ORLANDO, FL, May 8, 2009 – Today, Representative Eric Eisnaugle voted to increase per-student funding during the 2009-10 school year. Over the last several months, Florida’s economy has continued to struggle, and as a result, Florida’s budget deficit grew to roughly $6 billion. During that time, Orange County Public Schools was projecting a $240 million deficit and discussed possible budget cuts including closing neighborhood schools and eliminating athletic programs.

Despite these budget challenges, the Florida Legislature passed a budget that actually increases statewide per-student funding from about $6,844 to $6,873 per-student – even though total General Revenue spending is being reduced by almost 15%. The total PreK-12 education funding will increase by a total of 14.5% above last year as well. Although Representative Eisnaugle does not serve on the education appropriations committee, he fought both before and during session to hold education harmless from reductions.

Representative Anitere Flores, Chair of the PreK-12 Appropriations Committee, said, “Representative Eisnaugle worked tirelessly this session to preserve funding for the classroom. In fact, he was one of the first to bring forward some of the creative ideas that helped us actually increase per-student funding. It has truly been an honor to work alongside Eric on this issue. His constituents should expect great things from him in the years to come.”

“I don’t think that it can be said enough – education is one of the most important responsibilities of state and local government and we must always work to make education a priority. I’m excited because I believe that a lot of hard work paid off this year for education, even in these unprecedented economic times,” said Eisnaugle.

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For additional information contact Ariel Christenson at 407.702.5191 or via email at Info@ElectEric.org

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Eric Eisnaugle, Republican, for State Representative District 40.