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.)
