If a deal is not reached,  one third of federal spending cuts would come at the expense of states and cities.  Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic was one of nine mayors who met with Vice President Biden and Congressional leaders this month urging them to reach an agreement.

“We have prioritized the Community Development Block Grant program as one of the last remaining Nixon era programs that has money directly to cities. So we talked about how important that is to renovating cities small and large throughout the country.

Other than asking for tax reform that brings additional revenue the bipartisan group of mayors was not specific on numbers.  But Plusquellic said the middle class should be spared tax hikes.   He also called on Congress to pass the transportation bill so that infrastructure projects can commence.