The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
The White House hosts the Insourcing American Jobs Forum, President Obama announces plans to reorganize the government to make it more efficient, and the Dallas Mavericks visit the White House.
At the Insourcing American Jobs Forum on Wednesday, President Obama laid new groundwork for an economy known not for financial speculation and outsourcing, but rather for making and selling products all over the world. Insourcing is just what it sounds like: the opposite of outsourcing. The President plans to reform the business climate in a way that will bring jobs to America instead of sending them elsewhere.
In his remarks before business leaders at the White House, the President described his vision: to reaffirm America’s status as the world’s premier manufacturer. A series of strategic tax cuts will create incentives for firms to innovate and expand right here in the United States. Improvements in our domestic infrastructure and education system will ensure that the American worker remains the world’s most productive. Finally, the government will do everything in its power to ensure that businesses have the financial and technical support that they need to succeed and create secure jobs.
On Friday, President Obama announced a new plan that will make it easier to do business in America. He proposed merging six federal departments that currently handle trade and business issues into a single department. This streamlining will improve efficiency, eliminate duplication, and make it easier to do business with the federal government.
On Monday President Obama hosted the Dallas Mavericks, winners of the 2011 NBA Championship. During their visit, the Mavericks met with wounded warriors – a continuation of the great work that the team has been doing to support members of the military and their families.
President Barack Obama, joined by 19 business leaders, delivers remarks to leaders from the private sector and the government at the “Insourcing American Jobs” forum in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 11, 2012. President Obama said the insourcing by these leaders was "exciting" and one reason "why I'm incredibly optimistic about our prospects." (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
President Barack Obama delivers remarks to employees of the Environmental Protection Agency at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2012. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson stands at right. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama welcomes Coach Rick Carlisle and the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks to honor the team and their 2011 NBA Championship victory, in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 9, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
Blog Highlights
- Cracking Down on Insurance Companies, Protecting Consumers
- Regional Roundup: Insourcing American Jobs
- New Commitments Will Improve Health Care for our Heroes
- By the Numbers: 170,000
- President Obama Visits the EPA
- Resurgence of the American Auto Industry
- AmeriCorps Recruiting Our Nation’s Heroes
- Super Duper Space Toolbox
- Lowering Health Care Cost Growth to Get More Value for Consumers
Champions of Change
On Thursday, January 12th, eight local leaders who are following in the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. were honored at the White House as Champions of Change. The Champions of Change series is designed for people to look into their communities and nominate everyday heroes who are demonstrating commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or their fellow citizens. That is why we are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.”
Get Involved
The application for the Summer 2012 White House Internship Program is now open. The application deadline is January 22, 2012. The mission of the White House Internship Program is to make the "People’s House" accessible to future leaders from around the nation, and to cultivate and prepare those devoted to public service for future leadership opportunities. The programs and opportunities of the White House Internship Program make for days filled with unique learning experiences, thought-provoking conversation, and unforgettable events. Visit obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/internships to learn more about the White House Internship Program and to apply.
Last week, President Obama and Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis announced the Summer Jobs+ Initiative, a call-to-action for American business, nonprofits, and government to provide pathways to employment for low-income and disconnected youth in the summer of 2012. Our goal is to provide 250,000 summer jobs opportunities for America's youth. We need your help to reach our goal! Employers can commit to offering employment opportunities for youth this summer by signing up here. Youth and communities can sign up here to be alerted when the jobs bank goes live in the next 60 days.
For more information about ways to get involved now, check out the Office of Public Engagement’s blog, which is updated daily with upcoming engagement opportunities. Follow Jon Carson, Director of the Office of Public Engagement, on Twitter @JonCarson44. Also, take time to browse our Engage webpage, and check out Serve.gov for opportunities to personalize your long-term service.
Get Updates
For more information, visit the White House Office of Public Engagement website and blog and sign up for additional opportunities.
We welcome your thoughts and feedback at public@who.eop.gov.
Anne Filipic and Stephanie Valencia are Deputy Directors in the Office of Public Engagement.
