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Florida applies for education funds

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By ADAM EMERSON

aemerson@tampatrib.com

Published: April 28, 2009

After enduring criticism that they've been waiting too long, Gov. Charlie Crist and Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith now have formally applied for the state's share of the federal stimulus money for public schools.

Crist and Smith submitted the 17-page application Friday, a move that came after Democratic leaders in Florida called upon the two to act more quickly.

Democratic House and Senate leaders in the state Legislature urged Crist to awaken Smith from his "apparent paralysis." U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, said the nation's education secretary was waiting for Florida's application.

Smith had been saying Florida wouldn't get federal guidelines for the money until May 1, but Democrats had been urging Crist and Smith to at least submit a draft application.

On Monday, the state Education Department referred to the application as "completed."

Florida needs a waiver for some federal requirements because its support of public education this year may be below that paid to school districts in 2006.

In his application, Crist said the state spent $9.12 billion on elementary and secondary education in 2006, and he's recommending $8.51 billion for the next fiscal year.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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