Barack Obama: Only government can provide boost. Barack Obama wants support from lawmakers on a $775 billion plan to turn around America’s economy, he announced Thursday. The president-elect gave a televised 20-minute outline of his proposal in his first major speech since Election Night. He emphasized his feeling that a “wait and see” approach will no longer result in rejuvenating a nation devastated by failing banks, dying auto companies and epidemic home foreclosures. “It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth,” Obama said. ”But at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe.” Obama’s plan aims to save or create no less than 3 million jobs “over the next few years,” he said. While he acknowledged that the “cost of this plan will be considerable,” Obama urged the speedy passage of a stimulus bill. Among the targeted areas for assistance, he said, are public service jobs including police, fire and education.