[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6072578,"mediaKeyId","3019674-14baf7ff0b101ff79f50e52e18dc30d2","parentId",3019674,"title","Subcommittee advances block of higher-education trustee appointments; Rudman opposed","audioSeconds",7562,"startMs",749000,"endMs",8311000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3019674-14baf7ff0b101ff79f50e52e18dc30d2&start=749&end=8311","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3019674-14baf7ff0b101ff79f50e52e18dc30d2/thumbnail_749000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6072578/Florida/Subcommittee-advances-block-of-higher-education-trustee-appointments-Rudman-opposed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6072578-6a1c6ed69ef93dfa8394c9ef5008346a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770827607&Signature=Pnxw37IHa-ydDxN8r4LbqeT6xsWDnOCxykZ6t0v3TvXx7FXuRLspBuxH9NG-mmILGEJEBKPiSM~i8Oyq89Uw9E6Jp37zqw42-RlwoAednsSk~t5ZtUC7hR88Qn1pKCEWk3UysE16vBYusALsPt3p9QB-~ChaNrMK3zNbhTkEaOeHsXs7HMM63ihMFL6ZOftFyyRZpHCznjIP3MJT-ohoRWF8a6mawr1Ifjcb6-t4sBXmmF~QAhXbGB1KyPHJ5C1kVCCS5fqbFU16GJ3TYulHopsKBYz2Y2COUePMBsG5MGFeBahByM~Ka~IAbZ6j0kEYs3aHwoNBh6U--9r9BuRRIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Florida State Legislature","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee took up and advanced a large block of governor-appointed trustees for Florida colleges and universities. After public testimony and individual statements from many nominees, the committee approved the block by roll call and sent the names to the Ethics and Elections Committee, with two exceptions handled separately: Dr. Joel Rudman (Pensacola State College) received a negative recommendation after debate and public testimony, and Charles Kessler (New College of Florida) was reported favorably on a separate roll call.

The subcommittee heard in-person and remote testimony from nominees and local supporters across multiple institutions. Nominees who gave statements included Monisha Brown (Tallahassee State College), John Davis (Valencia College), Sarah Mackey (New College of Florida), Robbie Robstorff (Florida Gulf Coast University), Charbel Barakat (University of South Florida), Sherry Murphy (Florida Atlantic University), John Harrison (Florida Atlantic University), Scott McClanahan (Florida Atlantic University), Robert Lloyd (Daytona State College), Lawrence Antonucci (Florida Gulf Coast University), Jill Davis (University of North Florida), Charise Stewart (St. Johns River State College), Michael Barnett (Palm Beach State College), Tara Ezell (Santa Fe College), W.J. Sapp (St. Johns River State College), Neli Lipoli (Daytona State College), Randall Dye (Daytona State College), Joseph McClanahan (Florida Atlantic University), and others. Many of the nominees described local ties, prior service and plans for workforce and student success initiatives.

Public commenters addressed several nominations. Christopher Tingle spoke in support of Dr. Rudman. Another speaker, Romney White, testified against Dr. Rudman and described personal concerns and allegations she said were supported by an affidavit; she urged the committee to deny his confirmation. Senators debated whether Rudman’s prior remarks (made publicly before the hearing) — in which he said he might “give names” if opponents “come after” him at a confirmation hearing — created an appearance of trying to influence the Senate’s consideration. Senator Smith and Senator Leake said those comments effectively threatened or attempted to influence the committee; both said they would vote no on the confirmation. Senator Burgess and others said deciding the issue was difficult but ultimately agreed the comments boxed the committee and led them to vote no.

The committee conducted a block vote, excluding nominees that members asked to consider separately. Senators recorded a favorable recommendation for the block (those names will proceed to the Ethics and Elections Committee). The committee then took individual roll-call votes on the two separated nominees:

- Dr. Joel Rudman (Pensacola State College) — Negative recommendation to Ethics and Elections. Recorded roll-call on the motion: Senator Burgess — no; Senator Kalatiued — no; Senator Davis — no; Senator Leake — no; Senator Smith — no; Vice Chair Bradley — no; Chair Harrell — no. The committee’s negative recommendation will be reported to Ethics and Elections.

- Charles Kessler (New College of Florida) — Favorable recommendation to Ethics and Elections. Recorded roll-call: Senator Burgess — yes; Senator Collodiude — yes; Senator Davis — no; Senator Leake — yes; Senator Smith — no; Vice Chair Bradley — yes; Chair Harrell — yes.

The committee clerk noted one nominee, Lloyd Freckleton (Daytona State College), was not available at the hearing; the committee deferred consideration of that appointment and will follow presidential office direction on whether to schedule another hearing.

Committee staff said they would forward the favorable and negative recommendations and supporting hearing records to the next committee for consideration. Where nominees described college plans and local partnerships, many emphasized workforce training, student access and aligning programs with local employer needs as priorities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Appropriations Committee on Higher Education 4/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee advanced a large block of governor-appointed trustees to multiple Florida colleges and universities and reported a negative recommendation for Pensacola State College nominee Dr. Joel Rudman after testimony and committee debate.","taxTitle","Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, House, Legislative, Florida","taxId",25416,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6072583,"Committee backs codification of FSU Election Law Center, sponsor says center nonpartisan and disaster-focused",525,203000,728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3019674-14baf7ff0b101ff79f50e52e18dc30d2&start=203&end=728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3019674-14baf7ff0b101ff79f50e52e18dc30d2/thumbnail_203000.jpg","/articles/6072583/Florida/Committee-backs-codification-of-FSU-Election-Law-Center-sponsor-says-center-nonpartisan-and-disaster-focused","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6072583-4a489990ae4cd61bf13da9d92c8c58d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770827607&Signature=SPuBLCHrnW5fuuZBhP0oo-SbYnIfwL~ok8IJd-Pu7~TtoDc1BEX4WbqOWSynTmpz62zdIimbTwbxTEC-l9R3M2vcWcOPnksx6k5q9EA6lBtYgqhV-L5GgxyZO-vRmx7JRCSvWeIwmyZb4Uj~tcw5027ZUXr5BhhKpMtR9OqRgiGpmTz9HdkNf9ckEhA5HSAY7lU7bAzxIFMnU0wxZ~MP0yitC7barsz1mXVCxJkCdmn0NtPET4J9HdRqHCsyT5Qnm-wHyaY3Vi~fXkEYT5in9sHe5W3Ge9vRnJ2Nh0i5GIRp-aqHjeCnULJqtCZLQ2P~V-yq5g2smmcmk5qDvdAJjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee voted to report favorably on SB 892, a bill to codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law and make the center eligible to receive recurring state funds.

Senator Simon, the bill’s sponsor, told the panel the Legislature created the center in 2023 with a nonrecurring appropriation of $1,000,000 and that codification would allow the center to remain in existence and seek recurring funding. He said codifying the center into statute would help recruit talent in election law, election administration and statistical analysis.

Professor Michael Morley, director of the FSU Election Law Center, testified and described the center as “nonpartisan, all evidence-based analysis” that focuses on improving election administration in times of natural disasters and minimizing opportunities for errors, irregularities or fraud that can undermine public confidence in electoral outcomes. When asked by Senator Davis whether the center would participate in redistricting or campaign finance work, Morley said the center was tailored to disaster-response and election administration and that it had not been involved in the state’s redistricting process.

Jack Rowan, incoming editor-in-chief of the FSU Law Review, appeared in support and described recent center activities, including a semester event marking the 25th anniversary of Bush v. Gore and a symposium the law review will publish.

The committee clerk then called the roll. The panel recorded unanimous support among senators present; the committee reported SB 892 favorably and advanced it for further consideration.

Votes recorded on SB 892: Senator Burgess — yes; Senator Collodiude — yes; Senator Davis — yes; Senator Leake — yes; Senator Smith — yes; Vice Chair Bradley — yes; Chair Harrell — yes. Senator Trumbull was excused.

SB 892’s proponents said the center’s role is to provide objective, evidence-based research and public information about improving election administration — especially during disasters — and to bolster public confidence in electoral processes.

The committee report does not appropriate recurring funds; making the center eligible to apply for recurring appropriations would require future legislative funding decisions.","The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee voted to report SB 892 favorably, a bill that would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law and allow it to seek recurring funding.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6072589,"Panel approves bill letting charter schools apply for workforce capitalization grants",0,3045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3019674-14baf7ff0b101ff79f50e52e18dc30d2&start=3045&end=3045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3019674-14baf7ff0b101ff79f50e52e18dc30d2/thumbnail_3045000.jpg","/articles/6072589/Florida/Panel-approves-bill-letting-charter-schools-apply-for-workforce-capitalization-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6072589-cdebb14db3de6630843df5a47877be90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770827607&Signature=hm1rXUHMjWajERj1qPRKhZ1E33i16ydRM3UibwLM8awJ5VsRX~ZTIHCTdZxjPKUvhpF53faHyZXy1NcM7Xy6wG1Vyr0fXgp6fUzLMiGYg~Vz9~o2KmcyJ2b7H5SQrm3D9NCR5lNJyESHq0fGb~VjHUtMpgCQRsRpcV0Y~PzAqXuCT8PHAj5icWCX4lMHwdl7NcFDnuEKu9iyLwoeByF3V98WjvyD851Tzo-YmNg~obdEeAjXTr2MJKC1jGM3f8O5Y83i~R5rDIttzGGSk9MVuIo8jv6i92LoaenRIKfRaEY0uaxoFZaWlVBfOGbsrhmYb8xavoC8pvfB4qcwLOXnIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Thursday reported favorably on CS for SB 742, a bill that would allow charter schools to apply directly for funds under the workforce development capitalization incentive grant program and increase from three to six the number of programs for which each career center and Florida College System institution must offer a “money-back guarantee.”

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Simon, told the committee the change would let charter schools use the capitalization incentive to create or expand career and technical education programs that lead to industry certifications on the CAPE industry certification funding list.

The proposal drew a question from Senator Davis about whether including charter schools could reduce the amount of funding or the number of grants school districts receive. Senator Simon answered that the effect depends on whether the appropriation to the grant program is continued; “if the funds are still there, then yes, they [charter schools] will be able to receive those funds. If not, then no, they won't,” he said.

Nathan Hoffman of Foundation for Florida’s Future submitted an appearance form in support; he waived speaking time. No amendments were offered on the floor of the subcommittee. Senator Simon waived closing remarks and the committee clerk called the roll.

By roll call, the panel voted to report CS for SB 742 favorably. The committee did not specify a motion sponsor on the record. The committee’s favorable report advances the bill in the legislative process.

Votes at the subcommittee were recorded as follows: Senator Burgess — yes; Senator Kalatiued — yes; Senator Davis — yes; Senator Leake — yes; Senator Smith — yes; Vice Chair Bradley — yes; Chair Harrell — yes. Senator Trumbull was excused from the meeting.

The bill text in committee hearing noted two substantive changes: adding charter schools as eligible applicants to the capitalization incentive grant program and raising the required number of programs for which career centers and Florida College System institutions must offer a money-back guarantee from three to six.

If enacted, the change would not by itself increase the program’s budget; the program’s ability to award more grants or larger awards depends on future appropriations.

CS for SB 742 was reported favorably and will move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.","The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee voted to report favorably on a bill that would allow charter schools to access the workforce development capitalization incentive grant program and raise a program requirement from three to six programs, with members debating whether adding charters could reduce school-district grant awards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Subcommittee advances block of higher-education trustee appointments; Rudman opposed

Committee backs codification of FSU Election Law Center, sponsor says center nonpartisan and disaster-focused

Panel approves bill letting charter schools apply for workforce capitalization grants