Miami Democrat Kendrick Meek is calling out Gov. Charlie Crist for Florida's latest ranking: one of the worst-performing state in spending transportation stimulus dollars.
It comes on the heels of a letter from House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman James L. Oberstar who last week said Florida ranked 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," Meek said, suggesting a similar situation with education dollars and unemployment benefits for the jobless.
"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," Meek said. "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."
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