Florida

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Florida?

In 2009, Florida faces a $5.7 billion budget gap representing 22.2% of the general fund. In 2010, Florida is looking at an even greater $5.8 billion shortfall, 22.6% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Florida

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $4,390,000,000 in relief for Florida’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $2,208,800,000 in relief to the state of Florida to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $631,800,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $634,600,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $126,100,000 for other education programs in Florida’s schools.
• $879,000,000 in food stamps for 1,725,000 Florida men, women, and children.
• $65,700,000 in emergency shelter grants for 11,500 households.
• 741,000 Florida children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $105,331,254 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 20,880 Florida children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 761,227 Florida families.
• $56,800,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $43,300,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Florida’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Bill Nelson (D)

Mel Martinez (R)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information