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Crist’s Federal Priorities: Everglades, Medicaid, Clean Energy, Cat Fund, Et Al.
Posted Feb 12, 2008 by William March
Updated Feb 12, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Gov. Charlie Crist has outlined his federal appropriation priorities in a letter to the Florida congressional delegation. They include money for Everglades restoration, Medicaid, clean energy, an insurance catastrophic fund and others.
In his letter, Crist noted that Floridians are feeling “financial strain due to the high cost of property taxes and homeowners insurance, as well as an uncertain real estate market.”
His prescription:
Everglades—“Obtain federal funding for projects authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.”
Clean energy—As a major agricultural state, Florida should “become a global hub in the development of green energy technology.” Congress should “address ... future energy needs through greater conservation and development of safe and clean alternative energy sources.”
Medicaid relief—Federal Medicaid cuts and the impact of the 2004-05 hurricane season have resulted in shifting $213.5 million in Medicaid costs from the federal government to the state in 2009, with further declines coming in 2010. Florida needs “immediate relief.”
Foreclosures—Crist seeks to “complement efforts taken by Congress to ensure consumers are educated
about their financing options [and] knowledgeable about refinancing options.”
Extend the sales tax deduction—State and local sales tax deductions were restored for 2004–2007, but not next year.
The Space Coast— Fully fund NASA to protect the Space Coast work force as NASA transitions from the space shuttle to the Orion program.
National catastrophe fund—A federal fund to back up property insurers for natural catastrophes including hurricanes.
The farm bill—Protect the interests of the state’s $6.8 billion agricultural industry.
Free trade agreements—Because of Florida’s large export industry, “I support eliminating barriers to global commerce,” including free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea.
Transportation—Fund the shortfall facing the Transportation Highway Fund.
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