December 2, 2008
By TODD J. GILLMAN / The Dallas Morning News
tgillman@dallasnews.com
PHILADELPHIA – Governors pressed President-elect Barack Obama for budget help Tuesday, urging him to fast-track billions in federal funds for roads, water systems, schools and other projects to prime the economy – though Texan Rick Perry was among those warning that an exploding national debt poses a big danger.
Mr. Obama offered sympathy for the "impossible" choices state leaders face as they balance budgets despite tight credit, falling tax revenue and growing needs, and he vowed to collaborate on ambitious and creative recovery plans.
"We intend to help save or create 2.5 million jobs," he told dozens of governors, nearly all of them facing huge deficits. "We intend to put tax cuts into the pockets of hard-pressed middle-class families in your states."
Mr. Perry lauded Mr. Obama for spending time learning about states' problems and listening to ideas for solutions – and to concerns from conservatives about the $700 billion already allotted for bailouts.
"Not only was it good policy, it was good politics. He was very open," said Mr. Perry, a Republican. He vowed to work with the new Democratic administration as much as possible.
http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/120208dnpolobamagovernors.2335a5a9.htmlThe Mexican Windsock makes Charlie Crist seemed principled.
