Remember the increase in Bright Futures that you thought was too good to be true? Well, it is

On June 5th, State Representative Amber Mariano announced on her official Facebook page that the Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholarship would cover 100% of tuition, a $300 textbook stipend for fall and spring semesters, and 100% summer semester tuition coverage beginning next year.

Many questioned the legitimacy of the statement. The Tab spoke directly with Mariano the same day, confirming that it was passed and signed by the governor.

However, Rick Scott’s later actions contradicted Mariano’s post.

On Wednesday in Tallahassee, Rick Scott vetoed the bill SB 374, effectively shutting down a permanent boost for the Bright Futures scholarship and need-based financial aid. The top award will still cover 100% tuition and fees for this year (including summer classes) because the money is already approved in the state budget. However, it will not be permanent unless legislators decide to extend it.

Mariano has since posted on her Facebook to clarify.

Last year students received $3,000 in awards annually, this year the bill doubled that to over $6,000 for incoming students. Senate President, Joe Negron, criticized Scott’s decision in his statement “Students and families deserve certainty when making these important decisions, and today’s veto makes advance planning much more difficult.”

Negron plans to keep pushing for a permanent increase when they revisit the legislation next year.