Doyle to ask for federal help Thursday

Talk about it

Gov. Jim Doyle will testify Thursday before the House Appropriations Committee in Washington.

And among other things, he’ll tell lawmakers that the troubled auto industry is just one reason Wisconsin needs federal help.

President-elect Barack Obama has promised to ease the budget burdens facing states.

One thing being considered is a $0.5 trillion aid package over a two-year period.

U.S. Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., of Wausau, chairs the appropriations’ panel, and they’ll hear from several governors.

The Obama plan highlights infrastructure projects and Doyle says he’ll soon release a list of things Wisconsin can do right away if it gets federal aid.

The governor is also expected to make a pitch for the proposed $15 billion loan package for the auto industry.

Doyle tells the Associated Press that without the bailout, there’s no chance the General Motors plant in Janesville will stay open.

Even with the loan package, the governor said the chances that Janesville would switch to small car production are “very remote.” GM says it’s still considering undisclosed state incentives to retool and run the plant, after SUV production ends on Dec. 23.

Tags: wisconsin news, aid, package, federal