By Jueseppi B.
Weekly Address: Following the President’s Plan for a Strong Middle Class
Published on Feb 16, 2013
In this week’s address, President Obama calls for quick action on the proposals he made during the State of the Union to grow our economy and create jobs, including making America a magnet for manufacturing, strengthening our education system through high-quality preschool for every child, and raising the minimum wage.
President Barack Obama listens during a B.A.M. (“Becoming a Man”) roundtable at Hyde Park Career Academy in Chicago, Ill., Feb. 15, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
From The White House Blog:
Giving Every Child a Chance in Life
President Barack Obama delivers remarks to discuss proposals unveiled in the State of the Union Address that focus on strengthening the economy for the middle class and those striving to get there, at Hyde Park Academy, Chicago, Ill., Feb. 15, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Obama was in Chicago on Friday to talk about the importance of making sure every child in America has every chance in life to succeed. Speaking at the Hyde Park Career Academy, which is less than a mile from the Obama’s home in that city, the President discussed the recent death of Hadiyah Pendleton, a Chicago teenager who was shot just days after attending the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC.
Hadiyah’s parents were guests of First Lady Michelle Obama at the State of the Union address on Tuesday, where President Obama discussed the need to prevent this kind of senseless violence and protect American children.
But the important goal of keeping guns out of the hands of criminals is not enough to ensure a bright future for all of our children, and the President also laid out a plan to rebuild ladders of opportunity for every American who is willing to work hard and climb them. This includes making sure every child in America has access to high-quality pre-K, and raising the minimum wage so that no family that works hard and relies on a minimum wage is living in poverty. But creating a path into the middle class also means transforming high-poverty communities into places of opportunity that can attract private investment, improve education, and create jobs, and President Obama talked about his plan to make that happen.
President Obama greets supporters after arriving at West Palm Beach International Airport, Feb. 15
In Case You Missed It
Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov:
State of the Union: On Tuesday, President Obama provided his vision for the country in the State of the Union address. President Obama said our generation’s challenge is “to reignite the true engine of America’s economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class.”
The President looks to grow the middle class through balanced deficit reduction, education reform, comprehensive immigration reform, and manufacturing among others.
If you missed the speech or want to see the address again view our enhanced broadcast with easy-to-read charts, infographics, and statistics. While on our page share your thoughts from the Tuesday speech through the Citizens Response tool, which allows you to actually go line by line and share with others from across the country what touched you the most.
You can read the President’s full remarks here and listen to the audio here.
President Obama on the Road: After the State of the Union, President Obama traveled to Arden, NC on Wednesday and Decatur, GA on Thursday to advance his agenda for the second term.
After touring the Linamar Corporation auto-parts plant, the President cited the significant role manufacturing plays in a thriving economy. “And I believe we attract new jobs to America by investing in new sources of energy and new infrastructure and the next generation of high-wage, high-tech American manufacturing,” touted President Obama. “I believe in manufacturing. I think it makes our country stronger.”
After weighing in on manufacturing, President Obama discussed another vital part of our economy, education. At Decatur Community Recreation Center, President Obama pushed for high-quality preschool for every child in America. The President believes it is critical to give every American child a fair shot and this should begin at the earliest ages.
“I am so proud of every single teacher who is here who has dedicated their lives to making sure those kids get a good start in life,” said President Obama. “I want to make sure that I’m helping, and I want to make sure that the country is behind you every step of the way.”
The Medal of Honor: On Monday, President Obama awarded Army Staff Sargent Clinton Romesha the Medal of Honor for “acts of gallantry and intrepidity” and serving his Nation “above and beyond the call of duty.” President Obama shared the country’s gratitude through his remarks of Romesha. “When I called Clint to tell him that he would receive this medal, he said he was honored, but he also said, it wasn’t just me out there, it was a team effort.”
VP Biden in Philly: On Monday, Vice President Biden traveled to Philadelphia for a roundtable discussion with law enforcement officials on gun violence. The Philadelphia trip was one of many as the Administration is working hard to protect our children and our communities through common-sense gun legislation.
At the session, the Vice President pledged to put 15,000 police officers on the street, while also pressing for assault weapons ban and background checks for gun buyers. Download the President’s plan to reduce gun violence here.
POTUS Google+ Hangout: On Thursday, President Obama joined Americans from across the country in the latest “Fireside Hangout.” Speaking from the Roosevelt Room in the West Wing, the discussion revolved around his State of the Union address from Tuesday night.
The President fielded questions from gun violence to immigration. The discussion was not all policy as the President happily discussed Valentine’s Day etiquette and baby names for a child.
Watch the event it its entirety and follow us on Google+ for updates to learn how you can participate in upcoming hangouts.
Statements and Releases
White House Announces 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan
President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Inauguration of Her Excellency Park Geun-hye, President-elect of the Republic of Korea on February 25, 2013
Fact Sheet: The President’s Plan to Ensure Hard Work Leads to a Decent Living
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Jueseppi B.
I love Obama! I remember how excited I was the first time he ran for the presidency. And I was excited even more when he won the 2nd time! He has integrity and compassion. You see it, you feel it. It is genuine!
He’s the Man, with many plans.
Thanks for this wonderful roundup of the President’s activities! I am in awe of his energy and spirit.
He never slows down, seems to be able to juggle so many things.
And it seems to flow naturally…
Yes it does flow like so natural.