Gov't: Stimulus saved, created 650,000 jobs
Gov't: Stimulus saved, created 650,000 jobsStaff Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Nearly 650,000 jobs have been saved or created under President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, the government said Friday, and the White House declared the nation on track to meet the president's goal of 3.5 million by the end of next year.New job numbers from businesses, contractors, state and local governments, nonprofit groups and universities were released, showing 640,329 positions credited to the stimulus, according to the independent federal board monitoring the program's progress.Teachers and other education employees represent the largest number of jobs in the report - about 325,000. With state budgets in crisis, federal aid helped governors avoid major cuts in education, which officials said spared many teachers and school workers from the unemployment line.Vice President Joe Biden said the recovery plan "is operating as advertised" and on target to reach Obama's goal."We're starting