Florida Governor SeeksTo Boost Minority College Enrollment
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
Gov. Jeb Bush has recommended sharp budget increases to boost minority enrollments in Florida’s universities and colleges.
The governor wants state lawmakers to spend an additional $52.4 million in the 2006-2007 budget to provide more scholarships and need-based financial aid.
The largest chunk, $35.8 million, would be for those faced with the most severe financial barriers.
Bush says the money could provide an average of $1,152 in financial assistance to nearly 117,000 students and help more minorities achieve their dream of a college education.
State Rep. Al Lawson, D-Tallahassee, a graduate of Florida A&M University, is shepherding the measure through the Senate. Other Democrats, however, have been unimpressed by Bush’s recommendations. They claim their efforts to achieve similar improvements in recent years were rejected by the Republican-dominated Legislature.
