Some governors are pushing for increased federal infrastructure funding in a possible new economic stimulus plan, but President Bush is not warm to the idea. In a Feb. 25 White House meeting, some governors said more federal public works funds are needed, but Bush said he wanted to see how the stimulus bill enacted on Feb. 13 works out. That $168-billion measure has rebates for individuals and depreciation breaks for businesses, but no infrastructure money.

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says “it would be premature” to say Bush closed the door to a second stimulus bill. She says Bush had an open mind when listening to the governors, “but he did say he was very concerned about any proposal that would raise taxes.”