Governor Crist Lays Groundwork to Apply Federal Stimulus Funds to State’s Education System
Feb 16, 2009
Governor Charlie Crist met today, February 16, 2009, with Florida’s Federal Stimulus Working Group to discuss the State’s anticipated use of federal stimulus dollars resulting from Congress’ approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. He also discussed a letter he sent on February 14, 2009 to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan requesting speedy implementation of guidelines for distributing federal education funds.
A copy of Governor Crist’s letter to Secretary Duncan and a press release regarding the Working Group meeting are reprinted below. A table detailing Governor Crist’s proposed allocation of federal funding is attached for your review.
Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Colodny Fass.
Letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan
February 14, 2009
The Honorable Arne Duncan
Secretary of Education
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Dear Secretary Duncan:
Historic legislation passed by Congress yesterday will provide relief to state and local governments across the nation during these difficult economic times. As Florida’s Governor, I am gratified by the prospect of these federal funds which will complement our state funding priorities as we approach our upcoming Legislative session. It is our hope that funding targeted at Florida’s infrastructure, workforce training, educational, and Medicaid needs will create jobs and stimulate investment.
As the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awaits the President’s signature, I write to you regarding Florida’s preparation to implement our share of the federal stimulus relating to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Florida’s investment in education funding has yielded positive results and recognition, including Education Weekly’s ranking Florida 10th in the nation. These dollars will allow us to continue providing a quality education for Florida’s 3.2 million K-20 students.
While analysis is underway regarding Florida’s qualification under the education Maintenance of Effort criteria, we ask for expediency in setting the parameters under which states would qualify for a waiver as permitted in this legislation.
We look forward to working with you and your staff in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Charlie Crist
CC: Dr. Eric Smith, Florida Education Commissioner
Florida Congressional Delegation
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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