Philadelphia » Most of the nation's governors -- including Utah's Jon Huntsman Jr. -- will meet with President-elect Barack Obama today at an Independence Hall summit to discuss ways the federal government can help cash-strapped states.

The recession has forced at least 41 states to deal with budget shortfalls. Utah has already plugged a $354 million hole with spending cuts and funding shifts during a September special legislative session.

Utah's political leaders are already discussing slashing government programs more. And on Thursday, Huntsman plans to unveil his budget for the next fiscal year, which is expected to include cuts in every department.

Obama said a stimulus plan, projected to cost between $500 billion and $700 billion, will be his first priority when he gets sworn in on Jan. 20. While releasing few details, Obama said his plan would boost state-run Medicaid funding and offer billions of dollars for road and bridge construction.

That's exactly what the governors are asking for.

"Without federal help, we will need to continue to cut budgets and raise taxes," said Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, chairman of the National Governors Association. He said the stimulus plan would help the most needy receive medical coverage, while also creating jobs in the lagging construction sector. read more