Donovan greets Obama

Like many other state leaders, House Speaker Chris Donovan was in Washington, D.C., today for a National Conference of State Legislatures' meeting.

He heard from the Office of Management and Budget about the stimulus package. Donovan said he now knows who to go to if he has any questions. He also added that those looking for more information on stimulus money should check out www.recovery.gov.

The secretary of transportation chatted with Donovan about Amtrak and a New Haven to Springfield commuter line. The secretary urged Connecticut to do what it can in the area without Amtrak. The process takes a while, Donovan was told.

And then there was the president. President Obama gave a 10-minute speech to those in attendance. Donovan said he focused on the need for transparency in government and the importance of the stimulus package.

Obama greeted people and answered questions.

"I said hello and shook his hand," Donovan said. "He didn't call on me though."