Issues

What’s Happening in the Florida Legislature?

Senator Lee Constantine, R, District 22 (parts of Seminole and Orange counties) has filed Senate Bill 068 to mandate 225 minutes per week for physical education in grades 6-8.

The Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) President-elect, Joe Luechauer, recently provided public comment in Fort Lauderdale at a meeting of the Governor’s Council on Health and Fitness. He explained that while we support the goals of physical fitness, we cannot support implementation of specific minutes unless those minutes are added to the school day. Many districts would have little choice but to sacrifice fine arts programs if such a mandate were passed.

Take time now to talk with legislators and other decision-makers to build awareness of the importance of strong arts programs in schools to ensure a complete education for all students.