Bad Stimuli: Florida Ranks Last in Obama Cash
Stimulus money doesn't go as far as it used to
By TODD WRIGHT
Updated 4:03 PM EST, Mon, Jul 6, 2009
It's awfully hard to complain about getting free money, but Floridians might have a good gripe.
According to the Palm Beach Post, state residents received the smallest government check from President Obama's stimulus package compared to the other 49 states, U.S. territories, and D.C.
That amounts to about $505 per person, or enough to fill up your tank for a week considering the escalating gas prices in the state.
The $787 billion stimulus package was supposed to give the economy a booster shot in the arm, but in Florida, it has been more like a children's Band Aid on a freshly severed limb.
The state's unemployment rate outpaces the rest of the nation at 10.2 percent and despite Obama's promises that stimulus money would help improve the public schools and spur job growth, things only appear to be spiraling downward.
Even Gov. Charlie Crist is jumping off the sinking ship and seems headed for the foothills of D.C.
Politicians seem puzzled as to how this could happen to a state that received one of the largest infrastructure endowments from the federal package.
When we figure it out, we'll let you know. But for now, don't spend all that Obama money in one place. Unless you've already filled up this week, of course.
First Published: Jul 6, 2009 2:39 PM EST
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