Obama to governors: Let's work together to rescue states

Evidence of change is already being seen. Just look at the president-elect's take on federal aid to ailing states, according to today's Columbus Dispatch.

"As president, I will not simply ask our nation's governors to help implement our economic recovery plan," [President-elect Barack] Obama said. "I will ask you to help design that plan. Because if we're listening to our governors, we'll not only be doing what's right for our states, we'll be doing what's right for our country."

Ohio's governor this week by phone, letter, and a in-person conversation pleaded for fiscal relief.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland appealed for $5 billion to help bail out his state's ailing budget today, part of a $100 billion federal aid package for states he pitched when the nation's governors met with President-elect Barack Obama.

AFSCME International President Gerald McEntee yesterday blogged about this historic meeting of the nation's governors and the president-elect.

President-elect Obama’s decision to meet with the nation’s governors is a clear sign that the change he promised in his campaign has already arrived. In contrast to the Bush administration that told state governments “you’re on your own” for the last eight years, the new administration is saying “we’re in this together.” America’s governors have an opportunity tomorrow to urge the new administration to do all it can to help states regain their role as a force for creating opportunity and prosperity, supporting and protecting our families, and strengthening our communities.

Keep posted on more OCSEA State Budget News.