SALT LAKE CITY — The National Governors Association annual conference kicked off this morning with a news conference featuring a bipartisan group. Gov. Chris Christie is scheduled to attend the morning plenary session, which will focus on higher education to improve economic conditions. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is chair of the National Governors Association, said this week's meeting...
Gov. Chris Christie attends the opening plenary session on "The Role of Higher Education in Driving Economic Growth," during the opening day of the National Governors Association 2011 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.SALT LAKE CITY — The National Governors Association annual conference kicked off this morning with a news conference featuring a bipartisan group.
Gov. Chris Christie is scheduled to attend the morning plenary session, which will focus on higher education to improve economic conditions.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is chair of the National Governors Association, said this week's meeting will focus on allowing governors to share ideas about improving their states.
"We have not yet recovered in full and we still have to make some very tough choices when investing in our futures," Gregoire, a Democrat, said. "We have the opportunity now here to share our experiences."
Christie has called his proposals to overhaul public employee benefits and education landmark and cast himself as a leader for other governors.
Gregoire, along with NGA Vice Chair Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, fielded questions about discussions in Washington D.C. over raising the nation's debt limit.
Gregoire said that for every dollar the federal government cuts in spending, about one-third of it affects the local governments.
"We can ill afford the debate that is going on in Washington, D.C.," she said. "We are in a fragile state of recovery."
Heineman said residents are prepared to adjust to cuts in spending, adding that farmers in Nebraska are open to cuts in agriculture subsidies if they're done fairly.
"We need the president to lead," Heineman, a Republican, said. "America can not default on it's obligations."
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• Christie's trips to Salt Lake City, Iowa continue to spark speculation of plans for presidency