Florida Republicans prepare to disburse (Obama stimulus) solar rebates

[jpak]

http://solar.coolerplanet.com/News/800221324-florida-republicans-prepare-to-disburse-solar-rebates.aspx

Legislators in Florida have proposed a special legislative session for the middle of the month to discuss distribution of federal funds for energy rebates, according to the Associated Press.

The state's newly elected Republicans will help control the legislature and the meeting is tentatively scheduled for the day when lawmakers gather to discuss post-election organization and aspirations.

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Florida holds more than $31 billion in stimulus funds that are earmarked for rebates from projects including solar energy. But the rebates cannot be disbursed until the Legislature appropriates the money. Consequently, consumers who installed the approved systems are patiently waiting for their checks.

On top of the delays, consumers will not immediately receive the full amount of the rebates. About 13,000 unpaid applications are in backlog, totaling $52 million. When held up against the $29 million that lawmakers plan to appropriate, applicants should expect to receive just over half of what was promised to them.

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[3waygeek]

1. My ultra-reich-wing folks are among the beneficiaries

of the solar rebates -- Dad had PV panels & a solar pool heater installed last summer on their Cape Coral home. No doubt he'll complain about Obama screwing him on the rebate.

[seafan]

2. These GOP cranks in the Florida Legislature have been sitting on this rebate money for months.

So now, they want to call a special session to play Big Daddy, passing out the bucks. They have been sitting on this money for months.

Maybe this will hide the coming public outrage over their intent during the same special session to reverse nine vetoes by Governor Crist.




Republicans in Legislature. defying Crist, refuse to release federal money to the public for energy rebate program

September 15, 2010


As discussed near the end of this entry.


This was all about defying Governor Crist and holding the public's energy rebates hostage, causing hardship to many Floridians who were waiting for this money.




And remember, this same bunch in the Legislature refused to hold a special session on offshore drilling in July as the oil polluted Florida's shorelines, while laughing at Governor Crist as they held a minutes-long gavel-in and gavel-out before gleefully heading for home.


But they can surely hold a special session now for reversing actions that Governor Crist took for the people.




Florida has entered a very dark period.