Federal stimulus plan gives Florida $12B - and a way out of budget problems

"Gov. Charlie Crist risked some political capital last week when the Republican governor backed the $787 billion stimulus package that President Barack Obama will sign into law today."

"Crist's office said Monday that Florida could haul in $12.2 billion or more during the next 2 1/2 years because of the bill -- a larger chunk than policymakers expected late last week."

"More than $3.2 billion would come in during the next four months -- for road construction, child care, unemployment checks, job training and Medicaid costs. Officials suggested this could eliminate the need for any more state budget cuts this fiscal year, a reported $700 million shortfall."

"And officials said the whopping $5.17 billion that would be at budget-writers' disposal for the budget year that begins July 1 may plug the projected $5 billion-plus deficit without the need for tax increases or massive spending cuts."