Thanks but no thanks: Most states pass on their share of $5B in stimulus cash for welfare jobs

$4B in stimulus funds for welfare jobs untouched

ATLANTA — Congress has set aside $5 billion to help states find jobs for people on welfare. But most states don’t seem to want it.

The federal government has doled out just $1 billion from the money set aside as part of last year’s stimulus package. The money and the program will expire at the end of September.

Georgia, Tennessee and California are among the states that have asked for their share. Many states haven’t touched it because they’re worried about what will happen when the money runs out.

Critics of the program also say states can’t afford to pony up the matching funds that the federal program requires.