Education Cuts - State of Florida Budget

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 Education and Florida 's Budget Crisis

Impacts , dangers and solutions

As with most states in the Union , the State of Florida faces a looming budget crisis . Revenues are down , expenses are up . Localities are raising taxes on individuals many of whom are already facing job and home losses . The business community is in a recession , drastically reducing tax revenues especially at the state level

There is already a growing backlash against Federal spending and the threat of tax increases . In response , state officials are scrambling to

find cuts in spending . Whenever this phenomenon occurs , education is the easiest target . For Florida and most other states , education comprises the biggest single expenditure of taxpayer money

In recent years critics have gained some traction with the argument that more spending on education is not necessarily better Fundamentally , they are correct . Well targeted spending increases with accountability , in contrast , can have dramatic effects on student and teacher performance

As we move through the 21st century , having a well-educated populace will only become more important . Meanwhile the characteristics and needs of Florida 's students are changing . This is not the time to give up on the public education system that grew America from a third-rate nation into the world 's only superpower . Education budget cuts at this time are dangerous for Floridians and the nation as a whole . Fortunately there are viable alternatives . This will assess the relevant issues and discuss the alternatives and their resulting effects on...