Rep. Seth McKeel: Energy Rebate Problems were Crist's Fault

Taking a parting shot at Charlie Crist during Tuesday's special session, Rep. Seth McKeel blamed the lame-duck governor for the shortfall in the state's home-energy rebate program.

Saying Crist set up the program "prematurely" and "with no authorization," the Lakeland Republican called for passage of House Bill 15A. The measure would dedicate $31 million in federal stimulus funds to pay rebates to Floridians who had upgraded their air-conditioning systems or installed solar hot-water heaters. Thousands of qualifying homeowners have not received their rebate checks because the state program ran out of money.

The funding measure passed unanimously.