TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ― Despite support from leading Republicans including Gov. Rick Scott, a push to offer a tuition break to students who entered the country illegally appears doomed again this year.
A key Republican state senator on Thursday used a procedural move to block the legislation from being heard next week in a Senate committee. The move makes it unlikely the bill will be considered since the annual session ends in early May.
Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, and Senate budget chief, in a lengthy statement defended his decision. He said that a need for the in-state tuition break “has not been established” and he raised questions on its potential costs.
But he also said the break should only go to students who are U.S. citizens and Florida residents. The in-state tuition rate is roughly one-quarter of the rate paid by out-of-state students.
“In-state tuition discounts should, in my view, be reserved for legal residents of Florida,” Negron stated. “Florida law does not prohibit students who are undocumented from accessing our state colleges and universities. Once these students favorably resolve their residency status, they could be become eligible for in-state tuition.”
The debate on in-state tuition for students who entered the country illegally has been perennial in Tallahassee. This election year it has emerged as a priority for some Republicans, including House Speaker Will Weatherford. But the proposal has needed Democratic support to survive since many other Republicans, including Senate President Don Gaetz, have remained opposed.
Scott came out in favor of the Senate bill earlier this year because it would also place limits on how much universities could raise tuition rates. Scott’s turnabout is a vast change from 2010 when he urged a strong crackdown on illegal immigration. Scott’s move comes during an election year when Hispanic voters could play a key role in deciding his re-election.
