Aides to Gov. Charlie Crist say he is working with the U.S. Department of Education to secure stimulus money for Florida schools, but one congressman says Crist is waiting too long to apply.
In a letter sent to Crist this week, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, said he met with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Monday and learned that Duncan is still waiting for Florida's initial application.
Meek, who is seeking the vacant U.S. Senate seat some political watchers say Crist may want, told the governor that Duncan and his staff "are anxiously awaiting Florida's application."
"Every moment that is lost to inaction in the waning days of the legislative session further ties the hands of school district administrators," Meek wrote.
Florida must apply for the school stabilization money because its support of public education this year may be below that paid to school districts in 2006, which would violate terms of the stimulus package.
Crist spokesman Sterling Ivey said in an e-mail to the Tribune on Wednesday that an application to waive the requirement "does not yet exist."
"Governor Crist is working closely with the White House and Secretary Duncan through this process to secure the maximum funding for Florida's students," Ivey said.
Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith says federal officials have indicated the state won't get the guidelines necessary to apply for $2.2 billion in stimulus money until May 1.
Meek urged Crist to at least submit a draft application. He said Department of Education officials are ready to walk Florida through the process.
Florida schools have received some stimulus money for programs that serve students from low-income families and students with disabilities. Hillsborough County schools have received $39.5 million.
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