XU students help Obama

On Thursday, a group of Xavier students, including members of Student Government Association and College

Democrats, traveled to the Hilltop Ready Mix Concrete to

aid in President Barack Obama's speech. Different groups on campus were contacted to send students to help with parking, admittance to the press area, handicapped

accessibility and organization of attendants into lines.

Students from other universities, including University of

Cincinnati, were also present. Obama's speech was in regards to his new Jobs Bill and how it will affect the Cincinnati area. The President outlined his new bill by saying that he will set aside $450 billion to create jobs.

One of the ways he hopes to create jobs is through construction, specifically the repairing of roads, bridges, airports and schools. Obama stressed that construction

companies have been hit particularly hard by the recession and that there are areas throughout the U.S. with bridges, roads and highways that are in desperate need of repairs.

XU students help Obama By molly boes News Editor

The Brent Spence Bridge that spans the Ohio River is nearly 50 years old and in need of repairs. Obama said that this bridge will be included in the funds if the bill is passed.

"It sees about 150,000 vehicles cross over every day," Obama said. "And it's in such poor condition that it has been labeled functionally obsolete. Functionally obsolete.

It's safe to drive on, but it was not designed to ccommodate today's traffic, which can stretch for a mile." Currently, Obama's Jobs Bill is in the Senate.