Jobs, healthcare, pot part of online forum

WASHINGTON, March 26 (UPI) -- If America scrimps on investments now, its long-term growth will be short-changed, U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday during a virtual town hall event.

It will take time to "dig our way out" of the economic malaise the country is experiencing, "but we can't short-change investments in our people," Obama said during an "Open for Questions" town hall meeting streamed on WhiteHouse.gov. After taking seven questions submitted through the White House Web site, Obama fielded questions from an East Room audience of about 100 people.

Obama said more resources and more reform were needed to provide U.S. children an education so they can compete in a global job market. He repeated his desire to pay teachers more, as well as provide them with training and meaningful measurements to hold them accountable.

He cautioned patience and persistence were necessary when considering unemployment because "we're going to have difficult times over the next few months, maybe to the end of the year."

The high cost of healthcare is a "huge drag" on the economy and Medicare and Medicaid programs are long-term budget-busters, the president said. By investing in healthcare information technology and preventive care, the country can create savings to expand healthcare to more people.

He said he didn't want to "scrap what we're accustomed to" but wanted to "build on what we have and fill in the gaps," adding he expected to see a healthcare bill ready for his signature this year.

Obama said he was excited about a national service bill moving through Congress. The bill would allow those who perform community service to receive federal help for higher education. He also said he wants to streamline the federal loan and grant programs to either lower interest rates or provide more funds per grant.

One thing he dismissed out of hand as an economy and job-builder was legalizing marijuana.

"I don't know what (this question) says about the online audience," Obama said to laughter. "But ... no, I don't think that's a good (way) to grow our economy."