For Immediate Release |
Contact: |
Governor Crist Discusses Anticipated Federal Stimulus Dollars
with Administration Leaders
~ Working group evaluating best use of Florida’s share of federal relief ~
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his commitment to strengthening Florida’s economy, today met with the Federal Stimulus Working Group to discuss Florida’s anticipated federal stimulus dollars resulting from Congress’ approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. He also discussed the letter he sent Saturday to the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, requesting speedy implementation of guidelines for distributing the federal education funds.
“As we learn details of how these federal dollars will create jobs and stimulate Florida’s economy, I am committed to making sure that Florida is prepared to use the funds quickly and efficiently to complement our state funding priorities and investments,” said Governor Crist. “We remain focused on directing these dollars toward Florida’s infrastructure, workforce training and educational and Medicaid needs.”
Governor Crist today directed Education Commissioner Eric Smith to immediately reach out to Secretary Duncan and begin dialogue as rules regarding education dollars are being established. Governor Crist’s letter Saturday to Secretary Duncan urged him to use expediency in setting the parameters under which states would qualify for a waiver as permitted under the federal legislation. The Governor highlighted Education Week’s recent Quality Counts ranking of Florida as 10th in the nation as evidence that Florida’s investment in education is yielding positive results and recognition.
Also joining today’s discussion were John Thomas, director of policy and political affairs for the Florida League of Cities, and John Wayne Smith, legislative director for the Florida Association of Counties. Governor Crist encouraged planning at both the local and state levels to make sure Florida is prepared to make the best use of the forthcoming federal dollars. Friday, Governor Crist met via phone with statewide metropolitan planning organizations to discuss how a strong infrastructure is a vital part of the Sunshine State’s economy.
About the Federal Stimulus Working Group
The Federal Stimulus Working Group will identify Florida’s critical program and infrastructure needs and develop a plan for distributing federal stimulus money. Governor Crist leads the Federal Stimulus Working Group, which includes administration and agency leaders, including Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Governor Crist’s Chief of Staff, Budget Director and Policy Director. The group also includes leaders from the following agencies, departments and offices:
- Agency for Health Care Administration
- Department of Children and Families
- Department of Community Affairs
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Education
- Department of Health
- Agency for Workforce Innovation
- Governor’s Energy Office
- Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development
- State of Florida’s Washington, D.C. office
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