ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Tim Pawlenty's top finance official says it will take cooperation and coordination to make sure the state maximizes the money it could get out of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus bill.
Management and Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson says the state expects to get at least $4 billion from the bill, which President Barack Obama could sign as soon as Tuesday.
But Hanson told a Senate committee on Monday that additional money could come from grants, and he says state agencies and outside groups will have to work together to apply for them.
Hanson also reminded lawmakers that some of the funding comes with strings attached, meaning the Legislature could have to change some state laws to make sure Minnesota qualifies for the money.
Hanson says his office expects to have detailed numbers on the stimulus package in time for the state's March 3 budget forecast.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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