by Alexis Booker ‘23

In March of 2021, Florida state senator Deniz Baxely introduced the Bright Futures Bill that would significantly decrease the budget for the Bright Futures scholarship program that many incoming college students in the state rely on for aid. The program was founded in 1997 and funded by the Florida lottery and creates a pathway for succeeding lower income students to pursue a higher education. The bill passed the state house with ease with Republican support; however, after public backlash it stalled in the Florida senate because of opposition from democrats. 

Although the initial bill was scrapped, a new version passed with overwhelming support from Florida politicians. During an April 29 session, what was revealed to be passed was a revised version that removed a $600 stipend for new college students that goes towards textbooks and other necessary supplies. It will officially take effect July 1, 2022.

When the Bright Futures bill was first announced back in March, immediately there was student and parent uproar. The majority of people were upset; however, this particularly angered lower income students in poorer areas. Because the money is exclusive to Florida citizens, students who use the scholarship money lose their opportunity to go to college out of state in favor of a safer financial path. These students found it upsetting that their sacrifice of going to college in state was essentially useless. Many also feel betrayed by the bill’s introduction. With the budget cuts to the scholarship being considered, students feel their lives’ aren’t being considered.

Now there are many questions being raised about the status of the scholarship for the next few years. The idea that the bill may be introduced and successfully passed in the near future has created a lot of uncertainty for a lot of Florida’s population.