Two Florida lawmakers have filed a bill to expand programs for homeless people around the state.
Senator Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, and Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-South Pasadena, filed bills to expand grant programs to help fund temporary and transitional housing and services for the homeless. The bill would also provide training and technical support to agencies serving the homeless.
Latvala says Florida has the third highest number of homeless people in the country, and the recent recession has limited funding for existing programs.
He wants to use some of the budget surplus to help the most vulnerable citizens.
The grants will be awarded based on the degree of homelessness in a community and the ability of local government and private organizations to match funds.
