Politics | President Obama Mayors, Guvs Jockey for Piece of Stimulus Pie Many have budgets on hold until plan is finalized By Nick McMaster Posted Feb 16, 2009 12:40 PM CST Copied House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, flanked by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Md., left, and Rep John Larson, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) As the stimulus bill becomes law this week, state officials across the country are competing for their share of federal largess, the New York Times reports. Complex rules govern how money is doled out, and states are still catching up. “This is all rather daunting,” said the director of the National Association of State Governors. “It’s a lot of money, and this is happening fast.” States in better fiscal shape worry they’ll get a smaller share of the money than others: Arkansas and North Carolina, for example, have balanced education budgets. “We don’t want to be penalized for not having a deficit,” said a spokesman for North Carolina’s governor. Read These Next Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. Hiker lost for days in Idaho had no pants or shoes. Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. Wheel of Fortune just made a millionaire. Report an error