Salt Lake City ? Utah lawmakers have decided against changing state law to accept more than $61 million in federal stimulus money meant to help the unemployed.

The Legislature would have needed to allow about 4,200 jobless residents to qualify for unemployment benefits, including part-time workers and those who quit to accompany a spouse changing jobs.

Lawmakers said before wrapping up their session last week that they’re worried employers would get hit with more unemployment taxes to cover the costs.

Utah has until August 2011 to change state law and claim the funds. Other states, including Texas, are also considering turning down federal stimulus money for unemployment.