Gov. Beverly Perdue pushed for a quick, broad stimulus package.

In a speech before the House Democratic caucus in Virginia today, Perdue argued for an economic stimulus bill to be passed with "as few restrictions as possible" and "without delay."

The meeting at Kingsmill Resort was not open to the press, but a copy of Perdue's prepared remarks was given to the media after the event. 

"None of us governors are expecting Washington to send us a magic bullet and end this," she said, according to the remarks. "But we are extremely hopeful for a new strong partnership between Congress and the states."

Perdue also noted that the N.C. Department of Transportation has identified $5 billion in "shovel-ready" projects, and another $1.5 billion in wastewater and clean-water projects are also ready to go.

In addition, she asked for additional federal help for Medicaid, saying it would free up state money for other parts of the budget. 

Gov. Beverly Perdue is making her case for the stimulus.

Perdue flew to Williamsburg, Va., this morning on a state plane to participate in a panel of governors urging Congress to pass an economic stimulus package.

She has said that spending on infrastructure and other economic development projects will help reduce North Carolina's high unemployment rate.

Also attending are New York Gov. David Paterson, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, along with members of the U.S. House Democratic caucus.

The meeting at the Kingsmill Resort is closed to the press, although Perdue and others will speak afterward.