The National Governors Association wrote to Betsy DeVos, the U.S. secretary of education, Friday, to urge the Department to distribute the $30 billion of education stabilization funds in the $2.2 trillion federal stimulus to states within two weeks. Of the $30 billion, $14 billion is directed specifically to higher education. Florida’s share of the $14 billion for higher education is roughly$791.4 million.
Florida is expected to receive another $171.5 million in emergency discretionary education grants to distribute to the schools, colleges, and universities that the virus and downturn have particularly affected.
Just last Thursday, FAMU VP of Finance and Administration Alan Robertson told Trustees, that the university faces $12.8 million in losses in revenue, expenses, due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Robertson expects the university could recoup a share of the losses from the federal stimulus funds.
The Governors asked the Education Department to allow the states to use “maximum flexibility” in using the money. The letter asked for flexibility to reimburse costs already incurred during the COVID-19 crisis by states, local governments and higher education entities.