Beshear Says Stimulus Crucial For Kentucky

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says the aggressive use of stimulus funds is essential to Kentucky's survival in the recession.In a speech at the annual Local Issues Conference in Louisville, Beshear said the federal stimulus package has helped the state keep local governments afloat with jobs in road construction and the continued funding of education."I know that some people moan and groan about it, but my friends, I'll tell you this. We would be so far underwater today at the state level—and I think you would be at the local level—had they not taken that kind of action and stepped up to put the federal government out there on the line with us," he said.Kentucky has spent about 660 million stimulus dollars so far. The state is set to receive 3 billion dollars and can apply for more through federal grants.