Labor & Employment Law

Fla.?s Scott Holding Up $1 Billion That Would Help Stop Foreclosures

By James Parks

In another example of his lack of concern for working people, Florida Gov. Rick Scott is holding up more than $1 billion in federal funds that could help thousands of that state?s citizens save their homes from foreclosure.

Florida?s first installment from the federal Hardest Hit program?$418 million?was awarded to the state more than a year ago. The money is for unemployed home­owners or those who have jobs but don’t earn enough to pay their mortgage. It can be used to make loan payments for up to 18 months or to bring delinquent loans current. The most one household can receive is $35,000.  

Kimberly Miller of the Palm Beach Post reports that of the first five states to receive the Hardest Hit money in February 2010, all but Florida have fully operational programs. Two subsequent installments of money in August and September brought Florida’s total to $1.05 billion.

Gov. Scott last month rejected $2.4 billion in federal money for a high-speed rail project that would have linked Orlando and Tampa.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on March 17, 2011 (boomark / email).