GREENFIELD, Ind. | Indiana is in better financial shape than its neighbors, but Gov. Mitch Daniels supports a federal stimulus package aimed at helping states build roads, bridges and other public works projects.

Daniels and 40 other governors met with President-elect Barack Obama on Tuesday in Philadelphia to discuss the impact the faltering economy is having on states. Obama said he hopes to move swiftly on a recovery plan that includes middle-class tax cuts and infrastructure funding for states.

"The conversation was dominated by comments about infrastructure and how important it is to an economy, which is something we've been talking about in this state now for several years and have acted on," Daniels told reporters after the meeting. "Indiana may be better fixed here than any other state in the union. But we have plenty of other projects. And if they send us a check, we'll cash it."

The National Governors Association told Obama that states have more than $130 billion in infrastructure projects, mostly road and bridge repairs and upgrades, that could begin immediately. Obama said he wants "to start making a down payment on the critical investments that are going to be necessary to sustain long-term economic growth."

Indiana already has a fully funded 10-year road construction plan thanks to the $3.8 billion lease of the Indiana Toll Road. Daniels said mass transit initiatives, such as expansion of the South Shore commuter railroad, could get consideration if Congress sends the states a cash infusion.

However, the Republican governor suggested lawmakers stick with infrastructure rather than consider operating budget subsidies that might prevent states from making necessary cutbacks. Other governors are advocating $40 billion in Medicaid payments to help states sustain health care programs for the poor, disabled and elderly.

Indiana is one of only a handful of states with a balanced budget, but figures released Tuesday show that state tax collections fell $54 million short of projections in November. Indiana lawmakers will begin crafting a new two-year spending plan when the General Assembly convenes in January.