At last night’s State of the Union address, President Obama took the opportunity to hit the reset button on his presidency and propose a long and varied list of goals for the future. Today, we take a look at the speech and highlight the proposals that will have the greatest impact on our region’s women and girls.
Jobs
President Obama started out on a somewhat positive note, declaring that the worst of the recession is over. But, he continued, “the devastation remains. One in 10 Americans still cannot find work…. And for those who’d already known poverty, life has become that much harder.” To combat these issues, the President called for jobs to be the country’s number one focus in 2010.
He asked for a new jobs bill and proposed using the $30 billion in loans banks have repaid to offer small businesses a new tax credit. The tax credit would affect more than a million small businesses that either hire new employees or raise wages. He also proposed eliminating all capital gains taxes on small businesses.
The President also plans to create more jobs for work on railroads, the highway system, and clean energy facilities.
Equality
The President promised to “crack down on violations of equal pay laws – so that women get equal pay for an equal day’s work.”
He also said that he’ll work with Congress and the military to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Finance
The President cautioned against the recklessness that “nearly brought down our entire economy,” saying that “we need to make sure consumers and middle-class families have the information they need to make financial decisions.”
He announced that the child care tax credit is doubling, that workers with retirement accounts will see an expanded tax credit, and that refinancing will be increased in 2010 “so that homeowners can move into more affordable mortgages.”
Education
President Obama called for education reform “that raises student achievement; inspires students to excel in math and science; and turns around failing schools that steal the future of too many young Americans, from rural communities to the inner city. In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education. And in this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential.”
The President went on to urge Congress to pass a bill that will revitalize community colleges. The bill would also increase Pell Grants and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college. It would also require students to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans.
Healthcare
The President asked Congress to take another look the proposed health care plan, and urged them to pass health care reform.
What did you think of the address? Personally, I liked the education reform proposals, but I would have liked to have heard more about jobs for women specifically, and HIV/AIDS initiatives here in the United States (he mentioned doing this in developing countries; we need it here, too!). Was there a topic, bill or initiative you were listening for?
Comment below or join the conversation online: www.Facebook.com/TheWomensFoundation.
Photo credit: Pete Souza
