10/20: States track stimulus funds

Stateline: States track stimulus funds

The first big test of states’ oversight efforts comes this October when they must file the initial quarterly reports with the federal government on how they have spent those funds.

The federal law doesn’t require states to name point people or spell out their duties. But the Obama administration, which has czars for health care, energy, illegal drugs and even for cities, has asked states to name “implementation czars” to keep an eye on their share of the federal stimulus package. Governors are free to tap whomever they want for the post—if anyone at all. Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland and Texas have opted not to name a person.

An interactive map names the czars and websites for each state.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Rep. Artur Davis calls for rewrite of state constitution

ARKANSAS: State lottery repays $2.8 million loan to state

FLORIDA: State's senators talk about high speed rail

GEORGIA: State wants more training for daycare workers

KENTUCKY: Report puts price tag on pollution from coal plants

LOUISIANA: Graduation rates among La. high school students falls most

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: State dilemma: Tax hike or more cuts?

NORTH CAROLINA: State's residents upset over plan to free inmates

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers to reconvene to discuss jobless benefits

TENNESSEE: Sen. Lamar Alexander, former secretary of education, pushes for 3-year college degrees

VIRGINIA: Candidates for Lt. Gov. embroiled in heated debate

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