WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the midst of the most significant economic collapse since the Great Depression, Congresswoman Kathy Castor hailed passage of the economic recovery plan.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a dramatic lifeline to families and businesses across Florida and the struggling Tampa Bay area,” Castor said. “President Barack Obama initiated a bold recovery plan of action upon taking office just as Franklin Delano Roosevelt did seventy years ago.  Our neighbors and community now have better opportunities to stop the downward spiral of shrinking jobs, health care and savings.”

“The recovery plan saves and creates 3.5 million jobs across America and invests in modern, high-wage jobs for the 21^st Century,” Castor said.

“The economic engines of the Tampa Bay area are education, health and construction – and all benefit under the recovery plan.”  Castor worked for over one year on a major boost in health care under Medicaid for hard hit Florida.  Medicaid increases and state budget aid were blocked by President Bush last fall.  “The recovery plan provides over $4.3 billion for health care under Medicaid and increases the state’s ability to provide medical care to children, families and seniors in nursing homes,” Castor continued. “Affordable health care is the key to our economy. Economists advise that health care investments are one of the most significant ways to stimulate the economy and is vital to job creation.”

The recovery plan provides more than $5 billion for Florida public schools, students, community colleges and universities. “The historic investment in Florida public schools is strategically targeted to avoid layoffs, help make college more affordable and prepare our students with modern technology and computers in the classroom,” noted Castor.  The $5 billion education baseline amount will grow as Florida’s research universities compete for research grants provided under the plan and as families tap the $2,500 tax credit for college.

The bill includes several measures that will greatly help Floridians, including:

* An additional $5.1 billion for education.  The breakdown is:

- $2.7 billion from the state fiscal stabilization fund

- $936.5 million for Pell Grants
- $622 million for IDEA

- $509 million for Title I

- $147.5 million for school improvement grants

- $75 million for Head Start

- $109 million for Child Care and Development block grants

- $30.7 million for education technology state grants

* About $1.8 billion for transportation and infrastructure. Funds can be spent on completing Interstate 275 and the I-4/ Crosstown connector. These projects will keep people employed and help alleviate traffic congestion. “If we can keep these projects on track, we can save commuters time and money,” Castor said.

* Money for science and technology. The bill allocates more than $16 billion nationwide to invest in scientific research. USF will be able to draw down funds for its energy research center. Moffitt, too, will be able to compete for this money.

* Money to modernize health care systems. The bill provides $19 billion nationwide for health information technology. Castor is working with the University of South Florida on a project to develop an electronic medical records system, which will improve and expedite medical care.

* COBRA subsidies. Newly unemployed workers will receive a 65 percent subsidy for COBRA premiums. “It will be impossible for them to afford private health insurance without this subsidy,” Castor said.

* Increased food stamp benefits. Every dollar of food stamps creates at least $1.73 in economic activity, economists say.