Work Force and Employment

President Obama stated in his speech that states had started to create American Training Center’s, which help employers learn new skills. The American Training Centers train employers to have the skills they need for specific jobs, and then match them with the jobs that are available.  President Obama is also asking congress to “give people a chance” by reforming employment insurance. He strongly believes that business leaders should give long- term unemployment people a chance to support their families

Education-

President Obama told a story about how education changed the life of a young man. He ended the story stating that this same boy, the son of a factory worker, is able to attend college this fall. President Obama is asking to reform student loans. However, he explained that throughout the years of his presidency, more young people are gaining college degrees. Although the numbers have increased,, he believes they have not increased enough. He stated, ”we are still not reaching enough kids and not reaching them in time.” He plans to work with high schools to redesign them and partner them with colleges, which can eventually locate these students to a job and career. He strongly believes that no middle class child should be “priced out of a school. “ He also is making plans for the future for high quality Pre-K for every four- year- old.  President Obama stated that 30 states have raised Pre- K quality on their own.

Minimum Wage-

President Obama stated that he wants to “give Americans a raise.” He is raising the minimum wage to ten dollars and ten cents. He wants more business leaders to do what they can to raise minimum wage.  Raising the minimum wage will give more business customers more money to spend. Five states have already raised minimum wage on their own.