Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek Regarding Report that Florida Ranks Last Among All States in Spending of Stimulus Dollars on Highway Construction Projects

 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement after House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) identified Florida as one of the worst-performing states in utilizing Recovery Act Highway Funding:

"This morning I will be reaching out to Chairman James Oberstar concerning this troubling report that Florida ranks last among all states in spending of stimulus dollars on highway construction projects.

"This is part of a disturbing and now repeating trend taking place in my home state.

"After meeting with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in April, I learned that Florida had delayed the submission of required paperwork to receive an education waiver and qualify for over two billion in stimulus dollars to support our education system by avoiding teacher cutbacks and helping fund school programs. The Governor pointed the finger of blame at his Education Commissioner who in turn pointed the finger of blame at the Governor, who reasoned that this delay was part of a larger "strategy." Florida eventually did what was right and filed the waiver application to receive these dollars.

 "During the legislative session, absent any leadership or direction from the Governor, the Republican-controlled state House and state Senate refused to make the legislative fixes required to allow Florida to draw down $444 million to extend unemployment benefits for the now nearly 11 percent jobless Floridians. Money that was due to my state was left on the table in Washington because of inaction in Tallahassee.

"Now we are learning that Florida is once again spurning these vital stimulus dollars to help rebuild our roadways. As a former Trooper in the Florida Highway Patrol who still spends a lot of time driving on Florida's highways and byways, I know this money is essential.

 "I voted along with my colleagues from the Florida delegation in Congress for the stimulus program. I did not vote for Florida to be last of 50 when it comes to stimulus dollar spending.

"I urge the Governor to be a hands-on leader with his agencies, departments and with the state legislature when session convenes next year, and ensure that Florida is taking advantage of every federal dollar it can receive.

"It was easy for the Governor to stand on stage in Ft. Myers with President Obama in February in support of the stimulus, but now the work begins and Florida is late in rolling up its sleeves to take advantage of these limited funds. The over 10 percent unemployed Floridians and the 3500 Floridians who are losing their health care every week don't have time to spare."

For a copy of the Reuters article: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE57558V20090806

For more information regarding Florida’s implementation of Recovery Act funding:

http://kendrickmeek.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl17_meek/pr_090421_edstimulus.shtml

http://kendrickmeek.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl17_meek/pr_090501.shtml

A copy of Chairman Oberstar’s letter may be found here:

http://transportation.house.gov/Media/file/ARRA/Worst%20States%208-6-09%20--%20Florida.pdf

 

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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