Cuts likely for Bright Futures scholarships - BILL KACZOR, Associated Press

The Florida Legislature is poised to cut the popular Bright Futures scholarship program, meaning thousands of college students and their parents will be paying higher costs and less affluent families may have to take out loans, seek other financial aid, get jobs or maybe even go on a low-cost diet. Cuts to the merit-based scholarship program would come as the Legislature is also raising tuition at public colleges and universities. The only question is, how much will the Legislature cut? A House-passed budget would cut Bright Futures by 15 percent – anywhere from $330 to $480 annually depending on the type of award. The Senate version would slash everyone by $960.