April D. Ryan

The nation’s governors  welcomed money from President Obama’s economic stimulus plan, but said it was only a down payment on improving dire fiscal conditions in their states.    Most also played down criticism of the plan by a handful of Republicans, who have said they may reject some of the stimulus funds.  Leaders of most of the 50 states and U.S. territories were attending the three-day winter meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington. The meeting focused on the need for infrastructure improvement, which is expected to absorb much of the stimulus funding directed to states.   Several of the governors were escaping drama in their own states, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican who signed the state’s overdue budget last week after a bruising battle with lawmakers over how to plug the state’s mammoth $41 billion budget hole.

President Obama held his first formal event at the White House with entertainment by Earth Wind and Fire.    Seated next to Mrs. Obama at dinner, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Also, at the table Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.   Seated at President Obama’s table, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as well as other dignitaries.  Rendell, the head of the National Governors Association gave the response to the dinner guests after the President’s toast.    President Obama said during the toast, “Nobody, I think understands what is happening in the country, the struggles, the hopes, the hardships and the dreams of the American people as well as the nation’s governors.  You are where the rubber hits the road.   Obama also said, “Our goal and aim is to make sure that we are making life easier and not harder for you.”