Governors in Washington, Worried About Health Care Inaction

In a rite of late winter, the nation's governors rolled into Washington Saturday, worried as ever about what the federal government might do to them, and their states.

The three-day National Governor's Association winter meeting opened in the nation's capital with states still struggling to close budget gaps, find jobs for their unemployed workers and some how comprehend what is happening in Congress with regard to health care reform legislation.

"Health care costs are such a large and rising part of every state's budget," said Vermont Gov. James H. Douglas, a Republican who is chairman of the governor's association. "We have to confront it. We cant wait for the federal govenment... We're going to move forward. When the federal government comes along, we'll see how we can integrate their reforms."

President Barack Obama will entertain the governors at a black tie White House reception Sunday night and then meet privately with them on Monday, The Hill newspaper reported.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer said when Congress talks about health care reform, "they say 'maybe we what we ought to do is kick it all out to the states and see if they can figure this out.'

"Well, we'd be more than happy to figure this out, but the only time they listen to us is when we come to town," Schweitzer said. "And by the way, Congress is on vacation."