U.S. President Barack Obama is urging states to invest more in education, saying it is the key to making America competitive globally.
At the White House Monday, Mr. Obama said that no issue will have a bigger impact on the performance of the economy than education. The president spoke to state governors who have been meeting in Washington.
The president said countries that have a better-educated workforce will out-compete the United States. He said education will be key in whether jobs stay in the U.S., and if businesses and jobs are created.
He acknowledged that states are facing tight budgets, but said investment is critical in education, hiring teachers, and investing in the future through the nation's children.