States told details of rules for stimulus

WASHINGTON — State officials, including those from Tennessee and Georgia, received a stern warning from President Barack Obama on Thursday that the federal funds they’re receiving are not to be frittered away.

“If we see money being misspent, we’re going to put a stop to it, and we will call it out and we will publicize it,” President Obama told the state officials during a conference at the White House on economic stimulus accountability.

“No swimming pools in this money,” added Vice President Joe Biden.

At the White House conference, attendees heard from officials in each cabinet department on how the stimulus funds should be spent. Attendees had questions on what reporting requirements will be in place and how states are expected to divvy up stimulus funds among localities.

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen sent Deputy Gov. John Morgan and stimulus package overseer Charles Harrison to the conference, while Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue sent Deputy Chief Financial Officer Celeste Osborne and Deputy Director of Planning and Budget Debbie Dlugolenski.

None could be reached for comment.

Separately, Senate Republicans announced their plans to monitor stimulus spending and make sure there is proper oversight, transparency and accountability.

“Our goal is to make sure that the trillion dollars is used to create jobs as much as possible and isn’t wasted,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who unveiled the Republicans’ plans at a news conference Thursday.

He said Republicans, most of whom voted against the stimulus package, would hold hearings, conduct audits and confer with governors and mayors.

Vice President Biden told the assembled officials that the stimulus funds are for three purposes: to put money in people’s pockets, create jobs and make investments in new technologies.

“If we don’t get this right, folks, this is the end of the opportunity to convince the Congress that anything should go to the states,” he said. “We all have the responsibility to make sure this legislation is implemented with maximum efficiency.”