Governor Outlines Federal Funding Priorities

Governor Charlie Crist sent the letter below to Florida’s Congressional Delegation regarding his federal appropriations priorities. 

Governor Crist today is meeting with Florida Senate Appropriations Committee members.

Should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

February 8, 2008

Dear Florida Congressional Delegate:

As the second session of the 110th Congress begins, I want to share with you the federal issues that are the top priorities of my administration.  I greatly value the efforts you have made over the past year and the commitment we share to serve the people of Florida.  My federal priorities reflect my continued commitment to work together in a bipartisan manner to improve the quality of life of every Floridian and to strengthen Florida’s economic and business climate.

As you know, Florida’s families are facing challenges in the coming year, with financial strain due to the high cost of property taxes and homeowners insurance, as well as an uncertain real estate market.  We are working hard in the state to keep our economy shining bright, but more can be done. I am optimistic that we can find symmetry between our state and federal actions to provide the necessary stimulus to keep Florida’s economy strong and ensure the economic engines of our state continue to prosper.  We must also work to protect our natural resources, bolster the space industry, and promote the State of Florida through international trade, tourism and business development.

Below please find the key federal priorities for my administration in 2008. I look forward to your support and guidance to ensure positive action on these critical issues.

Secure Federal Funding for America’s Everglades

The Everglades are a natural treasure, not just for our state but for the entire nation. Florida remains committed to the state/federal partnership to restore the Everglades, and I am committed to working with Florida’s congressional delegation to obtain federal funding for projects authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. 

Promote Clean Energy and Alternative Fuels

Florida must work to address its future energy needs through greater conservation and development of safe and clean alternative energy sources.  As a leading agriculture producer and growing center for research, Florida is well positioned to become a global hub in the development of green energy technology.  I applaud the steps taken in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and I will continue to work with our delegation to identify federal opportunities that complement efforts within the state to bolster the development and use of clean and renewable sources of energy in Florida.

Provide relief for Florida’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP)

The State continues to be concerned with reductions of the FMAP for the Florida Medicaid program in federal fiscal years 2008-2010. The impact of hurricane activity in 2004 and 2005 and subsequent reconstruction have disproportionately affected Florida’s FMAP allotment, resulting in a cost shift of $213.5 million to the state in federal fiscal year 2009 and a continued estimated decline in federal funding in fiscal year 2010.  I look forward to working with you to provide immediate relief for the decline in Florida’s FMAP, as well as advocating for long term policy changes to the FMAP formula that will address fluctuations states may experience in their per capita income after natural catastrophes.

Assist Floridians facing foreclosure

Escalating property values and recent events in the home-mortgage industry have presented significant challenges for the residents of our state.  I am concerned about the high rate of foreclosure in Florida.  My goal is to complement efforts taken by Congress to ensure consumers are educated about their financing options before they sign their mortgage and are knowledgeable about refinancing options should they be faced with financial difficulties.  I know that together we can ensure that any legislation dealing with these issues will continue to help consumers achieve the dream of home ownership without unintentionally stifling our housing market in the future.

Extend the State Sales Tax Exemption

In 2004, Congress restored fairness and equity for our state’s residents by allowing state and local sales tax as a federal deduction. The deduction was implemented for tax years 2004 – 2007, but did not include a deduction for 2008. I urge your support of legislation that will allow Floridians, as well as residents of all states, to deduct either state and local sales taxes or state income taxes for tax years 2008 and beyond.

Protect the Workforce of Florida’s Space Coast

The Space Coast of Florida is one of the state’s most unique treasures and a key economic driver. As NASA transitions from the Space Shuttle to the Orion program, it is imperative that we preserve Florida’s role in the national space program. The State supports full funding of NASA programs as we create future opportunities for the scientific expertise of the Shuttle workforce, ensuring a prosperous future for Florida’s Space Coast.

Enact a National Catastrophe Fund

As you know, legislation creating a national catastrophe fund to assist states after a natural disaster would be of great benefit to Florida. Thanks to the leadership of our delegation, the House of Representatives passed the Homeowners’ Defense Act of 2007, which provides federal support for state-sponsored insurance programs.  I look forward to consideration of similar legislation by the Senate.  It is essential that homeowners insurance is available and affordable for the people of Florida.

Protect Florida’s interests in the Farm Bill

As the 10th largest agricultural state, with cash receipts in excess of $6.8 billion annually, Florida takes great pride in its diverse and vibrant agricultural community.  Last year, the House and Senate passed separate versions of the Farm Bill, each containing provisions favorable to Florida.  I know our delegation will work to ensure the final bill addresses the needs of Florida’s farmers and strengthens their role in our nation’s agricultural community.

Support Free Trade Agreements

Florida is widely known as the “Gateway to the Americas”. International trade is critical to Florida’s continued economic success and I support eliminating barriers to global commerce and promoting trade policies that benefit both Florida and our entire nation. I encourage the Florida delegation to support the free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea.

Provide Necessary Federal Funds for Florida’s Transportation Needs

The preservation and management of a safe, efficient transportation system is an essential part of federal efforts to move Florida forward.  Together, we must guarantee Florida’s needs are met in the upcoming transportation reauthorization bill.  Additionally, Florida supports congressional action to fund the shortfall facing the Transportation Highway Fund in 2008.

I sincerely thank you for your hard work to improve the lives of Floridians during the 110th Congress, and I look forward to working with you and our entire congressional delegation in 2008.  

                                                                         Sincerely,

                                                                        Charlie Crist

 

 

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