Last year wasn't the best year for President Obama...
Many major bills that he wanted to pass were shut down by congress. Last night the President addressed the nation with plans to improve the welfare of our country. Topics discussed included immagration, jobs, energy, manufacturing, the economy and unemployment.
On the progress of the economy of the nation President Obama had this to say:
Today, after four years of economic growth, corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher, and those at the top have never done better. But average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by – let alone get ahead. And too many still aren't working at all.
President Obama wants to work with Congress on making these changes, but he doesn't mind using his executive powers to get the job done.
“The question for everyone in this chamber, running through every decision we make this year, is whether we are going to help or hinder this progress. For several years now, this town has been consumed by a rancorous argument over the proper size of the federal government. It’s an important debate – one that dates back to our very founding. But when that debate prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy – when our differences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States – then we are not doing right by the American people...I’m eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more Americans families, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Check out the full speech below:
