Dive Summary:

• The Florida Department of Education submitted a budget proposal to the state legislature asking for $800M in increased funding, $440M of which would finance new technology in the classroom.
• The blended learning initiative includes $239M in spending to improve wireless infrastructure, $151M to add bandwidth and $51.7M for 300,000 computer rentals.
• Both Democrats and Republicans agree that finding funding for education is essential and Governor Rick Scott pledged not to cut funding, although with limited funds available to lawmakers, prospects for the increase does not look favorable.

From the article:

"... The Department of Education’s budget request for 2013 is seeking more than $440 million for computers, broadband connections and other high-tech equipment that would help the state’s public schools prepare for the rise of digital learning.

The budget proposal, which will be taken up next week by the state Board of Education, asks the Legislature for more than $800 million in new funding, and describes the technology initiative as a major priority of the board. ..."