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Education Bill Covering Teachers Unions, Bullying, Heads To Gov. Rick Scott

Florida lawmakers have approved a massive education measure that could whittle down the power of teachers unions, allow bullied students to transfer to private or other private schools, and expands the state’s corporate tax scholarship program. Lynn Hatter spoke with Tom Flanigan about the measures path toward approval, and how it fits in the puzzle that is making a budget.

What the bill does:

  • Requires teachers unions to get 50 percent of eligible teachers in a district to become paying members or face recertification.
  • Establishes scholarships for bullied students to transfer to other public schools or receive a voucher to attend private schools.
  • Allows the state's Gardiner scholarship program  for students with disabilities to tap into sales tax revenue.

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Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas. She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. When she’s not working, Lynn spends her time watching sci-fi and action movies, writing her own books, going on long walks through the woods, traveling and exploring antique stores. Follow Lynn Hatter on Twitter: @HatterLynn.