Republicans balk at unemployment alteration

This morning, several Republican leaders held a press conference outside the Capitol regarding a portion of the federal stimulus package that provides bolstered money for unemployment.

Of special concern to the group were provisions in the federal bill that stipulate additional money in exchange for expanding the type of people who could receive benefits. Adjusting the law, they said, would force business to pick up the difference once the stimulus money runs out in two years.

Attending the press conference were Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, and House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin. Here are some comments from the conference:

And here's a portion of the question and answer section of the press conference:

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has also expressed concern about unemployment funds stemming from the federal stimulus bill.