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Democrat Governor May Reject Stimulus Funds

Bredesen of Tenn. joins GOP critics

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 25, 2009 5:30 PM CST

(Newser) – A Democrat has joined the ranks of GOP governors who may turn down stimulus funds. Gov. Phil Bredesen of Tennessee says the state may reject $143 million for unemployed workers because it won't be able to afford the long-term budget repercussions, reports the Tennessean. Six other governors, all of them Republican, have voiced similar concerns. So far, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana is the only one to turn down the money definitively. 

"We are evaluating this piece of money, whether it makes sense for us to take it," Bredesen told the Chattanooga Times Free Press. "We're in the position of going back to our legislature this year for changes in our tax structure just to keep our fund whole, and taking it to a new level may be too much of a lift for the legislature this spring." One main objection: States have to expand the pool of available recipients to include part-time workers.

In this Jan. 28, 2008 file photo, Gov. Phil Bredesen delivers his annual State of the State address in Nashville, Tenn.
In this Jan. 28, 2008 file photo, Gov. Phil Bredesen delivers his annual State of the State address in Nashville, Tenn.   (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen speaks to the media prior to the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race in Concord, N.C., Sunday, May 27, 2007.
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen speaks to the media prior to the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race in Concord, N.C., Sunday, May 27, 2007.   (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Feb 26, 2009 6:57 AM CST
This has more to do with grandstanding to the conservative elements in his red state than anything else.
AdaptAndOvercome
Feb 26, 2009 6:24 AM CST
Well this is TN, the redneck, hood wearing state of the US. If he wants to be elected again, he has to play to the GOP, maybe he'll put out stupid comments like Bobby Jindal. Another Governor who's state is hurting and is instead sighting with political views instead of what's right for the American people of his state.
Guest
Feb 26, 2009 3:18 AM CST
I've seen plenty of government benefits that are good only until money runs out or the number of permits reaches a certain number. These governors somehow aren't able to do that? Or do they just really dislike part-timers?

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