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Time is running out for the state legislature to secure 444 million in additional federal stimulus dollars.

In order to receive the money Florida would have to lighten its unemployment qualification standards. Legislation to change the standards and allow more people to qualify for unemployment is being snubbed by legislative leaders. House Sponsor Kevin Radar said there�s still hope.

�The governor likes it, which is probably a good thing to have on your side on an issue, but you know a lot will happen over the couple of days and we�ll have to wait and see,� said Radar.

Radar said his legislation could help keep the state�s unemployment compensation fund afloat. The fund is paying out 60 million dollars a week in claims because the jobless rate has grown to nearly 10 percent. Lawmakers say the fund will be dry by July.