By Associated Press - Wednesday, March 20, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida House leaders have released a proposed budget for public schools that is about $600 million less than the Senate’s school spending plan.

Republican Rep. Chris Latvala of Clearwater, chairman of the House Appropriations education subcommittee, outlined his $21.6 billion proposal Wednesday, a day after the Senate’s $22.2 billion plan was rolled out. Both plans differ from that submitted by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Among other things, the House plan would increase per-student spending in the preK-12 system by about $167, while the Senate’s increase is $350 more per student. Another difference: the Senate wants $14 million for schools hit hard by Hurricane Michael, while the House includes no money for that.



Both legislative plans call for $234 million for the Best and Brightest teacher bonus program.

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