WASHINGTON—The nation's governors issued the following statement:

"Our states and our citizens are experiencing unprecedented fiscal challenges. As leaders in our states, we face these difficult economic times not as Democrats and Republicans, but as governors charged with the public's trust and well-being.

"We are unified in our unwavering belief that the United States' economy is resilient and the true strength of our nation remains the ingenuity, perseverance and hard work of the American people.

"We have been through tough economic times in the past and have always emerged a stronger nation with a more vibrant economy. Our country's ability to persevere is not in question – we know better days lie ahead. Working together we can speed recovery, provide new opportunities and ensure a prosperous future."

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s, most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.