Governor Jim Doyle today met President Barack Obama at the White House and thanked him for his leadership in passing the most sweeping economic recovery package in the nation's history to put people to work and invest in long-term economic growth.  He also recognized the extraordinary work of Congressman Dave Obey in developing and passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Now that we have a recovery and reinvestment plan, Wisconsin is ready to be a partner in moving the country forward," Governor Doyle said. "Wisconsin will work hard to meet the challenge of the new law to maintain jobs and get people to work on projects that add long-term value to the state.  I especially want to thank Congressman Obey, an extraordinary Wisconsin leader, for his work to help heal our nation and benefit every state for years to come."

Today, the Governor also submitted a formal certification letter to the Administration to qualify for the funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. He said it was one of the first steps he is taking as the state and federal government partner to move the country along the road to recovery.

The Recovery Plan has two specific purposes that the state will use the funds for: 

1.  Maintaining jobs and getting people to work on projects that add long-term value to the state.

2.  Maintaining quality of education and access to health care.

Over the past three months, Governor Doyle has been actively working with Governors from other states, the Administration, and leaders in Congress to make sure that during the current economic crisis, education and access to health care would not deteriorate.  Under the recovery plan, many transportation, alternative energy and clean water projects will be funded in Wisconsin to help create or maintain an estimated 70,000 jobs in the state.  It is also estimated that Wisconsin will be able to provide Pell Grants to 91,500 students and tax credits to 2.2 million hardworking families under the new law.

For more information on Wisconsin's implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit the Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment website at www.recovery.wisconsin.gov.

To view the letter requesting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds go to:  http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=16033.