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As student aid requests lag in Florida, groups step in to help some fill out FAFSA
By summertime, most prospective college students know which school they're attending and how much they have to pay in tuition. But not Viviana Gonzalez. The Sumner High School graduate started filling out the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, back in January. But a technical issue prevented her from completing the parents' portion of the form for months.
Republicans want to take Florida educational model nationwide with party platform
In its political platform adopted earlier this month, the Republican Party pledged to implement universal school choice, boost parental rights and promote "patriotic" standards for civics education.In other words, under former President Donald Trump, education across the country would look a lot like it does in Florida.Why it matters: Florida in recent years has been thrust into the national spotlight for its hyper-conservative approach to education, serving as a test kitchen for policies that public education advocates say undermine students' and teachers' rights.Some have criticized the state's Department of Education for its push to include Judeo-Christian ideas in public schools,...
Which Floridians would benefit from $17/hour
Data: Oxfam America; Chart: Axios VisualsMore than a quarter of Florida workers — mostly women, Black and Hispanic — would benefit from a raise in minimum wage to $17, according to new data from Oxfam.The organization revised its definition of a low-wage worker this year, from those earning less than $15 an hour to those earning less than $17.State of pay: This fall, state minimum wage increases to $13 per hour for non-tipped employees and $9.98 per hour for tipped employees.Flashback: Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2020 to make the minimum wage $15 by 2026. It will increase by a dollar on Sept. 30 every year until then.After that, the minimum wage will be adjusted each year for inflation.The big picture: Just 13% of U.S. workers earn less than $15 an hour; two years ago, that number was 31.9%, per Oxfam.
3 To Do: ‘Brews for the Birds,’ ‘Celebrating Imagination’ and Cirque du Soleil
1. THURSDAY: ‘Brews for the Birds’ at Wonder Gardens. Experience the Wonder Gardens at night with food, drinks and live music. From 6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 25, food trucks, breweries and beverage sponsors will gather at the Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, for an adults-only event.
Bainum Family Foundation commits $100 million to early education
The Bainum Family Foundation has announced a five-year, $100 million commitment to early childhood education. The largest investment in the history of the foundation will expand its geographic reach beyond Florida and Washington, D.C. Through initiatives including WeVision EarlyEd, the foundation will use its resources to define ideal child care and make it real for families now and in the future. Moreover, the funding will provide grantees and partners with the stability they need to support young children and their families while advancing transformative ideas and solutions to pave the way toward a more equitable future.
From the Archives: 10 years ago – Estero potential recognized on road to incorporation
Ten years ago today, the headline in the Naples Daily News read “After Estero incorporation legislation, developers speeding up projects.”. Estero’s population had grown 144% from 2000 to 2010, from 9,261 to 22,612, according to one study. The south Lee community’s population was expected to grow at a higher-than-average rate than the rest of the county, according to an Estero market assessment released in September 2013.
Sam Greco Endorsed by FL NFIB, FL Chamber of Commerce, St. Augustine Business Coalition
It has been an exciting week on the campaign trail for Sam Greco. NFIB’s Florida PAC, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Augustine Business Coalition have all thrown their support behind Greco in the past week. Greco’s campaign continues to gain momentum. He now has the support...
Plenty of time before Nov. 5 ballots sent to printer, elections officials and experts say
President Joe Biden's decision Sunday to step down as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee will not affect the ability of elections officials to properly prepare ballots for the Nov. 5 election. Even before the president bowed out, elections officials across the state knew they would not be able to put the party's nominee...
Unemployment claims in Florida increased last week
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Florida rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 7,687 in the week ending July 13, up from 6,552 the week before, the Labor Department said. U.S. unemployment...
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