Press Releases

Letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan

by Governor’s Press Office

Posted on February 14, 2009

The Honorable Arne Duncan
Secretary of Education
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Dear Secretary Duncan:

Historic legislation passed by Congress yesterday will provide relief to state and local governments across the nation during these difficult economic times. As Florida’s Governor, I am gratified by the prospect of these federal funds which will complement our state funding priorities as we approach our upcoming Legislative session.  It is our hope that funding targeted at Florida’s infrastructure, workforce training, educational, and Medicaid needs will create jobs and stimulate investment.

As the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act awaits the President's signature, I write to you regarding Florida's preparation to implement our share of the federal stimulus relating to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Florida’s investment in education funding has yielded positive results and recognition, including Education Weekly’s ranking Florida 10th in the nation. These dollars will allow us to continue providing a quality education for Florida's 3.2 million K-20 students.

While analysis is underway regarding Florida’s qualification under the education Maintenance of Effort criteria, we ask for expediency in setting the parameters under which states would qualify for a waiver as permitted in this legislation.

We look forward to working with you and your staff in the coming days.

Sincerely,
Charlie Crist

CC:  Dr. Eric Smith, Florida Education Commissioner
Florida Congressional Delegation

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