WLRN Public Media | By Sergio R. Bustos

Final passage of a leaner state budget totaling $115.1 billion, marking the end of this year’s lawmaking season by the Republican-majority Florida Legislature, was blasted by the Florida Education Association.

“We are disappointed that the final budget again falls short of meeting the full needs of Florida’s students and educators,” said Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar, in a statement. “Lawmakers had meaningful opportunities to strengthen public education, but many of those opportunities were missed.”

The FEA specifically noted the budget failed to stem a teacher and staff shortage or the state’s low standing (50th in the nation) for average teacher pay. And failed to make a significant investment in mental health support and services for students.

This story was originally produced by WLRN, South Florida’s only public radio station at 91.3 FM, as part of a content sharing partnership with MIA Media Group. Read more at WLRN.org