What is a stimulus meant to do for states?

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum
Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum is running for re-election for a fifth term in Minnesota's 4th Congressional District.
MPR Photo/Tim Nelson

Minnesota is one of over 40 states facing a budget shortfall. Three Governors who appeared on Captiol Hill today warned of shrinking revenues and painful budget cuts.

They told the house appropriations committee that without in infusion of federal cash, there may be even deeper cuts to services and infrastructure. Wisconsin's Governor, Jim Doyle -- for example -- told lawmakers his state will collect $3 billion less in taxes over the next two years.

Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum was in the hearing room today. She's a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and she joined Tom Crann by phone from Washington to talk about what she heard today.

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