Legislative Control Over Economic Stimulus Funds

HB 1656 introduced by Rep. Austin is the subject of an article by Bill Ruthart. The bill specifies that federal economic stimulus dollars cannot be spent except pursuant to legislation adopted by the General Assembly after January 1, 2008 for the purposes specified in the federal economic stimulus package. In other words, the General Assembly does not want the governor spending the money on his own. Senator Kenley was interviewed for Ruthart’s article. He suggested that the Governor should be a partner in deciding how the federal stimulus money was spent. As I read the legislation, he would be — the same as he is in the adoption of any legislation. He can veto appropriations for purposes he does not like. As I read the legislation, however, he would not be able to unilaterally spend the money pursuant to prior appropriations made for other reasons.