Alabama May Reject Some Stimulus Money

Alabama Mississippi Republican Gov. Bob Riley said he may reject
about $66 million of the federal economic stimulus funds that were
earmarked to help states fund unemployment benefits.

by The Associated Press

Published: Mon, February 23, 2009 - 8:29 am CST Last Updated: Mon, February 23, 2009 - 8:31 am CST

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Gov. Bob Riley said he may reject
about $66 million of the federal economic stimulus funds that were
earmarked to help states fund unemployment benefits.
Riley made the comments Sunday in an interview with the
Birmingham News.
Riley, who is attending the National Governors Association
meeting in Washington, said he's concerned about federal rules that
could interfere with state's ability to write laws and regulations.
Republican governors Haley Barbour of Mississippi and Bobby
Jindal of Louisiana are also raising questions about taking the
stimulus funds.
Many governors are dealing with budget crises that have followed
staggering unemployment, rising foreclosures and plummeting tax
revenue.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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cmb1 Says:

Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 9:37 am

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Op2mstik1 Says:

Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 9:34 am

Reject funds in the stimulus for unemployment benefits and if there are funds for welfare in this plan dump those too. Except funds for schools and road repair Mobile needs that bad. Also to re-coop some state funds have all those who are on welfare submit to a drug test if they plan on getting welfare checks. Term limits on welfare should be 5 years or less depending if employment is found. Money re-cooped from welfare should be used to train those receiving benefits to obtain a job. Divert the money in the stimulus for unemployment benefits to lower the sales tax on food and gas, that’s a stimulus in it self.

BamaBob Says:

Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 10:38 am

When the stimulus bucks run out in a couple of years, the states will be stuck paying the bill forever. How does a balanced budget state do that? Only one way and that is to raise taxes out the wazoo.

Good move Riley!

FLOWERCHILD Says:

Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 10:35 am

Sounds like a politician paying attention and not acting greedy. What’s up? I agree with you Riley? We wouldn’t want the state to not be able to control THE money.