They may well have asked for more money.
The President has certainly not shied away from spending for other important things, well, important in his eyes or his benefactors anyway.. like education and prescription drugs.
Just because someone has a MBA does not mean they are well-educated or meant or qualified to lead. Gubamint is loaded with degreed folk way in over their heads and their pay grade..
Joe the Plumber could teach them a thing or two. ;-]
I am completely with Joe the Plumber. Less then impressed with a Harvard MBA right now.