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MDC's Board Backs Padron

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami Dade College's Board of Trustees has reaffirmed its support for President Eduardo Padron who was caught up in a public firestorm after he criticized several Republican lawmakers.

Padron accused four GOP politicians of trying to kill a bill that would bring the college up a billion dollars in needed funds through a half cent sales tax increase over five years. He called those against the bill "bullies" and "ideologues."

The 11 members of the Miami-Dade delegation fired back. They condemned his "uncivilized discourse" and demanded an apology.

Padron then sent a letter of apology. Rep. Eddy Gonzalez, the Hialeah Republican who chairs the Miami-Dade delegation, said the apology didn't go far enough and should have been addressed to individuals, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.

On Monday, the college's Board took a vote and unanimously supported Padrón and sales tax referendum.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Miami Herald contributed to this report.)

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