TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants to boost school spending by $1.2 billion in the coming year.
Scott is expected to release his 2013 budget recommendations on Thursday.
The governor outlined his top spending priorities during The Associated Press' 19th annual planning meeting.
Scott says the $1.2 billion increase for K-12 schools would include a nearly $500 million boost in teacher salaries he has already proposed. The governor wants to give a $2,500 across the board pay raise to every teacher.
The Republican governor outlined other top priorities including eliminating a new sales tax exemption for manufacturers that purchase industrial equipment and machinery.
Scott refused Wednesday to say whether he would recommend accepting federal aid in order to expand Medicaid coverage.
