Detroit Labor Leaders Meet with White House

Seem to think the problem is job creation and development and not taxes and spending for some reason

WASHINGTON—Labor leaders took their turn visiting the White House on Friday to talk about what can and should be done for bankrupt Detroit, while also cautioning the Obama administration that the financial problems experienced in southeastern Michigan may soon be felt in many other metropolitan areas across the U.S.

Calling for a plan that would not only address Detroit's concerns but also serve as a playbook for future crises, the group — which included the UAW's Bob King and others — left the hourlong meeting touting few specifics but saying the groundwork was laid for a response that could help address Detroit's issues by attracting new jobs and development.

"They are very much aware of the problem," Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, said after the meeting. "This is not only a Detroit problem. … This is an issue that confronts urban centers across the country."