President Obama told Congress during Tuesday night’s State of the Union Address that he wants to work with them on plans to improve the nation’s economy — but he also vowed to take executive action if necessary.
While asking Congress for legislation on an immigration bill and a minimum wage hike, Obama also announced a variety of executive orders, including one to increase the minimum wage for some federal contract workers from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour.
“America does not stand still, and neither will I,” Obama said. “So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that’s what I’m going to do.”
One theme of the speech: income inequality. Obama promoted the idea that the federal government can help create economic opportunity through job training and college education programs.
And he defended his embattled health care law, telling Republican critics: “If you have specific plans to cut costs, cover more people, increase choice — tell America what you’d do differently.”
