President Elect Obama meets with nation's governors
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - President-elect Barack Obama pledged quick work Tuesday on an economic recovery plan to include tax cuts and increased federal spending once he takes office, and told the nation's governors he wants their advice in designing it.
"We intend to put tax cuts into the pockets of hard-pressed middle class families, and we intend to make a down payments on the investments we need to build a strong economy for years to come," Obama said as he sat down with governors, nearly all of whom are struggling with budget deficits at home as a result of the recession.
Vice President-elect Joe Biden told the same group he hopes they will not criticize the incoming administration for raising the deficit as it tries to help them.
"Forty-one states are like;y to face budget shortfalls this year or next, forcing you to choose between reining in spending and raising taxes," Obama said. "Programs for the needy are at risk. Libraries, parts and historic sites are being closed."
The recession and the accompanying increase in joblessness translate into higher health care costs for the poor, greater use of food stamps and added strain on welfare programs, and the governors are seeking help in coping.
Obama has said he will make an economic stimulus his top priority, and his aides and congressional leaders have been discussing the outlines of a measure that could exceed $500 billion over two years. The president-elect has said his goal is to secure 2.5 million jobs.
In his brief remarks, Obama pledged a partnership with the governors, Republicans and Democrats alike. "I will not simply ask our nation's governors to help implement our economic recovery plan," he said. "I will ask you to help design the plan."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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