Florida stands to gain billions from stimulus plan

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
8:47 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2009

TALLAHASSEE — Florida stands to gain more than $12 billion from the U.S. House’s stimulus plan including money that could help balance the state’s budget, build highways and bridges, expand mass transit and modernize schools.

The House passed the legislation Wednesday. The vote was 244-188 with overwhelmingly Democratic support and most Republicans in opposition.

The biggest chunk of money potentially headed for Florida would be $4.26 billion for the state-federal Medicaid program that provides health care for the poor. Millions more would go directly to local governments, school districts and individuals.

“It would represent a significant amount of relief from the budgetary conditions under which we are currently operating,â€