While our genius state legislators are making headlines by calling on the governor to reject federal stimulus funds, other states are getting busy figuring out the best ways to put the money to good use.

To that end, Progressive States has put together a resource guide, Implementing the Recovery Plan: A Resource Guide for State Legislators and Advocates:

Built into the plan is a recognition that while the federal government can assist in funding the work, most of the implementation of the plan will happen in the states. This [guide] provides facts, guidance and a collection of resources to state leaders and advocates on how to implement the recovery plan in a strategic manner that strengthens our states and honors our progressive values.

The guide analyzes each program area and provides links to reports and background information useful to policy makers.

An accompanying report, Why States Need to be a Focus for Any Economic Recovery Plan warns against "50 Herbert Hoovers," saying:

Paul Krugman wrote in the NY Times about the dangers of a pro-growth federal spending plan being derailed by what he calls "50 Herbert Hoovers -- state governors who are slashing spending in a time of recession, often at the expense both of their most vulnerable constituents and of the nation’s economic future."

...Ultimately, support for the states is a key to recovery not just to avoid the negative effects of state cutbacks, but because the programs administered by the states, from transportation systems to health care to unemployment insurance systems, are key levers for reviving local economies across the country.

These reports should be must reads for state legislators and policy makers, and anyone else who wants to learn more about the stimulus plan. Hopefully that will include Tennessee legislators, although I'm sure there are some who wouldn't want to be caught with a website called "Progressive States Network" in their browser history.