Published on: Thursday, February 02, 2012

By Ashley S. Westerman

In his State of the Union address last Tuesday, President Barack Obama said “no challenge is more urgent” and “no debate is more important” than keeping the promise of the American dream alive.

“What’s at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values,” said Obama to a joint session of Congress. “We have to reclaim them.”

Obama offered a blueprint that includes revamping tax code, education reform, innovations in American-made energy and Washington lawmakers working together.

The president said he wants to give businesses and manufacturers tax incentives to stay in the United States.

“It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America,” said Obama, who also wants to see 2 million Americans get skills training that will lead directly to a job.

“But to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, our commitment to skills and education has to start earlier,” he said, adding that teachers should be given resources to keep them good teachers and replace those who aren’t effective.

Obama also said the country needs a strategy to develop “every available source of American energy” that is clean, cheaper and full of new jobs.

Obama even went after big banks, saying he “will not go back to the days when Wall Street was allowed to play by its own set of rules.”

“A return to the American values of fair play and shared responsibility will help us protect our people and our economy,” he said. “But it should also guide us as we look to pay down our debt and invest in our future.”

He urged for the immediate pass of the payroll tax cut and said tax reform should follow the Buffett rule, which is if someone makes more than $1 million a year, they should not pay less than 30 percent in taxes.

Finally, Obama called for a more efficient government and said he intends to fight obstruction with action.

“With or without this Congress, I will keep taking actions that help the economy grow,” he said. “But I can do a lot more with your help. Because when we act together, there is nothing the United States of America can’t achieve.”

County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, who attended as a guest of Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), said in a statement that Prince George’s County, like America, is at a moment of opportunity.

“We in Prince George’s County are doing our part to help build this stronger economy,” said Baker, citing the $50 million dedicated to an Economic Development Investment Fund meant to grow businesses, create jobs and spur development in the county.

“By focusing on economic development, we are following the president’s blueprint for a job-creating economy, and we are becoming an economic engine for this region and this nation,” he continued.

Baker said Obama has made it clear there is no limit to what working together can accomplish.

“Thought we may vary in age, race, income and backgrounds, we are all dedicated to the prospect of building a better future for our county,” Baker said. “The President said that the state of our union is getting stronger; we in Prince George’s County will continue to work together to build on that strength.”

State Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-Prince George’s County) also attended as Sen. Ben Cardin’s guest.

A former educator, Benson specifically liked what Obama had to say about teachers having resources.

“Teachers cannot teach in a classroom where they don’t have adequate resources to do the job,” said Benson, citing Prince George’s County as an example. “Money in (Prince George’s) County is not being spent where it should be … it’s not all the time about money, it’s about what we do with the money we get.”

“Every child in America should have a chance to go to college and pursue their dreams,” Benson said. “I agree with (Obama) 100 percent.”

Additionally, Benson said she was happy to hear Obama urge Congress to work together.

“He wants the people on Capitol Hill to cut it out and stop talking about Democrats and Republicans,” she said. “He wants his people to operate as a team and as a unit, and I hope the people down here in Annapolis heard that message.”

Overall, Benson was really pleased with Obama’s plan and said the experience as a whole was “breathtaking.”

“He spoke with such passion and such conviction, and it was very clear to me that he loves this country,” Benson said. “He wants the little people and the middle class to have a seat at the table and he wants a level playing field for all Americans.”