Here's the report from the A.P.:
As of February 2009, S.C. had an eleven percent unemployment rate, among the nation's highest rates, see here. Sanford's decision, should he follow through, will have a devastating impact.White House budget chief Peter Orszag said there is no provision in the stimulus law for state lawmakers to accept that money without approval by the governor.
[South Carolina Governor Mark] Sanford, a Republican, has said he may decline some of the state's $2.8 billion in stimulus money because the White House won't let him use the cash to pay down his state's debt, including bonds and looming retirement system liabilities. South Carolina started the fiscal year with $8.1 billion in total bonds outstanding, according to the state's comptroller.
