Controversial higher Ed changes backed in Florida House

A far-reaching proposal that includes merging universities was backed by a House committee on Wednesday, following emotional testimony from students and leaders at public and private colleges who oppose the measure. In addition to the mergers, the bill would revise the rules of three college scholarship programs, which led two Republicans on the House Education Committee to say the proposed changes felt “rushed” and inconsistent with the state’s school-choice philosophy. “I feel that if…