FLORIDA - Tuesday evening Governor Charlie Crist said Florida is "Challenged."

It took Crist just 18 minutes to deliver his "State Of The State" address.

Crist called on lawmakers to find more money for education and to create more jobs, but As Whitney Ray tells us, the governor is asking lawmakers to meet his challenges without raising taxes.

Just one year ago Governor Charlie Crist called the State of the State strong. Tuesday night he changed his tune.

Charlie Crist / Governor
"The state of our state maybe challenged today, but my friends the determination of our people is stronger than ever."

The speech was just 18 minutes. Shorter yet were the applauds from lawmakers, When Crist called for quick action on the Seminole Gaming Compact no one left their seat.

Charlie Crist / Governor
"Whether you're for or against gaming, the compact makes sense, and it deserves your support for our people."

Crist asked lawmakers to spend five billion of the state's federal stimulus dollars to keep taxes low. House Democrats, who have filed legislation to lift tax exemptions, raise the sales tax, and charge more for cigarettes to fund schools and health care, were disappointed.

Jim Waldman / (D) Broward County
"He's got to look at other forms of revenue and he's got to be open to it."
Crist is asking lawmakers to increase per student spending. Senator Al Lawson says the legislature can't do it with federal stimulus dollars alone.

Al Lawson / (D) Tallahassee
"I would like to know where you're going to get the resources. Are you going to look at some of the Democratic plans about how we bring more money into education?"

Crist's answer was brief.

Charlie Crist
"I just don't think it's an option we have to go to."

Democrats weren't the only ones upset with Crist's plan even some Republicans say the governor is relying too heavily on federal stimulus dollars.

House Republicans are afraid the budget deficit will only get worse down the road if the state uses the federal stimulus dollars to fund reoccurring expenses like education and health care.

They want to see a bulk of the money spent infrastructure.
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