A key House committee voted to allow unlimited tuition hikes at certain public universities, but not before a heated debate.

With America's 45th-lowest public tuition rate, Florida can offer an affordable college education, but it's quality FSU president Eric Barron cares about most.

That's why he called on the House Education Committee to pass a bill that would let his campus and the University of Florida hike tuition by more than 15 percent annually.

"This is an opportunity for academic excellence, and that's the sole way I look at it," Barron said.

Democrats apparently look at it a bit differently, arguing Tallahassee ought to come up with more money for higher education, not struggling families.

"I would not be able to support this bill."

Every democrat, and even one republican, voted no, but the bill passed and the chance for FSU and UF to increase tuition now goes to the House floor.

Meanwhile, union activists put on what they called a 'rally for the middle class'.

They're outraged over bills to lower Florida's minimum wage, continue privatizing the state pension program and expand charter schools.

"There is dangerous legislation moving through the state House right now, and I say right now, brothers and sisters - and today is our day to make a difference!" said union organizer Jeanette Wynn.

Also looking to block legislation are dozens of pro-choice activists.

They're furious about 10 republican-backed bills, all aimed at making it more difficult for women to get an abortion. One would mandate a 24-hour waiting period, and another would make doctors certify an abortion isn't being done solely because of the race or sex of the fetus.

"This is a bill that says to women, 'we don't trust you', especially to women of color, and so I think exactly what we're saying here is that we need to stop playing politics with women's health and tell them that we trust them," said Staci Fox, Planned Parenthood.

None of the abortion bills have been brought up for a vote, but that may soon change. It's not uncommon for controversial legislation to be put on hold until the final days of the annual session.

Also Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee passed a bill requiring schools to teach kids about the September 11th terrorist attacks. The vote was unanimous, but some senators are concerned about micromanaging school curriculums.