Florida State Senator Baxley Wants to Focus on Aid Programs That Lead to Jobs

State Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) today filed SB 86, Student Financial Aid. This Legislation expands benefits for Pell Grant-eligible students, enhances opportunities for returning students without a high school diploma

The bill revamps postsecondary financial aid programs to maximize value for the student and for Florida taxpayers through a focus on targeted programs that directly lead to employment.

“All too often the debate surrounding higher education focuses on the cost to the student, in terms of tuition and fees, but never the cost to the taxpayer or the actual value to the student,” said Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby).

“The reality is a degree does not guarantee a job. This legislation rebalances state financial aid programs to cover the cost of tuition and fees for general education requirements and then for targeted programs that we know will lead to jobs in our communities. It also creates new scholarship programs for Pell Grant-eligible students and alternative pathways to professional certifications for the more than one million Floridians without a high school diploma.”

“We want all of our students to succeed in meaningful careers that provide for their families and serve our communities. As taxpayers we should all be concerned about subsidizing degrees that just lead to debt, instead of the jobs our students want and need. We encourage all students to pursue their passions, but when it comes to taxpayer subsidized education, there needs to be a link to our economy, and that is the goal of this legislation,” said Senator Baxley.

“We also want to make it easier for returning students who did not finish high school to have access to certification programs at our colleges and career centers. Dropping out of high school in your teenage years shouldn’t be a lifelong barrier to a good job.”

Certificate and Degree Programs

The legislation directs that by December 31, 2021, the Board of Governors (BOG) and the State Board of Education (SBE) must each approve a list of career certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs that lead directly to employment. The lists must be updated annually by December 31. The lists must also include programs from private institutions.

Eligibility for State Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance

Beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year and thereafter, student eligibility for state financial aid programs will be limited to 60 hours unless or until a student is enrolled in a program that is on the list of market-driven degree programs.

Florida Bright Opportunities Grant Program

The bill establishes the program for Pell Grant-eligible students in a certificate or associate degree program who still owe tuition and fees at Florida colleges or career centers after the student has applied all federal gift aid and state financial assistance. The additional award covers tuition and fees, plus a book stipend, and is awarded on a first-come first-served basis.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program

The bill modifies the Florida Academic and Florida Medallion Scholars awards to an amount specified in the state budget. Beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year, the bill reduces the number of credit hours that can be funded by Bright Futures by the number of credit hours earned through articulated acceleration mechanisms when the student was in high school. Beginning with spring 2022 high school graduates, the bill adds additional, alternative eligibility options for students who earn an associate degree through dual enrollment, or an Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma with scores of four or higher on six AP exams. The legislation allows for a student who has unused Bright Futures credit hours to apply those credits to graduate studies if the graduate program is on the approved list of programs.

Florida Endeavor Scholarship

The legislation establishes the program for students without a high school diploma who wish to enroll in a certificate or high school equivalency program at a career center or college. Students can qualify for the award if they earn 225 clock hours with a 2.5 GPA. The scholarship covers tuition and fees; awarded on first-come, first-served basis, with priority for returning students.