Angie Nixon on Education

School choice programs defund public schools

ACLU-FL in opposition: Defunds our public schools and diverts billions of public taxpayer dollars to mostly private Christian religious schools that lack standards of accountability and have a history of discriminating against LGBTQ+ students, students of minority religions, and students with disabilities.

Governor's P.R. in favor 3/27: Florida is number one when it comes to education freedom and education choice, and today's bill signing represents the largest expansion of education choice in the history of the US. When you combine private scholarships, charter schools, and district choice programs, Florida already has 1.3 million students attending a school of their choosing.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 83-27-9 on Mar/17/23; passed Senate 26-12-2 on Mar/23/23; signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Mar/27/23.

Allow teaching sexual orientation/gender identity

Summary by NPR (3/28/22): The bill, which some opponents have called "Don't Say Gay," was signed by DeSantis. It reads, "Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-47-3 on Feb/24/22; passed Senate 22-17-0 on Mar/8/22; Angie Nixon voted NO; Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Mar/28/22