Politics & Government

What Do Highland Park Residents Think of Obama's State of the Union Address?

Patch asks Highland Park residents to weigh in on President Obama's State of the Union address.

President Barack Obama gave his fourth State of the Union address on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

"There is much progress to report," he began. "Together we have cleared away the rubble of crisis."

President Obama spoke of bi-partisan tax reform that includes lowering the tax rates on American businesses. He urged Congress to pass a budget that "replaces reckless cuts with smart savings."

Find out what's happening in Highland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He also spoke of job creation, proposing a "fix-it first" program to repair our nation's infrastructure, including 70,000 "structurally deficit bridges."

The President called for the minimum wage to be increased to $9 an hour because "no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty." He also encouraged Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act because women should "earn a living equal to their efforts."

Find out what's happening in Highland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Additionally, Obama said high quality childcare should be available to all children in America and that high schools should be redesigned with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math—skills that today's employers need from workers.

President Obama also addressed the improving housing market, climate change, immigration reform, cyber attacks, gun control, terrorism, bringing troops home, healthcare for wounded warriors, government benefits for gay couples and protection for our children, among other issues.

The White House official Website featured an enhanced broadcast, while the Huffington Post conducted a live blog.

Tell Us: What did you think of the President's address? Were you inspired or unmoved? What issues were most important to you? Were there issues you feel Obama should have addressed but didn't?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here