A new way of doing things

The Boston Globe reports that Obama will meet with governors to discuss assisting states with budget problems resulting from the economic crisis.

WASHINGTON—President-elect Barack Obama is meeting with nearly all the nation's governors in Philadelphia next Tuesday to discuss how the economic crisis is crimping states and their budgets.

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On Monday, Obama asked Congress to ready an economic stimulus program for him to sign as soon as possible after he takes office on Jan. 20. Estimates of the spending range from $500 billion to $700 billion over two years, and Democratic congressional officials say it could aid cash-strapped states to provide health care to the poor, along with road and bridge funding.

Many economists think that aid to state and local governments should be tops on the agenda for any new stimulus spending, as they have less borrowing authority than the federal government during an economic downturn. That means that states are slashing budgets as the slowdown causes tax revenues fall.

Perhaps some of those governors will treat their cities similarly.