Govs Resist Added Federal Expenses From Congress

Sunday, July 19, 2009 5:10 PM

BILOXI, Miss. -- Many of the nation's governors say they don't want Congress to force states to pick up extra expenses, from health care to national security.

Democrats and Republicans attending the convention of the National Governors Association said Sunday that state budgets are already strained by recession.

A group of governors joined Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in calling on Congress to revise requirements by fall for secure driver's licenses that are intended to help boost national security. The governors say federal requirements for the licenses are too expensive.

Several governors also worry federal legislation could push billions of dollars in new expenses on their states for Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the needy.

http://www.newsmax.com/us/us_governors_ ... 37473.html