Amendments cast a dim light on Bright Futures program

Stark economic realities have prompted changes to Florida's popular Bright Futures scholarship program and some local parents and educators are on edge.

The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee on a 4-1 vote March 19.  Changes would go in effect in 2014.

Currently, students have seven years to use the program.  Under the proposed new guidelines, they would only be allowed four.

The new guidelines would also require students to have higher test scores in order to qualify, and would no longer allow students who lose their scholarship because of bad grades to restore it.

For more on this story, see the March 25 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.