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Deficit Crisis: State and Local Officials Call for a Balanced Approach

Summary: 
Following the President's address on the deficit crisis, Governors and Mayors from across the country are speaking out in support of compromise

On Monday evening, President Obama delivered an address to the nation on the consequences the stalemate in Congress could have on the stability of our economy. Here is what a bipartisan sampling of Governors and Mayors from across the country are saying:

“We hope that at the end of the day, both sides come together and recognize that there does need to be a balanced approach, because a balanced approach is what solves the problem. The reality is the Republicans aren’t going to get 100 percent of what they want and the Democrats aren’t going to get 100 percent of what they want.” – Mayor Scott Smith, Mesa, AZ

“Last night, President Obama once again demonstrated that he clearly understands that the key to winning the future includes a renewed commitment to fiscal responsibility. New Orleanians and residents in cities across our country can’t afford to let the partisan politics of Washington, D.C., dictate whether or not the United States meets its financial obligations and whether we can meet the needs of the future.  We in New Orleans certainly cannot afford the consequences of a downgraded credit rating or government shutdown if the country defaults on its debt.” – Mayor Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans, LA

“President Obama is right: To create jobs and expand opportunity, we need a balanced approach to get our economy back on track.  And we need to come together now to raise the debt ceiling or else the impact on the states will be catastrophic.” - Governor Martin O’Malley, MD

“America has always met tremendous challenge with unrelenting resolve, unity of purpose, and a unique toughness. That’s why I’m hopeful that the next seven days will bring broad-based congressional support for the President’s balanced approach to this nation’s debt crisis. Americans demand it, reason supports it, and a prosperous future requires it.” – Mayor Cory Booker, Newark, NJ

"President Obama made a forceful case tonight for addressing our long-term debt while avoiding a default on our debt obligations. The President has it right when he insists that if seniors and those who are struggling to make ends meet have to make sacrifices, then the oil company executives, corporate jet owners and multi-millionaires should also contribute to a solution.” – Governor Peter Shumlin, VT

“I think if you talk to any governor, they would say we really need you to solve this for the economic health of the country, number one. Number two, for us as states, you’ve seen where some of the credit rating agencies have said the fact that they don’t have a deal puts Tennessee’s credit ratings in peril and that speaks volumes. I think you have a country that’s literally waiting to see what will happen, and until Washington shows that, A, we can live within our means and B, come to a political agreement about how to solve that, you’re not going to see banks willing to loan money, you’re not going to see people willing to invest their own capital and so we won’t have any job growth until that happens.” – Governor Bill Haslam, TN

“President Obama was right to push Congress to act and act soon on a long-term solution to the debt ceiling. We can’t just kick the can down the road for another six months. The uncertainty of the debt negotiations has caused consumers to slow spending and businesses to slow hiring. Any default or short-sighted solution could wreak havoc on our economic recovery.” - Governor Christine Gregoire, WA

Cecilia Muñoz is the Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.