The Florida Chamber today released a statement expressing its opposition to the proposed education governance overhaul pending in the Legislature (specifically the House) -- joining the Florida Council of 100 and newspaper editorial boards across the state.

"We urge patience and encourage Florida ’s leaders to avoid additional politicization, complexity or separateness to the governance of our K-20 system," the Chamber said, urging lawmakers not to send voters the proposed constitutional amendment that would make the education commissioner elected and reduce the university system governing board's size and scope. 

The Chamber, stressing that higher education is "essential to the new economy and will be at the center of any comprehensive platform aligning Florida ’s future economic aspirations," also has formed a task force to develop recommendations for future higher education policy in Florida.