WHAT THEY ARE SAYING… Florida Education Leaders Applaud Governor Scott’s Proposals to Eliminate Sales Tax on Textbooks and Invest in Bright Futures
Wednesday, January 22, 2015
DOE Press Office
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…
Florida Education Leaders Applaud Governor Scott’s Proposals to Eliminate Sales Tax on Textbooks and Invest in Bright Futures
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today, Florida education leaders applauded Governor Scott’s proposal to eliminate the sales tax on college textbooks and increase investments for Bright Futures as part of his “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget. The price of college textbooks has continued to increase, often exceeding $100 per book. Eliminating this sales tax is expected to save Florida’s students $41.4 million per year. It is estimated that a student taking five courses per semester will save at a minimum $60 per year. The Governor also proposed to increase investments in Bright Futures by $23 million to cover students taking summer courses.
Marshall Criser III, Chancellor of the State University System, said, “Building on his continued focus on affordability and accountability, Gov. Rick Scott today reconfirmed his commitment to ensuring that every Floridian has access to a great education. By making higher education more affordable and emphasizing time-to-degree, the governor is helping to improve the quality of life for all Floridians by ensuring the economic prosperity of the state.”
Pam Stewart, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed tax cut on textbooks and expansion of Bright Futures Scholarship is great news for Florida families and students. As students approach high school graduation, the expense of a degree can seem daunting but families can take comfort knowing Governor Scott is working to help Florida students make their dream of a college degree a reality. The $41 million in annual savings from textbook taxes will put college students closer to their goal of graduating on time and realizing their dreams with less debt.”
Morteza “Mori” Hosseini, Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “Gov. Rick Scott has made higher education affordability a top priority throughout his administration, and he took that commitment to new levels today. The governor’s proposal to eliminate taxes on textbooks removes barriers to higher education by actively lowering the cost. Meanwhile, the expansion of Bright Futures Scholarships will advance the goals of the Board of Governors’ performance-funding model by improving time-to-degree for many of our students, reducing their debt and quickening their entry into the state workforce. The Board of Governors is grateful for the governor’s leadership on these issues and commends these proposals.”
Dr. James D. Henningsen, President of the College of Central Florida and Chairman of the Florida College System Council of Presidents, said, “The Florida College System applauds Governor Scott’s initiative to reduce textbook costs for students and expand the Bright Futures Scholarship program to cover summer term courses. His proposal will help students reduce higher education costs and expand opportunity to achieve their goals.”
Donald Kilburn, President of Pearson North America, said, "We applaud Governor Scott's steadfast commitment to improving student access to and success in higher education. Governor Scott's plan will put money directly back in the pockets of Florida students and ensure that Florida stays on the leading edge of preparing the next generation of employees."
Peter Cohen, Group President of U.S. Education, McGraw-Hill Education, said, “McGraw-Hill Education is a strong supporter of education policies that lower overall costs while increasing learning outcomes for college students. Governor Scott’s call for a tax exemption on the purchase of instructional materials is a smart step in the right direction. His proposal can help more Florida students have their assigned materials ready for use on the first day of class, increasing their chance for success."
David Anderson, Executive Director for the Higher Education Association of American Publishers, said, “I share Governor Scott’s goal to providing Florida students with the best and most affordable education, which is why I support his recent proposal to cut taxes on textbooks by $41 million a year. This is a great investment that will help every student move closer to realizing his or her dreams.”
Cynthia O’Connell, Secretary of the Florida Department of Lottery, said, “Governor Scott’s proposal to invest $23 million into Bright Futures so that students can earn credit hours over the summer is great news. This investment will allow students with Bright Futures to pursue their degree year round and accelerate their progress toward their career after graduation. I applaud Governor Scott’s proposal and look forward to working with him to see it through.”
Marsan Carr, Executive Director of the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education, said, “Giving students in our school district technical centers and colleges more opportunities to succeed is crucial to Florida’s long-term success, and Governor Scott’s proposal to eliminate the sales tax on textbooks does just that. These are the sorts of proposals that we need in place to help our students, and so I’m happy to support the Governor in his effort.”
Michael Brawer, CEO of the Association of Florida Colleges, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed tax cut on textbooks is great news for Florida students. The $41 million in annual savings will put college students closer to their goal of graduation and realizing their dreams.”
Stefano J. Cavallaro, Student Body President & University Trustee of Florida State University, Chairman of Florida Students Association, and Member of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “Students all over Florida will benefit from Governor Rick Scott’s proposals to cuts taxes on textbooks and expand Bright Futures to the summer. Today’s announcement is a bold step toward decreasing the cost of higher education in this state, and I thank the Governor for his tireless commitment to ensuring that all students have access to an affordable education.”
Joe Garita, President of the Florida College System Student Government Association, said, “While many students and families struggle with the rising costs of college textbooks, Governor Scott is committed to easing the burden by proposing to eliminate the sales tax on textbooks. This proposal would save college students $41 million a year, and make it easier for them to continue to pursue their dreams.”
Cory Yeffet, Student Body President of the University of Florida, said, “These days, saving college students money is critically important. Governor Scott’s proposal to cut taxes on textbooks by $41 million will dramatically impact families and save them money on the cost of higher education.”
Brian Cartier, CEO of the National Association of College Stores, said, “The National Association of College Stores and the more than 225 college stores in Florida applaud Governor Scott for his proposal to exempt college textbooks from sales taxes. With many students struggling to pay debt for their education costs, sales tax on textbooks is an unnecessary added tax burden on students’ learning. Governor Scott’s proposal will provide much needed relief to students and create a level playing field for Florida’s college stores to compete with out-of-state vendors.”
Tom Kuntz, Vice-Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “The Governor today made two concrete proposals to lower the cost of education while simultaneously helping students move more quickly into the workforce. These measures mark a top priority of this administration: To ensure that every Floridian can achieve a high-quality education at an affordable price.”
Norm Tripp, Member of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “Governor Rick Scott’s proposals to expand Bright Futures Scholarships to the summer and remove the sales tax on textbooks will benefit our students and reverberate throughout Florida. By enabling our students to graduate more quickly and with less debt, the governor is ensuring the efficiency of our universities while maximizing the role of the State University System as an economic powerhouse to the state.”
H. Wayne Huizenga Jr., Member of the Florida Board of Governors, said, “By proposing to cut taxes on college textbooks by $41 million a year, Governor Scott is making it easier for college students to get a great education at a more affordable price. Every student will benefit greatly from these savings, and I commend Governor Scott’s proposal.”
John Delaney, President of the University of North Florida, said, "Many believe that the fastest and easiest way to significantly improve textbook affordability for students is to exempt textbook purchases from state sales tax, which at least 27 states have done. Gov. Scott’s leadership in helping to keep the university experience as affordable as possible for our students continues to be legendary.”
John Hitt, President of the University of Central Florida, said, "Education transforms lives, and we support Governor Scott's goals to provide a high-quality, affordable education for Floridians. Textbook affordability and Bright Futures scholarships are important issues, and we thank Governor Scott for his leadership on behalf of our students and their families."
Kent Fuchs, President of the University of Florida, said, “Gov. Rick Scott continues to support initiatives that set college students on a trajectory of success in their pursuit of university degrees. Reducing the out-of-pocket costs of students and their families for textbooks and summer educational programs bolsters their ability to focus full attention on their studies.”
Judy Genshaft, President of the University of South Florida, said, "We applaud the Governor for continually seeking new ways to make higher education more affordable for students. This is particularly important for students at the University of South Florida System -- many of whom would not be able to complete their degrees without significant financial aid. Providing new opportunities to benefit from Bright Futures and eliminating the sales tax on textbooks will have a real impact on our students' lives. We join them in saying, 'thank you.'"
Dr. Jackson Sasser, President of Santa Fe College, said, “Saving our college students’ money has been and continues to be a top priority for Governor Scott, and it is one for which I commend him and thank him. Cutting taxes on college textbooks and saving students $41 million a year is a great step toward ensuring our students obtain the best and most affordable education possible.”
Charles Hall, President of Florida Gateway College, said, “Florida Gateway College supports Gov. Scott as he seeks to help our students by lowering the sales tax on text books and by expanding the Bright Futures Scholarships to include summer courses. We support the Gov. as he helps our students as they seek to achieve their goals, both professionally and personally.”
Dr. Eduardo Padron, President of Miami Dade College, said “Governor Scott is fighting to make college more accessible and affordable for all Floridians. His proposal to completely eliminate the sales tax on college textbooks will continue making Florida the best place to get a great education.”
Dr. James H. Richey, President of Eastern Florida State College, said, “I enthusiastically support Governor Scott's plan to eliminate sales tax on the purchase of college textbooks and the expansion of the bright futures scholarship program during the summer months since these efforts will directly address challenges of affordability and accessibility many college students face in Florida. In my view, each proposal will help more students find success in earning a college degree.”
Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, President of Florida Keys Community College, said, “Governor Scott continues to be a champion for quality, affordable higher education. His proposal to eliminate the sales tax on textbooks shows his continued dedication to making Florida the best place to get a great education.”
Thomas LaBasso, Interim President of Daytona State College, said, “The cost of textbooks has been a challenge for students for many years. The Governor’s proposal to eliminate state and local taxes on textbooks will certainly help reduce the overall cost of a college education. Offering Bright Futures Scholarships in the summer is a great incentive for students to finish early and enter the job market as contributing citizens.”
Robbie Roepstorff, Chair of the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees, said, “Governor Scott is committed to making sure that every student has the best chance to succeed, and his proposal to invest $23 million for Bright Futures summer classes is more proof of that. I strongly support the Governor’s efforts and look forward to working with him to continue to make Florida’s education system world class.”
Scott Hopes, Member of the University of South Florida Board of Trustees, said, “Governor Scott continues to make smart investments that make Florida higher education a priority. His proposed elimination of the sales tax on textbooks and increased investment into Bright Futures Scholarships will continue to make Florida the best place to get a great education and give our students, parents and teachers the best opportunities to succeed.”
Cesar Alvarez, Member of the Florida International University Board of Trustees, said, “Bright Futures Scholarships are vital to many Florida college students, and Governor Scott’s proposed investment of $23 million to cover summer classes is an excellent proposal. This increased funding will lead to higher graduation rates and more choices for our students, and put them on a path to better achieve their goals after graduation.”
Jason Rosenberg, Member of the University of Florida Board of Trustees, said, “By investing more than $23 million in Bright Futures, Governor Scott is working to make Florida an even better place for Florida's best students to get a great education. This investment will allow students to stay in school over the summer and will give them more flexibility to graduate early and pursue a career with less student debt.”
Alan Landman, Chairman of the Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees, said, “By proposing to cut taxes on college textbooks by $41 million a year, Governor Scott is making it easier for college students to get a great education at a more affordable price. Every student will benefit greatly from these savings, and I commend Governor Scott’s proposal.”
Brig. Gen. Arthur “Chip” Diehl, USAF (Retired) and Member of the Hillsborough Community College Board of Trustees, said, "Continuing to give our College Students increased opportunities to attend and succeed in their pursuit of their degrees hallmarks Governor Scott's leadership from the front. His proposal to eliminate sales tax on textbooks, to make college a little more affordable is important to both our Military Veterans, their families as well as everyone attending our Community Colleges for which I'm an ardent champion. I salute the Governor for this bold, impactful initiative."
Anne O’Bannon, Member of the Florida Keys Community College Board of Trustees, said, “I share Governor Scott’s goal to provide Florida students with the best and most affordable education, which is why I support his proposal to cut taxes on textbooks by $41 million a year. This worthwhile investment will help every student move closer to realizing his or her dreams.”
Frank White, Member of the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees, said, “Making Florida’s education system better starts with making it affordable for all students, and Governor Scott is certainly committed to that. His proposal to eliminate the sales tax on textbooks will put over $41 million back in the pockets of Florida students each year and make it easier for them to purchase their textbooks and excel in the classroom.”
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