Topic: Higher Education

Former Florida State University President Sandy D'Alemberte has written a letter in support of Sen. John Thrasher's candidacy to be the school's next president.

Remember the House auto-reader in 2013? Or the epic early morning end to the 2011 session? Rep. Perry Thurston, House Democratic leader, says a meltdown is possible if the Senate doesn't pass the in-state tuition bill. AP Writer Gary Fineout points to other bills that could cause problems. But others say they don't see it happening. "Nah -- all is well," House Speaker Will Weatherford said.

The Senate on Tuesday waived its rules and agreed to consider the bill before the session ends this week. No one objected to the motion made by Sen. John Thrasher. The tuition break for students who are living in the country illegal has divided Republicans this session

The demonstration was held to urge the Senate to hear two bills that would allow in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants. The issue has divided Republicans who hold a majority in both chambers.

Gov. Rick Scott admonished the Senate for blocking a vote on SB 1400. Speaking to reporters in his office, Scott said it should be scheduled for a floor vote because 21 senators, a majority of the chamber, are cosponsoring the bill.

Much of the "work plan" put forth by both House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz has either been accomplished or is on track. But two big-ticket items favored by Weatherford - expansion of vouchers and a move to push most new state workers into a defined contribution pension system - have hit turbulence in the Senate as session enters its final two weeks.

A version of the bill has already passed in the House. Negron's decision not to schedule it for an Appropriations Committee meeting may sound the death knell for a proposal sponsored by Sen. Jack Latvala.

The contentious amendment will go before House members during the budget conference. Sen. John Thrasher said the decision to "decouple" the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is up to the two universities. FSU supporters want a stand alone engineering school while it's unclear where FAMU supporters stand.

The House and Senate paid tribute to FSU Coach Jimbo Fisher and Heisman-winning quarterback Jameis Winston. The House watched a highlight reel from the season and the Senate spent its entire time in session focused on the football team.

After a long line of representatives made self-congratulatory remarks, the House approved a bill granting in-state college tuition rates to qualified students who are in the country illegally.

Committee debate on the proposal reveals a divide among Republican members. Sen. Jack Latvala said he is confident his bill allowing some undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at colleges and universities will make it to the Senate floor.

The Capitol Press Corps Sometimes Annual Capitol Press Skits is one of the highlights of the Legislature's social calendar. Reporters who work the Capitol beat write and produce the program to poke fun at politicians and raise money for a scholarship fund. This year's show is Tuesday night at the Moon.

FSU will conduct a survey on social media this week to help pick the new design of its specialty license plate, but the process could take up to 10 months before the new plate is available to drivers.

Lawmakers will confront the four horsemen of education during the 2014 legislative session when they revise the school accountability system. Initiatives affecting charter schools, regulations of early learning programs and tying budget increases for higher education to performance are also on the agenda.