Florida

Governor Charlie Crist met with transportation, unemployment and education leaders to find out how they’re maximizing the economic stimulus dollars.

Tallahassee, Florida — Governor Charlie Crist met with transportation, unemployment and education leaders to find out how they’re maximizing the economic stimulus dollars.

The committee — which is comprised of several state agency secretaries — met Wednesday to update the Governor on how that federal economic stimulus money is being put to use in the Sunshine State.

“The team that’s assembled here, I couldn’t be more proud of their great work but we’re going to continue to try and do more and more for the people that we work for,” said Governor Crist.

Transportation – Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos said the state received $900 million in state flexible spending funds; 37% of that money has already been committed to various transportation projects across the state.

Kopelousos added that the federal government is talking about an $8 billion allocation for high speed rail projects, although the guidelines for that have not yet been released.

Department of Management Services – Don Windstead, Special Advisor to the Governor, said Florida’s small business community is working together. They held a Small Business Summit in Miami and are scheduled to host similar meetings in Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami. Melinda Miguel, Chief Inspector General to the Governor sited the importance of accountability and transparency throughout the process.

Agency for Workforce Innovation - Cynthia Lorenzo was serving as the Interim Director for AWI but Crist surprised her during the meeting, commended her work, and promoted her to Secretary of AWI. Lorenzo said her agency is working primarily with workforce education and benefits, public housing, and school districts across the state. She said her four main priorities include:

1) tracking the use and status of those funds,

2) inserting any necessary safeguards,

3) finding out the impact of these funds, and

4) looking for ways to improve or re-structure those moneys.

Tangibly, the economic stimulus money will be used to employ 20,000 youth during the summer. Instead of receiving only 22 weeks of benefits, unemployed Floridians can now qualify for up to 79 weeks of unemployment compensation, receiving up to $300 per week, maxing out at $24,000 for the year.

Lorenzo expects to distribute more than $1 billion in benefits by June 2010.

“I just felt that she deserved it and I noticed on my agenda sheet, Interim, and I just felt like she’s done such a great job and she’s helping so many families and implementing these additional dollars to help those that are unemployed now… she’s earned it,” said Crist.

Education - Dr. Eric Smith said the funds they’re receiving helped avoid massive teacher layoffs this year.

Make sure to check out the Governor’s website at http://www.flarecovery.com to see how those stimulus dollars are being put to use and whether you can qualify for any benefits.