The Florida Senate had a guest in the chamber to celebrate legislation that would expand an educational choice program for children with special needs.
Jimbo Fisher, Florida State University’s football coach, brought his son, Ethan, to the capitol. The 12-year-old, who’s celebrating his birthday, has been diagnosed Fanconi anemia, a genetic blood disorder.
Coach Fisher and his wife have founded a charity that funds research to fight the rare disease.
The Legislature is putting the finishing touches on bills (SB 902 and HB 15) that would allow children with rare diseases to participate in the Gardiner scholarship program* for children with special needs, and the Senate is expected to vote on the legislation tomorrow.
Senate sponsor David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, said children with special needs and rare medical conditions are constantly in and out of treatment, making it difficult for them to learn in traditional school settings. The scholarships provide education savings accounts that allow them to pay for private school tuition, home education expenses, tutors and therapies.
“The financial support that we are providing to these children is instrumental in supporting their quality of life and desire for a sense of normalcy,” Simmons said.
Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, tried to question Simmons on Florida State’s recent football track record against the rival Florida Gators.
The Republican, who leads the writing of the Senate’s education budget, demurred.
“We are all winning here today,” Simmons said.
*Step Up For Students, which publishes this blog, helps administer the Gardiner scholarship program.
