Your recent editorial regarding my new assignment misstated and omitted a number of important facts.
First, the budget cuts to universities are the result of the worst budget conditions in our state's history. It was not as if the Legislature decided to spend the money on other things. We did not have the money. In fact, we had over $5 billion less than the previous year. That was the result of a massive drop-off in sales tax collections, which is the result of a general economic downturn. The only way to avoid reducing spending on universities would have been either a dramatic increase in tuition - something you would have also editorialized against - or an increase in taxes - something that would have devastated our already-troubled economy.
Second, my primary assignment at Florida International University will be to work at the Metropolitan Center, an institute affiliated with the school. My salary will be largely paid for by private funds, which I will help raise.
The center is involved in the development of public policy ideas. Everyone at the institute must also have an academic component. I chose to teach Florida politics.
Finally, as for my qualifications, you missed the mark. You erroneously wrote that I do not have an advanced degree. I graduated with honors from the University of Miami School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. Furthermore, I served in the Florida Legislature for nine years: two as Majority Whip, two as Majority Leader and two as Speaker of the House. At a minimum, I would think that this would qualify me to teach about Florida politics.
It is obvious that much of what you wrote in your editorial was based on news reports by the Miami Herald. Doing so was a disservice to your readers.
Marco Rubio
Florida House Speaker
