Orange County GOP passes resolution supporting school choice bill
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FLV) – The Orange County Republican Executive Committee, also known as the Orange County GOP, passed a resolution supporting House Bill 1 for School Choice.
Last Thursday, the bill passed through a second Florida House committee.
The bill aims to promote parental involvement and “customize” K-12 education in Florida, according to bill supporters. It provides additional financial support for families and flexibility for school districts.
“The Orange County Republican Executive Committee Resolves to actively support both existing legislation and future legislative actions that ensures and promotes Educational Freedom for all students per Florida statute,” the resolution said.
Rep. Susan Plasencia, R-Orlando and Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid are co-sponsors of the bill.
“I am proud to be the prime co-sponsor of HB 1, and I am excited to be part of the driving force behind expanding school choice and educational opportunities for many Floridians. This is an issue that has touched my family, as well as the lives of many families across the state. Our main message is this: Your Kids, Your Choice,” said Plasencia.
At the meeting, newly elected Orange County School Board member Alicia Farrant spoke to support the bill.
Farrant said the bill gives opportunities to parents to direct their children’s education, and that it allows funding to follow the students to the school of their choice.
Orange GOP Precinct Committeeman Demensio Barton introduced the resolution during the meeting.
“When you are where we are in this nation, it is no longer the time to say let’s punt it and let someone else run the ball [of education],” Barton said.
“Expanding choices for parents to direct their children’s education is a top priority in Orange County. Education savings accounts will give parents the freedom to choose learning opportunities that best fit the needs of their child,” said newly elected Orange County GOP Chairman Erin Huntley.
Many Orange County residents and Orange County GOP members made the trip to the Florida Capitol to voice their support for the bill during the legislative session.
