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Gov. Scott announces college savings proposal

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Rick Scott will ask lawmakers to exempt textbooks from state and local sales taxes.

On average, that would put about $60 back into college students' wallets.

That may not sound like a lot of money, but college students will take what they can get.

"I spend a lot of money on food so I'd probably spend it on that," said Megan Ortega, a freshman at University of North Florida.

"Or be able to spend it on gas money if you to take a trip somewhere. Like, that really helps out to be able to get back home especially if you're not local," said Sean Olinn, a UNF freshman.

Gov. Scott also wants to expand Florida's Bright Future Scholarship.

https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/558323316654489600

"We're going to allow anybody that has a Bright Future scholarship to not only go during the academic year, but also during the summer," Scott said.

The tax break on books will cost an estimated $41 million.

If the governor can convince the legislature, this proposal will take effect on July 1.