FOX 4 WFTX - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples News, WeatherGovernor Crist talks stimulus money with agency heads
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Charlie Crist couldn't say thank you enough times.
Florida 's chief executive met with many of his agency heads Monday to get a head start on spending more than $12 billion over the next three years from the federal stimulus package that President Obama is expected to sign into law Tuesday.
Crist also thanked state lawmakers for extending the deadline for his budget request until Friday, just 11 days before the 2009 legislative session begins. Crist can now work in some of the federal dollars into his budget recommendations.
Florida lawmakers fear that the worsening economy could lead to a budget shortfall of up to $6 billion, but Crist's budget director predicted the stimulus money will shore up Florida 's situation.
