Tampabay.com
APRIL 27, 2009

State applies for education stimulus money

After taking heat last week for a delay in applying for federal education stimulus funds, Gov. Charlie Crist submitted the state's application Friday night.

The 17-page application is signed by Crist and Education Commissioner Eric Smith. The federal government has said it can take two weeks to be processed. Because lawmakers are relying on $2 billion in stimulus funds to shore up the education budget, the news can't come soon enough.

Crist signed the section when it indicates Florida needs a waiver because the state hasn't maintained education spending at 2005-06 levels, as required by the federal stimulus program.

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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THE TEAM

Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com.

Marlene Sokol covers Hillsborough County schools. E-mail her: sokol@tampabay.com.

Ron Matus covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail him: matus@tampabay.com.

Jeffrey S. Solochek covers Pasco County schools. E-mail him: solochek@tampabay.com.

Kim Wilmath covers the University of South Florida. E-mail her: kwilmath@tampabay.com.

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