By Associated Press
Washington D.C. – Federal officials say Illinois will receive about three billion dollars for education in economic stimulus money.
It's money President Barack Obama promises will save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs.
But some states could end up spending on playground equipment or wallpaper and the President might not have the authority to stop them.
Obama says nearly all of the money for education in the recovery act is designed to retain teachers.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan threatens to ``come down like a ton of bricks'' on anyone who defies the administration's plans to bring relief to states who face layoffs because of budget cuts. But plans for the money are pulling in other directions, particularly in states with Republican governors.
Stimulus money starts going out to states this week.
