Fla.cuts, fed plan not in sunc, critics say, The Ledger (Lakeland)

January 24, 2009
By Lloyd Dunkelberger


TALLAHASSEE The federal government is preparing a historic economic recovery program that will pour billions of dollars into Florida to help revive the economy.

But at the same time, Florida lawmakers have cut more than $8 billion from state spending over the last two years, with more cuts likely when they meet in March to write a new state budget.

Some critics say the efforts are at cross-purposes, with the state cuts worsening Florida's recession.

For the rest of this article, click here.

Economic stimulus plan could mean $2-billion for Florida schools, St. Pete Times

January 23, 2009
By Ron Matus

The economic stimulus plan rolling through Congress could pump $2-billion into Florida schools, easing the pain from yet another round of state budget cuts on tap for this spring.

The $825-billion package, backed by President Obama, sets aside at least $100-billion for K-12 education and $21.5-billion for colleges and universities.

For the rest of this article, click here.

Florida at the ready for a Medicaid boost, Herald Tribune

January 23, 2009
By Lloyd Dunkelberger

TALLAHASSEE - The federal government is preparing a $4.3 billion boost that could help some of Florida's sickest and most vulnerable citizens while extending health care to the state's growing legions of the unemployed.

"This is a very significant shot in the arm for Florida," said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which reviewed a portion of the $825 billion federal economic recovery package on Thursday.

For the rest of this article, click here.

States continue spending sprees, USAToday

January 12, 2009
By Dennis Cauchon and Judy Keen

As a federal bailout takes shape, many states continue to spend money at boom-time rates even though revenue is sinking.

The mismatch between spending and revenue has left states facing projected shortfalls of up to $80 billion over the next six months, equal to as much as 10% of what states had planned to spend.

CASH-STRAPPED: States anxiously await federal funds

Forty-two state legislatures convene this month, and filling those gaps will be their top priority. A handful of states — notably California, Florida and New Jersey — have reduced spending, a USA TODAY review of state financial reports shows. Most have taken a wait-and-see attitude because spending cuts may not be needed if Congress approves a large federal aid package, and big spending hikes are a possibility.

For the rest of this story, click here.

Education groups compete for piece of the stimulus package, CQ Today Online

December 24, 2008
By Lydia Gensheimer

Teachers groups and school administrators, citing state budget shortfalls that are strangling local school districts, are continuing an end-of-the-year lobbying push to ensure education funding is part of the 2009 stimulus package.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), sent a letter Tuesday to members of Congress and President-elect Barack Obama in which she detailed the AFT’s priorities for inclusion in the package. Weingarten said the legislation should provide fiscal relief to states, investment in infrastructure and measures to increase college access. Weingarten also called for a $3 billion temporary fund for school districts to pay for activities already authorized under the No Child Left Behind Act (PL 107-110) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA - PL 105-17).

For the rest of this article, click here.

Higher-Education Leaders Press Congress for Chunk of Stimulus Funds, Washington Post

December 16, 2008
By Valerie Strauss

More than 40 higher-education leaders from across the country asked Congress today to commit 5 percent of any economic stimulus program to the nation's colleges and universities.

The educators, including University of Virginia President John Casteen III and Chancellor William E. Kirwan of the University System of Maryland, published an open letter in newspapers warning that state budget cuts have harmed the public educational enterprise that is at the heart of the nation's long-term security.

For the rest of this story, click here.

Federal education bailout is not the answer, Heritage Foundation

December 12, 2008
By Dan Lips

Earlier this week, leaders of the Miami-Dade school system and Broward County school board in Florida called on the federal government to provide a "bailout" for the area's ailing school districts.[1]

The lagging economy has resulted in declining tax revenues and ballooning budget shortfalls for many state governments and local communities across the nation. The National Conference of State Legislatures recently reported that state governments are facing $137 billion in budget gaps over a two year period.[2] Thirty-eight states expect budget shortfalls for the 2009 fiscal year.[3]

For the rest of this report, click here.