COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Senator Kathleen Passidomo visited Pelican Marsh Elementary School in North Naples on Tuesday to raise awareness about the school budget passed by this year's State Legislature.
"We added almost $300 million in flexible funding for districts," Passidomo said. "They can use it for teacher raises or other district needs."
Last week, about twenty people rallied at the Collier County Government Complex to voice concerns over lawmaker's concern for public education.
Bill Korson of the Coalition For Quality Education said he has major concerns over SB7070, which he said takes tax money away from public education and gives it to private schools as part of a voucher program.
"Senator Kathleen Passidomo is a friend to education, but the Legislature could be a lot friendlier," Korson said.
Passidomo said that she and other lawmakers want to ensure that every child in Florida receives a quality education - and that means having options.
"There are some families that want something different for their children, and we should give them the opportunity to have that," she said.
The Senator added that per-pupil funding increased by almost three percent for grades K through twelve.
