The vitality of Florida’s economy demands a highly educated workforce and excellent teachers are one of the most important factors contributing to the success of our students. For years, the State of Florida has told teachers that the only way they can earn additional money is to stay put and grow old in their profession. We now have the opportunity to develop a bonus system by which we can reward quality teachers now for the hard work they do and incentivize those who undertake the greatest challenges in the lower performing schools.

Please take a look at the following attachment for more information: Teacher Merit Pay

# # #

“At a time when more than a million Floridians are jobless and state unemployment hovers at 11.5 percent, Florida’s businesses simply cannot endure more federal regulations that threaten to put more of our residents out of work and cripple our commercial fishing and coastal tourism industries,” stated McKeel. “The unworkable regulations as dictated by Washington will impede our economic recovery.”

An avid fisherman, McKeel represents Florida’s House District 63, which includes portions of Polk and Hillsborough Counties. He is a fifth generation Floridian who graduated from Lakeland High School in 1993, and The University of Florida in 1997 with a degree in Political Science.

# # #