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Low cost health plans under the new “CoverFlorida” plan went on sale in early January, but with no money to market the plans it is uncertain how any have been purchased.

That’s prompting Governor Charlie Crist to hit the road and market the plans today and tomorrow. The Governor began in Tallahassee where he told reporters there is a plan for everyone.

“People can choose preventive coverage only at an average of about twenty-four dollars a month” says Crist. “Or you can choose coverage that includes catastrophic and hospital care. Typically the preventive plans are cheaper. Fourteen of the 25 cover Florida plans that are available today have monthly premiums averaging $155.00 or less.”

The Governor was joined by State Senator and medical doctor Durell Peaden, a Republican from Pensacola. Peaden’s message is that the plans are working. “There are thousands of people all over Florida. These small preventative policies, these maintenance policies, and these more complicated policies for more complicated disease processes are overwhelmingly helpful for those people in everyday Florida” says Peaden.

The CoverFlorida Plan was approved by lawmakers last year. The policies are cheaper than most traditional plans because they do not always cover every medical condition.

Today was Florida A & M University day at the state capitol. The event was scaled back like many others because of financial concerns.

The goal was to let lawmakers know the school is still strong and to thank them for not cutting more. But President James Ammons also came with a warning: More cuts could be devastating.

“The thing I am really concerned about is the quality in what we do” says Ammons. “We have been able thus far to protect our academic enterprise as much as possible. We haven’t laid off and regular faculty members. Everyone is still intact, but if we continue to have these cuts, three is going to be tremendous impact on our ability to provide the courses and the programs to keep students on track for graduation.”

Florida A&M is facing 15 to 17 million in cuts from is 100 million dollar budget. The school has already cut 16 million this year.

New calculations show Florida is getting 13 point 4 billion dollars, a 1 point 2 billion dollar increase over what it thought it would get in stimulus cash. That will only intensify a brewing battle in Tallahassee over if and how lawmakers should spend stimulus money. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, many are worried the money will run out while there is still a need.

Many conservative state lawmakers don’t want to spend stimulus dollars on expenses that will still be around when the money is gone.

“We cannot tie our hands and accept money from the federal government with the mandate that we spend money next year, when the economy could continue to be slowing down,” Rep. David Rivera (R-Miami) said.

Last night, the Governor’s call during the State of the State to use the money fell on deaf ears.

“This money will help us avoid tax increases,” Governor Crist said. “It will also prevent deep cuts.”

Even 3rd party groups like AARP are warning that without tax increases, the money could create more problems than it solves.

“We’ve got a fundamental, underlying revenue problem and we need to address that.  When the stimulus goes away those problems are still going to be there,” David Bundy with the Children’s Home Society said.

Despite their reluctance, in the end lawmakers may have little choice but to accept the money.

Governor Charlie Crist called agency heads together to introduce his new Stimulus Czar. Don Winstead will coordinate the state’s spending of the money.

“We are at our best when we respond to crisis and this is a crisis,” Winstead said.

And Charlie Crist is finding it hard to believe some don’t want to take the money.

“At the end of the day, you really don’t have a whole lot of choices.,” Crist said. “The other choices besides using the stimulus money are not that great.”

Indeed, it could prove difficult for lawmakers to refuse some of the cash while cutting programs it could have otherwise saved.

The divide over whether to use the stimulus money is more philosophical than along party lines.

CFO Alex sink says the state isn’t receiving its fair share in federal grants. Sink pulled together a report that shows Florida’s Washington office isn’t very effective and that an office in Tallahassee designed to review grant applications might be slowing the process down. The CFO is calling on lawmakers to also make matching money available, even if they are not in town.

“Florida is receiving about 1098 dollars in per capita grants while other states are receiving much more. We are ranking 45th in per capita federal grants,” Sink said.

Florida would have to receive almost another 6 billion dollars to reach the national average for grants.

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The AARP and a coalition of groups ranging from the Children’s Home Society to the Developmental Disabilities Council today called on state lawmakers to pass tax increases to provide money for services. The groups are worried that Federal money will be used to plug budget holes, but when the money is gone, services will be cut.  Debra Dowds from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council says she already has a long waiting list stimulus dollars won’t cure.

“There are 18,000 people waiting for services. In addition to that, the developmental disabilities system has been cut for the last two years,” Dowds said. “Two years ago, they cut services, they put people in tears, and then last year they cut provider rates. The system is in a real crisis. In addition to that, there are 18,000 people on the waiting list.”

Because of cuts made to DD programs, some providers have closed their doors, making the waiting list longer and the need for services greater.

Florida stands to get 65 million dollars in stimulus money to help a growing homeless population. The money could be available in April and the bulk of it will be sent to cities and counties with programs in place. Miami-Dade County will see 16 million. Hillsborough, 1point 5 million and Pinellas County should be getting 1 point 2 million. Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon says the money couldn’t come at a better time.

“As this population is being driven higher and higher by the economic downturn, these dollars can be a safety net that’s critical to these organizations,” Sheldon said. “A lot of it is shelter, a lot of it’s food. But in addition to that is the continuing of care. A lot of these individuals have issues other than just a roof over their head and food. Some of that is mental health and substance abuse services. So really, you’ve got to have a continuing of care that links all these things together.”

Of the 65 million, the state will be getting about 18 million to help those counties not on the federal government’s list.

Governor Charlie Crist has appointed a veteran state administrator to oversee the spending of stimulus dollars. Don Winstead from the Department of Children and Families says he views the state response to the economic problems much the way the state responds to hurricanes, with each agency assigned specific response duties.

“We are at our best when we respond to crisis and this is a crisis,” Winstead said. “And we want to use the kinds of good, effective techniques that we use in crisis to focus on this activity, have a sense of urgency about what we are going to accomplish, shorten the lines of communication, keep the unnecessary bureaucracy to an absolute minimum, and focus on results.”

Winstead started the new position today. Winstead managed the Department of Children and Families response to Hurricane Andrew in 1992. He has also been a federal administrator.

There are hundreds of traffic infractions that can get you pulled over, but one act can not: Not wearing your seat belt. State law says police can only ticket you for not wearing a seatbelt if they stop you for something else. Legislation to change the enforcement cleared a legislative committee today in Tallahassee. Katie Marchetti of Tampa was killed three years ago today. Her parents Vincent and Laura came to the state capitol to put a human story on the face of the legislation.

“She was a passenger in her own car. Her boyfriend had a seatbelt on and he survived with barely a scratch,” Laura Marchetti said. “Plain and simple, he had a seatbelt on and he survived and my daughter was ejected from the car, thrown onto the highway and then another car ran over our daughter. She died five hours later.”

While the legislation has failed for at least the last five years, it takes on new urgency this year. Florida stands to gain a 35 million dollar federal grant, but it must act before June 30th.

The death of a 23 year old confidential informant has lawmakers trying to change the way police recruit and protect civilians they send undercover. Last May, Rachel Hoffman was killed, trying to buy drugs and a gun while undercover. As Whitney Ray tells us, a bill to create “Rachel’s Law” would require the state attorney’s approval before police send offenders to do their dirty work.

Hear it Here: Rachel’s Law

In an attempt to clear her name of drug charges, 23-year old Rachel Hoffman struck a deal with Tallahassee Police. Rachel agreed to go undercover to help police catch two suspected drug dealers. Police lost contact with Rachel during a sting operation, and by the time they found her, it was too late.

As a result of Rachel’s death, four officers were suspended without pay and one officer was fired. Now lawmakers are using the tragedy to push “Rachel’s Law.” The legislation would require state attorneys to sign off on any deal where the offender agrees to go undercover in exchange for a lesser charge.

“They should first of all make it very clear to them what is at risk. They should also make sure that there is somebody, a third party, whether it be an attorney, a parent or somebody that is guiding them,” said bill sponsor Mike Fasano.

The Hoffman’s attorney Lance Block was at the Capitol Wednesday to support the changes. A judge has told Block not to talk to the media until the criminal case against Rachel’s suspected killers is over.

State Senator Arthenia Joyner is co-sponsoring “Rachel’s Law” and says the legislation could save lives.

“Hopefully we can come up with something that can be utilized so this does not occur again,” said Joyner.

“If we could save one more Rachel I think it would be better for everyone,” said Fasano.

Police are having input into the legislation, but many organizations fear it will hamper investigations.

Rachel’s Law would also ban people from becoming confidential informants if they were following a court ordered substance abuse program. Rachel was under the supervision of a drug court when she agreed to go undercover.

A plan to use state money to build a commuter rail in Central Florida is picking up steam. The CSX SunRail legislation passed its first Senate committee Wednesday.

The legislation was derailed in the senate last year. Supporters and opponents of the plan to build 61 miles of track at a cost of 850 million state dollars showed up in full force. State Senator Arthenia Joyner worries about a provision in the bill that holds the state liable if anyone is hurt on the CSX tracks.

“The people of Florida should not have to indemnify for a multi-million dollar corporation. If you buy it and you make a mistake, and you cause injury, harm or death to people, then you should be responsible for it, not the state of Florida,” said Joyner.

Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty supports the SunRail. Crotty said the commuter rail would create jobs and pump money into the economy.

“It is a major enhancement to our economy. It’s a major enhancement to our transportation alternatives and I think it keeps us ahead of the curve in the economic downturn,” said Crotty.

The SunRail would run from Volusia County though downtown Orlando to Osceola County.

For the second day in a row, college students gathered at the state capitol to protest spending cuts at state universities.

Students from eight schools waved signs and asked lawmakers to restore funding to their universities. University of Florida Junior Matt Goldberger said his school is still feeling the blow from last year’s state budget ax.

“They’re getting into the meat and the bone of the program. When you see the foreign language programs being eliminated entirely and the faculty to staff ratio at UF is 1,300 to one, then there is clearly a problem,” said Goldberger.

Wednesday’s event was sponsored by the Florida Student Association. Tuesday, students from FSU and FAMU held a rally at the capitol and Thursday student leaders from eight different schools will meet with lawmakers in Tallahassee.

Tonight Governor Charlie Crist says Florida is “Challenged.” It took Crist just 18 minutes to deliver his “State of the State” address. Crist called on lawmakers to find more money for education and to create more jobs, but as Whitney Ray tells us, the governor is asking lawmakers to meet his challenges without raising taxes.

Hear it Here: From Strong to Challenged

Just one year ago Governor Charlie Crist called the State of the State strong. Tuesday night he changed his tune.

“The state of our state maybe challenged today, but my friends the determination of our people is stronger than ever,” said Crist.

The speech was just 18 minutes. Shorter yet were the applause from lawmakers. When Crist called for quick action on the Seminole Gaming Compact no one left their seat.

“Whether you’re for or against gaming, the compact makes sense, and it deserves your support for our people,” said Crist.

Crist asked lawmakers to spend five billion of the state’s federal stimulus dollars to keep taxes low. House Democrats, who have filed legislation to lift tax exemptions, raise the sales tax, and charge more for cigarettes to fund schools and health care, were disappointed.

“He’s got to look at other forms of revenue and he’s got to be open to it,” said House Democrat Jim Waldman.

Crist is asking lawmakers to increase per student spending. Senator Al Lawson says the legislature can’t do it with federal stimulus dollars alone.

“I would like to know where you’re going to get the resources. Are you going to look at some of the Democratic plans about how we bring more money into education,” asked Democratic Senator Al Lawson.

Crist’s answer was brief.

“I just don’t think it’s an option we have to go to,” said Crist.

Democrats weren’t the only ones upset with Crist’s plan. Even some Republicans say the governor is relying too heavily on federal stimulus dollars.

House Republicans are afraid the budget deficit will only get worse over time if the state uses federal stimulus dollars to fund reoccurring expenses like education and health care. Some Democrats and Republicans want to see a bulk of the money spent on infrastructure.

Florida lawmakers have begun their annual 60-day session amid the worst economic conditions since the great depression. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, today’s ceremonial beginning will turn into the most heated debate over taxes in decades.

On the 164th anniversary of Florida’s statehood, the opening of the legislative session was filled with Pomp and Circumstance.

But tough choices lie ahead. The state is 5 billion in the red and the Senate President noted the picture could get worse.

“Projections paint a sobering picture,” Senate President Jeff Atwater said.

Revised revenue numbers are due in mid March. Newly elected House Speaker Larry Cretul says the state of the state isn’t great.

“I think the state of the state is, we need to be concerned. We need also to be braced, perhaps, for some unpopular decisions, “ Cretul said.

While today was all about flowers, pomp and circumstance, feeling good and renewing old acquaintances, we heard one member exclaim, once the flowers are gone, the war begins.

Schools are worried about additional cuts, and the list of possible tax increases is long. A penny more for sales tax. Bottled Water. Cigarettes. Gambling. Eliminating exemptions on everything from advertising to dry cleaning.

While some are optimistic, many are not.

“I think the state of the state is crisis,” Rep. Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) said. “We’re in very tough economic times.”

The 60-day session promises to be physically, mentally, and most likely financially taxing.

Newly elected House Speaker Larry Cretul says it is too early to talk about taxes until the state’s full revenue picture is known. That won’t happen until new revenue estimates are released in March. They are almost certain to show less money than expected just two months ago.

“I think the state of the state is, we need to be concerned. We also need to be braced, perhaps, for some unpopular decisions,” Cretul said. “But I think as we move forward, if we have the opportunity with messaging the current conditions, the folks will understand. The better thing to do is ask, what do you think the state of the taxpayer is? That kind of reveals the state of the state.”

The legislative session ends May 1st. The only constitutional duty lawmakers have is to pass a balanced budget.

Efforts to pass an increase in the state’s 33.9 cent cigarette tax are building steam at the state capitol. A dollar increase would still put Florida around the national average and would bring the state as much as a billion dollars a year. Paul Hull of the American Cancer Society says right now the state is spending more treating sick smokers than the current tax is bringing in.

“Florida is long overdue for an increase in the cigarette tax,” Hull said. “We have one of the lowest in the country. And the gap between what we spend on Medicaid and what we take in as cigarette taxes, is ridiculously high. Nobody likes taxes but there’s a time and a place. And it’s one reason our budget is in such dire straights, it’s because of the burden on Medicaid caused by tobacco use.”

Florida has not raised the cigarette tax since 1990. 44 other states charge more than Florida.