California expects $50B from federal stimulus program

SACRAMENTO ” California is in line to receive $50 billion in federal stimulus funding, most of which will plug budget shortfalls to education and other programs.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office on Tuesday projected the state will receive roughly $31.5 billion in stimulus money over the next three years. The governor’s office projected up to $20 billion more if it aggressively pursues grants.

Schwarzenegger administration officials say they intend to capture as much money as possible.

Most of it will be used to fill shortfalls in education and health care programs. California also will get help with housing, welfare and unemployment programs.

About 8 percent of the total will fund transportation projects.