State expecting stimulus waiver application today
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Florida officials are expecting to get a formal application Wednesday for a waiver the state will need to receive about $2.7 billion in stimulus money.
Gov. Charlie Crist said on Tuesday that the state will be ready to submit the application as soon as it’s received. Crist and Education Eric Smith both said they’re optimistic U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will approve a waiver so Florida can receive the money for education under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“We haven’t gotten any negative feedback,” Smith said, noting his office has been in close contact with federal officials.
Without a waiver Florida will not qualify for the stimulus money because state financial support for public schools has declined since 2006.
Legislative budget writers have been so confident Florida will get the waiver that they’ve included about half of the money in proposed budget bills for the next fiscal year that begins July 1. The other half can be used in the next budget year.
Duncan has scheduled a conference call with reporters Wednesday to discuss how states and school districts can begin receiving the first installment of education stimulus money.
Crist has repeatedly expressed similar confidence Florida would receive the waiver. He also has included the stimulus money in his budget recommendations.
Although a Republican, Crist has been an early and ardent supporter of the stimulus plan advanced by Democratic President Barrack Obama. Crist has bucked GOP members of Congress who voted against the legislation with only three exceptions. All of Florida’s congressional Republicans opposed the measure.
Crist’s support included an appearance with Obama at a pro-stimulus rally in Fort Myers.