EAST PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - President Barack Obama has told Caterpillar Inc. employees in central Illinois that they have a role to play in his economic stimulus package.

Obama said Thursday afternoon that his nearly $800 billion proposal will create infrastructure projects such as building wind turbines, classrooms, bridges and roads.

He says Peoria-based Caterpillar will be the one selling the equipment to do that work.

He urged employees to think of the economic recovery in terms of years, rather than months.

Caterpillar employees lined up for hours for a chance to hear Obama pitch his plan.

The company is cutting more than 20,000 jobs. Obama has said Caterpillar will rehire some of its laid-off workers if his stimulus bill is approved.

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