Florida Gov. Rick Scott has vetoed $2 million that would have been used at Jacksonville University this year.
Scott signed the state budget into law Tuesday.
The money would have supported a university jobs program focusing on the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Despite the governor’s veto, Jacksonville University plans to continue investing in the STEM jobs program.
University spokesman Michael Fleming says the funding loss does cause a change of plans.
“It will probably slow down some of our programs. We were looking at starting many new majors, we may have to delay them for a year,” Fleming said, “But overall, we still remain fully committed to the program.”
Fleming says the program was created to help bring jobs to Florida and to attract students from around the world.
“And we draw them into Jacksonville, not only for education, but to convince them that Florida is the place to be for good employment,” said Fleming.
Scott chopped nearly $500 million worth of spending from the budget. Total state spending is around $79 billion.
Fleming says JU is going to try to lobby the next Florida Legislature for the funding.
