session, Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped in Hialeah Tuesday to sign a bill expanding school choice in Florida.
HB 7045 doubles down on the state's commitment to support working families and their ability to get their kids into the school of their choice, according to the governor.
“We really believe that empowering parents to be able to have the widest variety of educational choices for their kids is a recipe for success. Obviously, wealthy parents have the world as their oyster. They can make whatever decisions they want and they can do it," DeSantis said. "But when you talk about low-income families, working-class families they may not have the luxury of being able to get their kid in the school of their choice without our assistance through our scholarship programs.”
DeSantis says the bill is far-reaching but will continue to focus on those in low-income households because "that's where the need is greatest."
Under the bill, more robust scholarships will be offered and are able to be dedicated to things that impact education outside of tuition like, tutors, transportation, assessments, digital devices, etc.
It also provides access to the program to students in foster care, out-of-home care, and to siblings of those already receiving scholarships, according to DeSantis.
The one-year enrollment in public school education to be eligible for funding will now also be waived.
“If the need is there, the need is there. You shouldn’t have to jump through these hoops," the governor said.
Florida's Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez backed the signing of the bill Tuesday calling it action Florida parents are desperate for.
“So many parents have been so desperate for choice and this is something we’re committed to," she said.
Florida Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran was also present at the announcement and lauded the governor for his work.
“Education is everything," Corcoran said before calling the bill transformative for students, communities and the state.
He also pushed the need to create lifelong learners in the state, a common narrative for the department, through grabbing hold of students' minds, hearts and souls.
Parents who have kids currently in the Gardiner and McKay scholarship programs will be grandfathered into the new program established by the bill, according to the governor.
You can learn more about the school choice bill, which is effective July 1, here.
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