Scott opposes university tuition increase

TALLAHASSEE

With the House expecting to vote its first full version of the budget out of the Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday raised the prospect of a fight over university tuition.

Scott told reporters in a brief discussion Tuesday morning after he voted that he opposes tuition increases. The House has proposed an 8 percent tuition increase at state colleges and universities.

 ”I don’t believe in tuition hikes,” Scott said. “We have to do what the private sector has done and what every family has done and that’s tighten our belts, let’s look at how we can save money. That’s the first thing I want to focus on, is how we can reduce our costs rather than how do we raise tuition.”

 Scott said he wants the cost of living in Florida to be lower, and noted he identifies with students who can’t afford college as it is.

 ”I grew up where my parents didn’t have the money to pay for my education,” Scott said.

 House leaders note that the Florida’s tuition rates are among the lowest in the nation and echo what universities have said for several years – that to be competitive for faculty they have to be able to charge higher tuition.