In 2011, Rick Scott signed a budget cutting education funding by $1.3 billion. “The budget does not make up for five consecutive years of cuts to K-12 spending, including $1.3 billion in cuts Scott approved last year.”  [Times/Herald, 4/18/12]  

In 2011, Scott Plakon voted for a budget cutting education funding by $1.3 billion. [SB 2000, Vote [Seq# 628], 5/7/2011]

In 2012, Scott’s budget failed to restore education funding to the same level following his historic cuts. “The boost from last year does not overcome past budget cuts — $1.3 billion statewide last year alone.” [Times Union, 2/28/12]

In 2012, Plakon voted for a budget failing to restore education funding to the same level following the historic cuts. [HB 5001, Vote [Seq #1206], 3/9/2012]

In 2012, Scott’s budget included 0 dollars for public school construction. “Florida’s schools, community colleges and state universities, which anticipate zero construction dollars, will be forced to stop or put off for years many dozens of new projects, including repairs to roofs and air-conditioners” [Sunshine State News, 3/3/2012]

In 2012, Plakon voted for a budget which included 0 dollars for public school construction.  [HB 5001, Vote [Seq #1206], 3/9/2012]

In 2012, Scott’s budget cut the “Bright Futures” Scholarship program. “Another measure would cut thousands of students from the Bright Futures scholarships.” [Miami Herald, 2/29/12]

In 2012, Plakon voted for a budget that cut the “Bright Futures” Scholarship program. [HB 5001, Vote [Seq #1206], 3/9/2012]

In 2012, Scott’s budget cut $300 million for higher education and universities. “The House and Senate have agreed to cut universities by $300 million” [Palm Beach Post, 3/1/2012]

In 2012, Plakon voted for a budget that cut $300 million for higher education and universities – including millions from neighboring UCF. [HB 5001, Vote [Seq #1206], 3/9/2012]; “The state has cut $144 million from UCF’s budget during the past five years, including $52 million this year” [UCF Board of Governors, 6/21/12]

Scott’s budget forced students to face tuition increases. “Students still could face double-digit tuition increases while schools will spend less to educate them” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/7/2012]; “’We are being put in a position of having no choice but to raise tuition,’ Ramil said” [WUSF, 3/1/2012]

The budget Plakon voted for forced students to face tuition increases, including students who attend nearby UCF. [HB 5001, Vote [Seq #1206], 3/9/2012]; “UCF trustees reluctantly approved tuition increases in May while making it clear that they are concerned about repeated state budget cuts to higher education” [UCF Board of Governors, 6/21/12]

In 2012, Scott’s budget raised tuition on college students by 5-percent. “It includes a 5 percent tuition increase for Florida college students” [Gainesville Sun, 3/5/12]

In 2012, Plakon voted for a budget which raised tuition on college students by 5-percent. [HB 5001, Vote [Seq #1206], 3/9/2012]

Gov. Scott claimed education would be a priority. “I’d like to focus on what I believe are the three most important jobs I have… two, securing the right of every Floridian to a quality education” [Gov. Scott’s “State of the State” 1/9/2012]

Plakon claims funding education is a top issue. “Scott believes that the best way to ensure that every child in Florida has an excellent education is through fair funding” [ScottPlakon.com “Issues”, accessed 7/6/2012]

But Scott puts corporate special interests over middle class families. “The proposed 2012-13 budget…is a study in pork-barrel spending, reckless policy and a shortchanged future.” [Tampa Bay Times 3/7/2012]

But Plakon voted to put corporate special interests over middle class families. “The proposed 2012-13 budget…is a study in pork-barrel spending, reckless policy and a shortchanged future.” [Tampa Bay Times 3/7/2012]