By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Governor Jay Nixon is giving few details as to how he plans to use the federal stimulus dollars authorized by President Obama this week.
Nixon told reporters that he wants the federal dollars to go toward education, job training, life sciences and several other areas.
"At the start of the 21st Century, we must transform our economy by embracing science and technology to create the jobs of tomorrow," Nixon said.
Nixon did not, however, mention how much money he expects for each category or how he plans to spend it.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Kevin Engler (R, Farmington) is concerned the money comes with strings attached.
"Are we going to start programs that we have to kill in two years, and then owe the federal government back money? We don't want to get in a situation where we box (ourselves) in," Engler said.
The Missouri Senate also gave initial approval to the creation of special state accounts to receive the federal stimulus money.
Engler says the accounts will enable the state to keep track of how the federal dollars are used.