WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s governors are meeting with President-elect Barack Obama today to press their case for at least $40 billion to help pay for health care for the poor and disabled and even more for infrastructure projects like road and bridge repair.

They’re likely to get a sympathetic ear.

The meeting in Philadelphia comes as Obama and Democrats controlling Congress are fashioning economic recovery legislation that could cost $500 billion or so. The measure is virtually certain to contain help for states struggling with slumping revenues and difficult budget cuts as the recession deepens.

National Governors Association Chairman Ed Rendell, D-Pa., said the governors are also pressing for perhaps $136 billion in infrastructure projects like road and bridge repairs in the legislation.