"The state legislature is now providing less money per pupil than they have over the past years. That's going to hurt us when it comes to the federal recovery plan,” says Representative Kathy Castor, who voted for the bill. She says for state's to qualify for all the money, they must be funding schools today at the same levels they were in 2005 and 2006. Right now Florida is not.

"Florida is being hit harder than most states so we would be at a great disadvantage," says Steve Hegarty with Hillsborough county schools. He says the district already has projects waiting in the wings if the funding goes through.

"You need to replace the roof at this school and you should do so in the next several years you need to fix the ac at this other school," Hegarty says.

Money would also be earmarked for adding technology to classrooms, and increasing funding for special education and title one schools.

He says the school district is such a big player in the economy, when it gets money it spreads.

"When we have construction projects going on that affects your neighbors. When they are working and are hard at work on project, they're shopping at the grocery store," he says.

However, the formula isn't an all or nothing. Castor says Florida schools will get some money, including 143 million for Hillsborough county, 86 million for Pinellas county, and 26 million for Manatee county.

But other lawmakers, including Senator Mel Martinez would like to see state get as much as every other state. In a statement he said; "There's a problem with the funding formula that could prevent Florida from getting a fair share of the education fund. I'm hopeful for an open and healthy amendment process so we can address this and other problem areas.”