Education
To compete in a newly globalized economy, our children must be afforded a quality education.
As a former Florida certified teacher, I know the importance of making sure our children receive quality educational opportunities that help them succeed later in life. While education is primarily a state and local issue, I have been unwavering in making sure that Florida’s parents, teachers, and administrators have the resources they need to provide a world class education to our children.
Education is a lifelong journey, one which inspired me to enter public service. I will continue to fight for legislation that creates more flexibility, and provides our state and local school districts with the tools to ensure that future generations acquire the skills needed to keep America a global economic and technological leader.
Throughout my time in Congress, I have been an advocate for choice in education. I also recognize the challenges that our special needs students may face. By giving parents more authority in the direction of their child’s education, and expanding the availability of educational opportunities for those students whose needs may not be met by traditional educational styles, we can help each student receive the best education possible.
Keeping higher education more affordable and accessible to those who aspire to earn an advanced degree is a current challenge that should not be left unmet. While elementary and secondary education are incredibly important, making sure that students are able to receive the college training needed to succeed in 21st century careers should not be overlooked. Since my days in the Florida legislature, I have fought to give hardworking students the opportunity to maximize their potential by advancing their knowledge and experiences in college. In the state legislature, I sponsored the legislation for the Florida Pre Paid College Program, which is now the largest pre-paid college tuition program in the nation. More than one million Florida families have used this program to send their children to college.
More flexibility and choices in education for our young people is needed, so that they may learn the skills they need in a way that best meets their individual learning styles and life circumstances. To compete in a newly globalized economy, our children must be afforded a quality education. I am certain that our great state will be able to attract new industries, better paying jobs, and stronger economy.