White House Blog Points to Rybak's Message to City Council

The White House Blog on Monday highlighted Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's city budget revision, as the Obama administration continues to tout the effects of the federal stumulus bill.

On Monday, Rybak announced 59 city jobs would be eliminated, all of which are management positions. He said the one-time public safety grants in the stimulus allowed him to avoid cuts to the police force.

"Next time someone asks you what the Recovery Act will do, start by telling them it will keep 57 police officers working on the streets of Minneapolis," Rybak said, addressing the Minneapolis City Council.

Rybak echoed that same message Monday night, with a post on his Twitter account.

"I wish the Governor would quit criticizing the federal stimulus. It is being used to keep 57 police officers on the job in Minneapolis."

Rybak had to cut $30 million in the budget. He says if the country and the state's economic trajectory continues, more than 100 city police jobs could be at risk. Officials also say they will audit and eliminate overtime where unnecessary.