Reported by Troy Kinsey

TALLAHASSEE -- Budget cuts have forced state lawmakers to scale back the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, and they're not done yet.

Soon, students eligible for the program could have to promise they won't leave the state after getting their degree.

Under a bill in the state House, graduates would have to work in Florida for one year per year of tuition Bright Futures helps cover. If they don't fulfill the commitment, they'd have to repay all of the money.

The bill is aimed at saving taxpayer dollars and stopping what experts call Florida’s “brain drain.”

Our universities are turning out talented workers. However, many of them refuse to stick around.

Business leaders said keeping university graduates in the state could help build the high-tech, high-wage economy Florida desperately needs.

"Today's students are tomorrow's business leaders in the state,” said Gabe Sheheane from the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “We need to remember that. The business community is behind that, to make sure that we provide the type of workforce that businesses need and make them want to come and locate in Florida."

The bill to stiffen the Bright Futures requirements is making its way through the state House's committee process.

Lawmakers may have a chance to vote on the measure during this spring's legislative session.

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