Resolution No. 21-27RESOLUTION NO. 21-27
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, URGING ALL
MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO RESPECTFULLY OPPOSE
CS/CS SENATE BILL 86, WHICH WOULD REMOVE THE STATE'S PROMISES TO
PROVIDE (1)100% TUITION FOR ACADEMIC AND MEDALLION SCHOLARS, AND
(2) A FULL TEXTBOOK STIPEND TO STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE THE ACADEMIC
SCHOLARS AWARD; DIRECTING A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION BE
TRANSMITTED TO MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE, THE FLORIDA
LEAGUE OF CITIES, THE DUVAL COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION, AND
ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which is primarily funded by the Florida
Lottery, was created in 1997 by the Florida Legislature to assist students in pursuing post -secondary
educational and career goals; and
WHEREAS, more than 880,000 -and -counting Bright Futures scholarships have been awarded, giving
children a chance to survive and advance in their education and in life, and contributing largely to Florida's
job growth and economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, with all the challenges students face, including interruptions due to hurricanes and
pandemics, Bright Futures is paramount to helping keep students focused on their big -picture goals; and
WHEREAS, a cornerstone of the Bright Futures program is that a student awarded a scholarship can
depend on the award throughout their college or university career so long as they remain eligible for the
scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Bright Futures it not an entitlement program; it is merit -based, and students work
diligently to earn this prestigious scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Florida CS/CS Senate Bill 86 authored by State Sen. Dennis Baxley of Ocala would
remove guarantees of 100 -percent funding of college tuition and fees for top -performing students (Academic
and Medallion Scholars), and instead would tie scholarship awards to amounts set aside in the annual State of
Florida budget, which could fluctuate from year-to-year or be cut entirely; and
WHEREAS, the bill further proposes to remove the assurance of providing a full textbook -funding
stipend to students who receive the Academic Scholars award; and
WHEREAS, this legislation would break promises made to thousands of Florida schoolchildren and
their families, who depend on consistent scholarship funding while attending a college or university in Florida;
and
WHEREAS, by creating uncertainty with Bright Futures funding, the State likely would drive away
many of our most talented students, who would instead seek guaranteed college scholarship in other states.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, to continue to guarantee Florida children a chance to
survive and advance in their education and in life, and to advance Florida's employment opportunities and
economic vitality, the City of Atlantic Beach respectfully opposes CS/CS Senate Bill 86, which would remove
the State of Florida's promises to provide (1) 100 -percent tuition for Academic and Medallion Scholars, and
(2) a full textbook stipend to students who receive the Academic Scholars Award.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to members of the Florida
Legislature, the Florida League of Cities, the Duval County legislative delegation, the Duval County School
Board, and any other interested parties.
THIS RESOLUTION shall become effective immediately upon passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach, this 121" day of
April, 2021.
VI
Ellen Glasser, Mayor
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
Br' nna Dur ity/Attorney
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