VIDEO RELEASE: Senator Ashley Moody Continues to Fight for Florida Students and Families with the Introduction of the FLEX Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Moody recently introduced the Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools Act, continuing her efforts to fight for Florida students and their families. The FLEX Act will eliminate unnecessary regulations that currently dictate how charter schools can spend their grant funding.

"Since taking office, I've made standing up for students a top priority. The FLEX Act builds on our efforts to expand school choice by reducing unnecessary regulations and giving charter schools the autonomy to innovate and meet the unique needs of their communities. By supporting charter schools in this endeavor, we can create more opportunities for families and ensure students have access to the education that works best for them," said Senator Ashley Moody.

"There is no better cause than creating educational opportunities for our next generation of leaders. We are setting up our children and grandchildren for success when we allow schools to invest in the resources that will empower parents and students to make the decisions best for them. Our kids are the most precious resource we have, and I'm proud to support this legislation to ensure our students can achieve the brightest future possible," said Senator Tommy Tuberville.

"With charter school enrollment at record highs, now is the time to cut the red tape that denies students the opportunities they deserve. I'm proud to join Senator Moody in introducing the FLEX Act to ensure charter schools have access to the resources they need to meet the growing demand from families and to expand educational pathways to prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future," said Senator Ted Budd.

BACKGROUND:

• The FLEX Act provides greater flexibility in how charter schools can spend grant funding.
• Currently, charter schools are only allowed to spend federal grant money on preparing and opening new charter schools. This legislation allows charter schools to spend grant money on other areas of significance to create better learning environments for students.
• Enhanced flexibility from the FLEX Act will contribute to the following:

• Funding for student-centered programming that responds to the unique needs of each community and their students;
• An increase in the percentage of allotment of funds that charter schools will be allowed to use;
• Funding for essential infrastructure that charter schools need to succeed;
• Greater ability to move funds between subprograms to meet the changing needs of schools; and
• Funding for expansion of curricular offerings to help prepare students pursuing college and in-demand careers.

• Senator Moody has also fought to strengthen Florida's education system through co-sponsoring the Educational Choice for Children Act to allow parents to choose the best school for their children.
• Another one of Senator Moody's efforts includes introducing the Home School Graduation Recognition Act to fight for home-schooled students to be officially recognized as graduates.

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