Governor Crist to Address Florida Bankers Association

Visits West Dade Career Center, applauds efforts to help Floridians during tough economy
 
MIAMI – Governor Charlie Crist today will address the Florida Bankers Association Leadership Dinner as part of his ongoing focus on strengthening Florida’s economy. Governor Crist will highlight his proposed $66.5-billion budget for 2009-10 that will create or retain 314,590 jobs. He will also applaud the association for the voluntary agreement announced in December 2008 to provide foreclosure relief to Florida homestead property owners for 45 days during the holidays. 
 
“I want to thank the Florida Bankers Association for recognizing the need to help people. I am proud to live in a state where lenders are willing to work with homeowners and find opportunities to help families stay in their homes,” Governor Crist said. “I encourage lenders to continue working with homeowners as we build a bridge to better economic times for our state, and for our nation.”
 
The Governor’s budget recommendations continue investments in education, workforce development and career training, transportation and energy conservation, as well as incentives to spur economic development.  They also maintain the Governor’s commitment to protecting Florida’s communities and natural resources and providing health care access for Florida’s most vulnerable citizens.
 
Governor Crist’s proposed budget includes $4.7 billion of the federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. A portion of Florida’s $12.2-billion share, the funds will support Florida’s critical programs and infrastructure needs. Without the federal stimulus funds, Florida’s 2009-10 budget would have dropped to $61.8 billion and required drastic reductions and deep cuts to important programs and projects . According to the White House, the stimulus dollars are projected to create and retain more than 206,000 jobs for Floridians over three years. Governor Crist also recommends investing $3.2 billion of the federal stimulus package during the current fiscal year.
 
In December, Governor Crist joined representatives of the banking and mortgage lending industry to announce a voluntary agreement to provide foreclosure relief to Florida homestead property owners for the next 45 days.  Governor Crist encouraged lenders to continue their efforts to actively negotiate with struggling homeowners during the coming months to help people stay in their homes.