From a just-released statement:

“I am disappointed by the veto of Senate Bill 6. By taking this action, Governor Crist has jeopardized the ability of Florida to build on the progress of the last decade, which includes raising student achievement across the board, narrowing the achievement gap for poor and minority students, and improving graduation rates. Florida’s sustained improvement is the result of bold reforms that were challenging, controversial and sometimes even unpopular. Reform is hard work but without a commitment to change, Florida would not be eighth in the nation today.”
 
“I applaud the courageous members of the Senate and House of Representatives for their leadership in advancing the bold reform that will eventually transform education in Florida. I applaud Commissioner Eric Smith for his unwavering service to our state and its students. I also applaud Florida’s business leaders for their efforts to improve the quality of education for our state’s 2.7 million students.”

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