The annual State of the Union Address is usually kept under wraps until it’s formally presented to Congress. Media might get a copy of it on that same evening, but with restrictions that it can’t be released until after the president completes his address.
This year, though, President Obama gave many hints as to the subjects he’ll cover in tonight’s SOTU, and through recent public appearances and press releases. Here’s a quick overview on what he’ll say tonight, beginning at 9 p.m. EST. (See the video below, too, for more insight directly from the White House.)
Free Community College
Obama first made this proposal in a Jan. 5 video announcement. Because the country will be in need of more skilled workers in upcoming years, the president says, he calls for free community college for eligible students. Such a program will help the U.S. remain globally competitive, according to the president.
The free tuition would require a minimum 2.5 grade point average, would only cover programs for in-demand occupational fields and academic programs with transferrable credits, and would be limited to a two-year eligibility for a maximum $3,800 per year. Approximately 9 million Americans would benefit from the program, Obama says. A $60 billion cost over 10 years is acknowledged.
Raise Taxes On Wealthy, Cut Taxes On Middle Class
On Jan. 17 the White House informed media that?Obama would propose tax changes in the State of the Union address.
Specifically, taxes and fees on wealthy Americans should be increased, raising revenue by $320 billion over 10 years; large financial firms should have tax increases, too, the White House says. Tax cuts for middle class are also requested, which would total $175 billion less for the same decade period. The net realized from these changes, Obama says, would cover the costs of his proposal for free community college.
Paid Sick Leave
The United States is the only one of 22 ?rich? nations that does not guarantee paid sick leave to its employed citizens, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research. Obama has called for changes to this status more than once during his administration. A Jan. 14 meeting on this topic with labor representatives indicates that the president will formally introduce it in tonight’s address, calling for up to seven days a year in paid sick time.
About 40 percent of U.S. employers do not offer this benefit currently. Even where available, paid sick leave is offered disproportionately. For example, 83 percent of Americans who earn $65,000 or more have this benefit; only 28 percent of low (under $20,000 annually) have it, though.
Improved Internet
Americans need better access to broadband service, the president said on Jan. 13. Laws that restrict its use are present in 19 states, which not only limit what’s become a household staple, but limits economic development, too. This extends from Obama’s goals on net neutrality, and was first proposed by the FCC in 2010.
Despite the fact that Internet originates from the U.S., today it’s only 10th worldwide in Internet speed, and specifically because of its lacking in broadband access.
Cybersecurity
As risks in cybersecurity became ever more apparent, Congress passed three bills in 2014, all supported by the president, with goals of improvement in this department. Obama wants more improvements, though, with measures that simultaneously focus on national security and personal privacy.
?America’s economic prosperity, national security, and our individual liberties depend on our commitment to securing cyberspace and maintaining an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet. Our critical infrastructure continues to be at risk from threats in cyberspace, and our economy is harmed by the theft of our intellectual property. Although the threats are serious and they constantly evolve, I believe that if we address them effectively, we can ensure that the Internet remains an engine for economic growth and a platform for the free exchange of ideas.?
The president has formally called for these and other improvements in cybersecurity since 2011, and even took to executive order on the subject in 2013.
Here’s the president’s preview of?his sixth SOTU address:
