Governors may reject stimulus funds

Governors of some states may turn down stimulus funds

At least half a dozen Republican governors have said they may reject some, if not all, of the money their states would get under a stimulus package that they say will enlarge the government’s slice of gross domestic product and slow, or even reverse, the economic downturn.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford have joined the revolt started by Gov. Butch Otter of Idaho (along with Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin and Texas' Gov. Rick Perry).

The rift in the GOP was apparent Sunday on “Meet the Press” as Governor Jindal faced off with Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, who is welcoming the stimulus package. “We are at a time of need and to do nothing is not acceptable,” said Governor Crist. “I’ve looked into the eyes of people [in unemployment lines] and I understand the challenge.”

Today marks the start of the Republican Governors Association conference in Washington -- one to watch!

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Budget problems may stall ethics reform

ARKANSAS: Bill approved by House committee allows non-partisan election of prosecutors

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist "shrugs off" criticism by GOP peers over stimulus plan

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue defends plan to overhaul state DOT

KENTUCKY: Legislature likely won't vote on expanded gambling this year

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal criticizes stimulus plan on "Meet the Press"

MISSISSIPPI: Jackson State University touts new LEED-certified building

NORTH CAROLINA: Cuts in state budget to move forward despite stimulus money

SOUTH CAROLINA: New database for law enforcers will track gang activity in state

TENNESSEE: State GOP prepares to test social agenda in legislature

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine looks to cut state funds for school support jobs by 1/3

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