Black Lawmakers Hoping for More From Ally in Oval Office

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus met with President Obama at the White House on Thursday, but they didn't come away from the one-hour session with the commitment that many wanted: a specific plan to create jobs in African American communities and other disadvantaged areas.

A number of black lawmakers are frustrated, expecting more from the first black president, but they stop short of expressing any disappointment publicly, the Washington Post reported.

After the meeting, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-N,Y.) said that "there was no contention at all. The president is very clearly focused on jobs and job creation."

But it's no secret that many liberals, including black House members, thought the recently approved jobs bill should have focused more on job training, public works and summer employment, and less on tax breaks for employers. The 42-member black caucus, as a group, often pushes for direct government action to deal with social problems.

A White House statement issued after the closed-door meeting hinted at the unresolved issues. Caucus members "presented their concerns and solutions for broadening the impact of the recovery effort," the summary said. Obama "requested that members provide specific recommendations to the challenges concerning job creation."

On March 5, Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said, "Congress must do more to pass legislation to directly create more jobs for the millions of unemployed Americans, especially the chronically unemployed, who are still looking for work. The unemployment rate for African American workers remains at 15.8 percent."

But Obama has shown a reluctance to embrace legislation narrowly targeted to specific groups. "I can't pass laws that say I'm just helping black folks," he said in an interview with American Urban Radio Networks.