Governor Crist Commends Legislature for Strengthening Florida's Economy, Avoiding Deep Cuts in the 2009-10 Year

Press Release

GOVERNOR CRIST COMMENDS LEGISLATURE FOR STRENGTHENING FLORIDA'S ECONOMY, AVOIDING DEEP CUTS IN THE 2009-10 YEAR

~~ ~~ Praises measures to create jobs, strengthen schools, ensure public safety, preserve natural resources and protect property owners ~~ ~~

Governor Charlie Crist today praised the Florida Legislature for investing in Florida's future, including economic security and education, during the 2009 legislative session. In spite of reduced state revenues, the Legislature continued to ensure other priorties such as public safety, natural resources, and care for Florida's most vulnerable children, disabled and elderly. In addition, the Florida Legislature approved measures that will reduce the tax burden on property owners.

"I applaud the Florida Legislature for putting together a budget that addresses the priorities of the people of Florida and sustains essential services, even during these challenging times," Governor Crist said. "I look forward to carefully considering their proposals during the next several weeks."

Governor Crist also praised the Florida Legislature for approving the use of $5.3 billion made available as a result of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. While federal funds have already begun flowing, the 2009-10 General Appropriation Act includes the following federal recovery dollars:

• $2.7 billion - Education. Mostly funds operations of public schools, workforce program, community colleges and our state universities.
• $81.7 million - Public Safety. Additional funding for the Cybercrime unit, drug court programs, Department of Corrections radio equipment and seaport security.
• $14.5 million - Additional federal funds for the Child Support Enforcement Program.
• $1.8 billion - Health and Human Services. Includes $1.4 billion for Florida's two million Medicaid recipients.
• $390 million - Natural Resources. Funds drinking and waste water programs, diesel emissions reduction program, state parks and petroleum tank clean-up program. Also funds renewable energy technologies and the solar rebate program.
• $378 million - Transportation and Economic Development. Funds energy saving programs to assist low-income families, provides individual job training programs and improves unemployment compensation benefit payments.

For more information about Florida's use of the federal recovery dollars made available through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, please visit www.FlaRecovery.com.

Governor Crist also commended the Florida Legislature for agreeing to maximize funding for K-12 education by approving guidelines for a new 15-year Seminole compact. Governor Crist has until August 31, 2009, to negotiate an agreement based on the guidelines developed by the Legislature.

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