The Florida Education Association said on May 1 that Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1296, describing the legislation as another move against workers’ rights in the state.
The association argued that Floridians want an economic future benefiting everyone, starting with a strong public education system. The group said this vision is threatened by recent actions from state leaders. “Floridians have made it clear that they expect an economic future that benefits us all, and that begins with a public education system that is strengthened by state leaders, not abandoned, weakened, or destroyed. The future we want for ourselves, for our children, and for our communities is possible if we come together and fight for a stronger Florida,” the statement said.
According to the association’s release, while many residents face rising costs of living—including rent and groceries—state officials have focused on limiting constitutionally protected rights of workers. “Yet, at a time when Floridians are struggling to pay their bills and dealing with skyrocketing costs for necessities like rent, childcare, groceries, and more, Gov. Ron DeSantis and anti-union, anti-worker legislators have focused on chipping away at the constitutionally enshrined rights of thousands of workers in the state,” the statement said.
The group also criticized signing SB 1296 on May Day—a date associated with labor movements—and noted its proximity to Teacher Appreciation Week. “It’s not lost on us that the Governor has signed an anti-worker bill on May Day… Unions… gave workers the power to elect politicians who had the best interests of workers in mind—a lesson that would be worth remembering for any politician who aligns themselves with anti-worker policies today,” according to their statement.
The association highlighted statistics about Florida’s education funding: “Under Governor DeSantis, Florida ranks 50th in the nation in average teacher pay for the third year in a row and 41st in per-student funding.” They also stated average teacher salaries fell by over twelve percent after adjusting for inflation between 2014-15 and 2024-25.
In conclusion, they pledged continued advocacy: “Florida’s workers and parents will continue to fight for every student in Florida to access the public education they deserve and have a constitutional right to receive.”
