Gov. Rell pleased by dialogue with President-elect Obama

Posted on 12/03/2008

Associated Press

HARTFORD -- Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell was among the governors in Philadelphia on Tuesday asking President-elect Barack Obama to help their states through tough economic times.

"The president-elect and vice president-elect seem very much interested in hearing what the governors have to say," Rell said in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.

"I think we all understand that putting a stimulus package out there is not going to be cheap, but if it's going to happen we'd like to be a part of it," Rell said.

Connecticut Comptroller Nancy Wyman released the new $338 million deficit estimate on Monday, and she said Rell is now required by state law to submit a second plan to balance the state's books because the projected deficit exceeds 1 percent of the $18 billion budget.

Rell said she intends to give lawmakers that plan soon, but did not say what would be in that proposal.

"These are the most difficult times I've ever seen in state government," Rell said.

Rell said she shook Obama's hand after the meeting and wished him good luck. He wished her good luck with Connec-ticut's budget, she said. "I'm very pleased," Rell said.

"I think to have this dialogue, to have this conversation going back and forth, it's very helpful and opens that line of communication for the future."

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in The Stamford Times community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines. Basically, be civil, smart, on-topic and free from profanity. Don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read! And remember: We may miss some, so we need your help to police these comments. Please identify the comment, the story and why you think it's objectionable.
Read the commenting guidelines

Add a new comment