Q: “Do you support or oppose the allocation of performance-based funding for state universities to equip them for pre-eminence?”
A: “I oppose performance-based funding for state universities. Studies have shown that performance-based funding formulas often produce negative consequences. Instead of arbitrary performance formulas, we should equip all of our state universities for preeminence by encouraging Florida’s best and brightest students to attend these universities and then equipping those universities with the resources they need to educate them.”
“That way we accomplish this goal is by keeping state tuition low, fully funding need-based assistance programs, hiring the very best professors, supporting Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and encouraging more university partnerships with companies looking to hire Florida students.”
“Our economy is dependent on universities that turn out world class students and we must support our universities with better resources and policies that empower them to educate the future leaders our state.”
FAMU is the only public HBCU in Florida. It was denied new state investment PBF funds in 2015-2016, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 under the current model.
Graham also wants “reasonable limits on tuition raises” at public universities.
Q: “Do you support or oppose tighter state limits on tuition at state colleges and universities?”
“While we must continue to invest in our state colleges and universities, we should not do it on the backs of students or their families. I believe in reasonable limits on tuition raises that ensure our universities can continue to grow and that all Florida students are able to afford them.”
“I also believe in the full restoration of the Bright Futures Scholarship and preventing barriers that unfairly discriminate against Florida students.”