TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced that Florida has received nearly $11.5 million to continue providing statewide foreclosure prevention counseling and legal assistance to homeowners in foreclosure. The boost will enable 77 counseling agencies and organizations across the state to provide foreclosure counseling. The funds also will allow legal services groups to counsel area homeowners at risk of foreclosure.
“These dollars will go a long way toward helping Floridians stay in their homes, and we are grateful to the federal government,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “By working together, Florida and Washington, D.C., are providing the advice and counsel to help residents here in the Sunshine State retain the dream of home ownership.”
The grant to support Florida’s foreclosure counseling intervention efforts comes from funds provided through the Housing and Economic Recover Act approved by Congress in July of 2008. Congress appropriated $180 million to be distributed nationally through a competitive application process administered by NeighborWorks® America, within guidelines defined by federal legislation. NeighborWorks America is an independent, congressionally-chartered, non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., that provides access to homeownership and affordable rental housing. In March 2008, Florida received nearly $1.3 million to support statewide foreclosure prevention counseling efforts. Those funds enabled approximately 50 counseling agencies/organizations to provide more foreclosure counseling than ever before to homeowners in danger of foreclosure.
The federal dollars for Florida come as Governor Crist and his administration continue working to help Florida homeowners. According to RealtyTrac, Florida has the nation’s third-highest state foreclosure rate, with 166,600 households statewide being impacted by foreclosure activities in October 2008.
Earlier this month 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 45 day, through the holidays and New Year. Also, the Florida Department of Community Affairs recently submitted to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) its proposed plan for distributing $91.1 million in federal funds to smaller urban and rural communities to respond to rising foreclosures and falling home values. In September 2008, HUD announced that targeted Florida cities and counties would receive $541 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for this purpose.
In February 2008, Governor Crist created the Florida Home Ownership Promotes the Economy (HOPE) Task Force to review Florida’s foreclosure rate and its impact on Florida’s economy. In April, the task force submitted recommendations, including urging loan services and investors to pursue all workout options and to dedicate resources to foreclosure prevention. To learn more about foreclosure prevention resources, please visit www.FloridaHousing.org and click on “Foreclosure Prevention Resources Now Available!”
# # #
Monday, December 8, 2008
WaPo Politics blog: "Are Republicans on the March?"
WaPo's Chris Cillizza has an interesting take on Republican victories in Georgia and Louisiana over the past few days. These victories echo GOP's performance in Florida, where the Obama coattails were short and FL Democrats failed to defeat a single Republican incumbent in the Legislature, even in the best possible political environment.
Notes Cillizza, "In the wake of an election cycle dominated by bad news for Republicans, the last five days have been a welcome relief.
Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss cruised to a runoff victory last Tuesday, and House Republicans held Louisiana's 4th district and pulled off a massive upset win over Rep. Bill Jefferson in Louisiana's 2nd district on Saturday.
Those three developments have led some Republicans to insist that what happened on Nov. 4 was almost entirely due to President-elect Barack Obama's unique electoral appeal and that when the soon-to-be-president is not on the ballot -- the 2010 midterm elections -- his party will not fare nearly as well.
"Voters vented on Nov. 4th and the momentum that swept Obama and many other Democrats to victory has now stalled a bit," said Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, a partner in the firm Public Opinion Strategies. "It seems it might have been 'easy' to get the Democratic base excited about Nov. 4th -- the historic opportunity to elect Obama and send a message of rejection to Bush's eight-year tenure -- but it's a bit more difficult re-energizing those voters now, with seemingly less at stake."
...
"While I don't think these victories mean that the GOP has miraculously fixed everything that is currently broken, I do think that they a really positive data points," said Alex Vogel, a prominent Republican strategist. "Just like the Democrats took advance comfort from the special elections they won leading up to the 2008 elections, we should certainly view these overtime wins as a sign that the sun is rising again."
Notes Cillizza, "In the wake of an election cycle dominated by bad news for Republicans, the last five days have been a welcome relief.
Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss cruised to a runoff victory last Tuesday, and House Republicans held Louisiana's 4th district and pulled off a massive upset win over Rep. Bill Jefferson in Louisiana's 2nd district on Saturday.
Those three developments have led some Republicans to insist that what happened on Nov. 4 was almost entirely due to President-elect Barack Obama's unique electoral appeal and that when the soon-to-be-president is not on the ballot -- the 2010 midterm elections -- his party will not fare nearly as well.
"Voters vented on Nov. 4th and the momentum that swept Obama and many other Democrats to victory has now stalled a bit," said Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, a partner in the firm Public Opinion Strategies. "It seems it might have been 'easy' to get the Democratic base excited about Nov. 4th -- the historic opportunity to elect Obama and send a message of rejection to Bush's eight-year tenure -- but it's a bit more difficult re-energizing those voters now, with seemingly less at stake."
...
"While I don't think these victories mean that the GOP has miraculously fixed everything that is currently broken, I do think that they a really positive data points," said Alex Vogel, a prominent Republican strategist. "Just like the Democrats took advance comfort from the special elections they won leading up to the 2008 elections, we should certainly view these overtime wins as a sign that the sun is rising again."
Thursday, December 4, 2008
ADL Appauds Local GOP's Rejection of White Supermacist
December 4, 2008 - 1:40 PM
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauds the Palm Beach County Republican Party's refusal to recognize Derek Black's election to one of the county Republican Executive Committee seats. In addition to failing to sign the Republican Party of Florida's loyalty oath, Derek Black has an irrefutable long history as a white supremacist and is a rising star in the movement.
Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL FL Regional Director, issued the following statement:
"Although white supremacists typically reject being labeled as such and prefer to say that they are pro-white, it is indisputable that Derek Black is a racist who believes that whites are smarter than non-whites, superior to non-whites and deserve to be treated differently and have more privileges because they are white. Derek Black has been attending white supremacist gatherings since he was ten years-old when he even had his own section on Stormfront to promote white supremacy to other children.
As recently as November 8th, Black was one of the keynote speakers at a white supremacist conference sponsored by former Klan leader and anti-Semite David Duke and his organization EURO (European American Unity and Rights Organization) in Memphis, Tennessee. A number of white supremacists, including Derek's father, former Klansman Don Black, racist radio show host James Edwards and Canadian racist Paul Fromm, also attended the conference."
Read more here.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauds the Palm Beach County Republican Party's refusal to recognize Derek Black's election to one of the county Republican Executive Committee seats. In addition to failing to sign the Republican Party of Florida's loyalty oath, Derek Black has an irrefutable long history as a white supremacist and is a rising star in the movement.
Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL FL Regional Director, issued the following statement:
"Although white supremacists typically reject being labeled as such and prefer to say that they are pro-white, it is indisputable that Derek Black is a racist who believes that whites are smarter than non-whites, superior to non-whites and deserve to be treated differently and have more privileges because they are white. Derek Black has been attending white supremacist gatherings since he was ten years-old when he even had his own section on Stormfront to promote white supremacy to other children.
As recently as November 8th, Black was one of the keynote speakers at a white supremacist conference sponsored by former Klan leader and anti-Semite David Duke and his organization EURO (European American Unity and Rights Organization) in Memphis, Tennessee. A number of white supremacists, including Derek's father, former Klansman Don Black, racist radio show host James Edwards and Canadian racist Paul Fromm, also attended the conference."
Read more here.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Statement from Bill McCollum on Martinez Announcement
Tallahassee–Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum released the following statement:
“I was surprised to learn today that Senator Mel Martinez will not be seeking re-election for his post in 2010. Senator Martinez has served his constituents and our state admirably, and with his decision not to seek another term the people of Florida are losing a dedicated public servant.
“I have been asked today whether this announcement will have any effect on my plans for the future. At this point, my plan is – at the appropriate time – to announce my intention to seek re-election as Florida's Attorney General. However, given today's development, I will seriously consider and discuss with my family a race for this U.S. Senate seat, and we will share our decision at a later date.”
“I was surprised to learn today that Senator Mel Martinez will not be seeking re-election for his post in 2010. Senator Martinez has served his constituents and our state admirably, and with his decision not to seek another term the people of Florida are losing a dedicated public servant.
“I have been asked today whether this announcement will have any effect on my plans for the future. At this point, my plan is – at the appropriate time – to announce my intention to seek re-election as Florida's Attorney General. However, given today's development, I will seriously consider and discuss with my family a race for this U.S. Senate seat, and we will share our decision at a later date.”
Greer Praises Senator Martinez's Career in Public Service
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement regarding Senator Mel Martinez’s decision to retire from the United States Senate at the conclusion of his current term:
“I am grateful to Senator Martinez for his commitment to the people of our state and our nation throughout his tenure in the United States Senate.
“From serving in President Bush’s Cabinet to the halls of the Senate to his guidance as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mel Martinez has been a tireless advocate for the Republican principles of less taxing, less spending, less government and more freedom.
“Having survived the perils of a communist regime, Mel – more than many – understands that freedom is worth fighting for. He has spent much of his adult life advocating for the American way of life and the freedoms that so many of us take for granted.
“Mel’s career in public service will not end with his retirement from the United States Senate. I look forward to working with him to grow and build our party for years to come.”
“I am grateful to Senator Martinez for his commitment to the people of our state and our nation throughout his tenure in the United States Senate.
“From serving in President Bush’s Cabinet to the halls of the Senate to his guidance as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mel Martinez has been a tireless advocate for the Republican principles of less taxing, less spending, less government and more freedom.
“Having survived the perils of a communist regime, Mel – more than many – understands that freedom is worth fighting for. He has spent much of his adult life advocating for the American way of life and the freedoms that so many of us take for granted.
“Mel’s career in public service will not end with his retirement from the United States Senate. I look forward to working with him to grow and build our party for years to come.”
Crist to Obama: Show us the money, and come watch a Shuttle launch
by Aaron Deslatte, Orlando Sentinel
Gov. Charlie Crist has offered a silver-tongued "show me the money" request to President-Elect Barack Obama Tuesday as the nation's governors collectively gathered with him in Philadelphia today to air out their concerns.
Crist's office also sent out a letter to Obama detailing Florida's fiscal plight and asking the feds to provide more Medicaid dollars, road-building assistance and passage of the Columbian Free Trade Agreement.
Crist argues Florida has "the third-highest home foreclosure rate in the nation, a 7 percent unemployment rate, and a projected state revenue shortfall of roughly $6 billion for the current and next fiscal year." He then takes credit for speeding up some 179 transportation projects in August, claims that created 38,000 jobs (even though employment levels continue to plummet), and touts the Cover Florida health isurance plan that will be implemented next month to try and cover some of the 4.8 million uninsured with bare-bones coverage.
His requests:
1. Relax Federal Medical Assistance Percntage (FMAP) rules, so Florida can draw down $991 million in federal dollars for its Medicaid populations.
2. Devote more dollars to infrastructure. Crist said the state has $7 billion in projects that could be completed within four months that would create 195,000 jobs.
3. Pass the much-debated Colombian Free Trade Agreement, which Obama has raised objections about during the campaign.
And by the way, Crist reminds Obama in the letter Florida will need help with that whole Space Shuttle retirement party, and will require "a strong federal-state partnership and commitment to working with local communities to provide economic opportunities for individuals impacted by the shuttle retirement."
"I invite you to join me in Florida for an upcoming launch of the Space Shuttle and to discuss the future of our nation's space program," he writes.
Gov. Charlie Crist has offered a silver-tongued "show me the money" request to President-Elect Barack Obama Tuesday as the nation's governors collectively gathered with him in Philadelphia today to air out their concerns.
Crist's office also sent out a letter to Obama detailing Florida's fiscal plight and asking the feds to provide more Medicaid dollars, road-building assistance and passage of the Columbian Free Trade Agreement.
Crist argues Florida has "the third-highest home foreclosure rate in the nation, a 7 percent unemployment rate, and a projected state revenue shortfall of roughly $6 billion for the current and next fiscal year." He then takes credit for speeding up some 179 transportation projects in August, claims that created 38,000 jobs (even though employment levels continue to plummet), and touts the Cover Florida health isurance plan that will be implemented next month to try and cover some of the 4.8 million uninsured with bare-bones coverage.
His requests:
1. Relax Federal Medical Assistance Percntage (FMAP) rules, so Florida can draw down $991 million in federal dollars for its Medicaid populations.
2. Devote more dollars to infrastructure. Crist said the state has $7 billion in projects that could be completed within four months that would create 195,000 jobs.
3. Pass the much-debated Colombian Free Trade Agreement, which Obama has raised objections about during the campaign.
And by the way, Crist reminds Obama in the letter Florida will need help with that whole Space Shuttle retirement party, and will require "a strong federal-state partnership and commitment to working with local communities to provide economic opportunities for individuals impacted by the shuttle retirement."
"I invite you to join me in Florida for an upcoming launch of the Space Shuttle and to discuss the future of our nation's space program," he writes.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Breaking: Sink Not Running for US Senate?
From (yet again) Politico, just posted:
Sink not running against Martinez
One of the Democrats’ leading candidates to challenge Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) in 2010 has decided to pass up the opportunity, according to a source familiar with her thinking.
Florida’s chief financial officer, Alex Sink, has decided to run for a second term as CFO and forego a run against Martinez. She made the decision over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Sink’s office did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Sink not running against Martinez
One of the Democrats’ leading candidates to challenge Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) in 2010 has decided to pass up the opportunity, according to a source familiar with her thinking.
Florida’s chief financial officer, Alex Sink, has decided to run for a second term as CFO and forego a run against Martinez. She made the decision over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Sink’s office did not return phone calls seeking comment.
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