The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Norwegian Prime Minister Stoltenberg

President Obama will host Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway for a meeting in the Oval Office on Thursday, October 20.  The President met the Prime Minister in December 2009 and welcomes the opportunity to reciprocate the warm hospitality that both he and the First Lady received during that visit.  The United States and Norway are not only close NATO allies, but also partners who cooperate in a wide variety of endeavors all around the world.  The President looks forward to thanking the Prime Minister personally for Norway’s important contribution to the NATO mission in Libya and to consulting with him on issues of common interest, including Afghanistan, Middle East peace, the Arctic, global health, climate change, the famine in Somalia and support for the new democracies in North Africa.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2011

President Obama to Welcome the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears to the White House

WASHINGTON— On Friday, October 7, President Obama will welcome the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears to the White House to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Super Bowl victory.  In 1986, the team’s White House reception was canceled due to the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2011

President Obama Signs Delaware Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Delaware and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Irene during the period of August 25-31, 2011.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene in the counties of Kent and Sussex.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Regis Leo Phelan as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT:  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@DHS.GOV

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary

On Friday, September 30, 2011, the President signed into law:

H.R. 2005, the “Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011,” which reauthorizes the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which created and authorized funding for several programs and a coordinating committee at HHS for Autism research, screening, intervention, and education;

H.R. 2017, the “Continuing Resolution Act, 2012,” which provides FY 2012 appropriations for continuing projects and activities of the Federal Government through Tuesday October 4, 2011;

H.R. 2883, the “Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act of 2011,” which reauthorizes and makes changes to several child and family welfare programs, including: (1) the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services program; (2) the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program; (3) the Monthly Caseworker Visits and Regional Partnership grant programs; and (4) the Court Improvement Program, and reauthorizes child welfare demonstration projects designed to test innovative strategies in States; and

H.R. 2943, the “Short Term TANF Extension Act,” which provides a short-term extension of certain welfare programs that expire on September 30, 2011.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2011

Readout of Vice President Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Al-Sabah of Kuwait

Vice President Biden met today with Prime Minister Nasir Al-Muhammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait at the White House.  They discussed a range of regional, political and security matters, including the changes underway in the region as a result of the Arab Spring, and the importance of resolving outstanding issues between Kuwait and Iraq.  Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait, the Prime Minister and Vice President stressed the enduring ties between our two countries, and expressed their appreciation for the strength of the bilateral relationship.  The Vice President also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the security of the region and of our partners.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on Conviction of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

The United States condemns the conviction of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.  Pastor Nadarkhani has done nothing more than maintain his devout faith, which is a universal right for all people.  That the Iranian authorities would try to force him to renounce that faith violates the religious values they claim to defend, crosses all bounds of decency, and breaches Iran’s own international obligations.   A decision to impose the death penalty would further demonstrate the Iranian authorities' utter disregard for religious freedom, and highlight Iran's continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens.  We call upon the Iranian authorities to release Pastor Nadarkhani, and demonstrate a commitment to basic, universal human rights, including freedom of religion. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 28, 2011

Readout of the President’s Call with President Karimov of Uzbekistan

President Obama spoke with President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan earlier today by phone. President Obama congratulated President Karimov on Uzbekistan’s 20 years of independence, and the two leaders pledged to continue working to build broad cooperation between our two countries.  The President and President Karimov discussed their shared desire to develop a multi-dimensional relationship between the United States and Uzbekistan, including by strengthening the contacts between American and Uzbek civil societies and private sector.  President Obama expressed our view that a more prosperous and secure Uzbekistan benefits both countries, and that advancing democracy supports that goal.  The two presidents also discussed their shared interests in supporting a stable, secure, and prosperous Afghanistan and discussed the efforts we are undertaking together to further that goal.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 28, 2011

President Obama Signs District of Columbia Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the District of Columbia and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Irene during the period of August 26 to September 1, 2011.

Federal funding is available to district and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene in the District of Columbia.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in the District of Columbia.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Kim R. Kadesch as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. 

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the district and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT:  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@DHS.GOV  

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2011

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Earl W. Gast – Assistant Administrator for Africa, United States Agency for International Development
  • Roberta S. Jacobson – Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State
  • Michael T. Scuse – Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Department of Agriculture

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key administration post:

  • Glen F. Post III – Member, President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee

President Obama said, “It gives me great confidence that such dedicated and capable individuals have agreed to join this Administration to serve the American people.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to  key Administration posts:

Earl W. Gast, Nominee for Assistant Administrator for Africa, United States Agency for International Development
Earl W. Gast served as USAID Mission Director to Afghanistan from June 2010 to June 2011.  In 2009, he was Acting Assistant Administrator for the USAID Africa Bureau, and he served as Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa in 2008.  From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Gast was Regional Mission Director for Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova.  In 2004, he served as the USAID representative to UN agencies in Rome.  From 2003 to 2004, he was Mission Deputy Director in Iraq, a role he previously held in Kosovo from 2002 to 2003.  He has also worked for USAID in Georgia, Russia, and the Philippines.  Prior to joining USAID, Mr. Gast served in the Air Force and was a Navy reserve officer.  He holds a B.A. from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree from George Washington University.

Roberta S. Jacobson, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State
Roberta S. Jacobson currently serves as Acting Assistant Secretary and Principal Deputy Secretary of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) at the Department of State.   Previously, Ms. Jacobson served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Canada, Mexico and NAFTA issues (2007-2010), Director of the Office of Mexican Affairs (2003-2007), and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Lima (2000-2002).  From 1996 to 2000, Ms. Jacobson served as Director of the Office of Policy Planning and Coordination in WHA.  She began her career at the Department of State as a Presidential Management Intern (PMI).  Ms. Jacobson received a B.A. from Brown University and an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Michael T. Scuse, Nominee for Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Department of Agriculture
Michael T. Scuse has been the Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) since 2009, where he has primary responsibility over domestic programs including the Farm Services Agency and the Risk Management Agency.  In January 2011, Mr. Scuse was designated the Acting Under Secretary for FFAS. Before joining the USDA, Mr. Scuse was chief of staff to then Governor Ruth Ann Minor. Prior to that, he served as Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Delaware from May 2001 until September 2008. From 1996 to 2001, Mr. Scuse served as both chairman of the Kent County (Delaware) Regional Planning Commission and chairman of the USDA Farm Services Agency’s Delaware State Committee.  From 1986 to 1994, he served as the Kent County Recorder of Deeds.  He also previously served as both president and vice president of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Mr. Scuse attended Salem College.

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post:

Glen F. Post III, Appointee for Member, President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee
Glen Post III is currently the Chief Executive Officer and President of CenturyLink, a Louisiana-based telecommunications company.  Mr. Post began his career with CenturyLink in 1976 and has held a number of leadership positions over the years including Chairman of the Board, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Vice President.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree and an M.B.A. from Louisiana Tech University. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2011

Repairing and Modernizing America's Schools

Today, the President will visit the Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver, Colorado to highlight his proposal to put workers back on the job by rebuilding and modernizing schools across the country.  The President is proposing a $25 billion investment in school infrastructure that will modernize at least 35,000 public schools.  This investment will create jobs, while improving classrooms and upgrading our schools to meet 21st century needs. Funds can be used for a range of emergency repair and renovation projects, greening and energy efficiency upgrades, asbestos abatement and removal, and modernization efforts to build new science and computer labs and to upgrade the technology infrastructure in our schools. The President is also proposing a $5 billion investment in modernizing community colleges (including tribal colleges), bolstering their infrastructure in this time of need while ensuring their ability to serve future generations of students and communities.

COLORADO SNAPSHOT

  • Under the American Jobs Act Colorado could receive up to $265,100,000 in funding for K-12 schools to support as many as 3,400 jobs. Included in this amount are direct funds for Colorado’s largest school district.
    • The Denver County School District could receive up to $75.5 million in funds
  • In addition Colorado could receive $57,500,000 in funding in the next fiscal year for its community colleges. 

**See tables below for the complete state by state breakdown of the President’s school construction jobs plan.**  

How the American Jobs Act Will Rebuild and Modernize America’s Schools

The President is proposing that we invest $30 billion in enhancing the condition of our nation’s public schools and community colleges.  This money would fund a range of critical repairs and needed renovation projects that would put hundreds of thousands of Americans – construction workers, engineers, maintenance staff, boiler repair, and electrical workers – back to work.  And it will help modernize at least 35,000 public schools – from science labs and internet-ready classroom upgrades to renovated facilities. 

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) awarded the United States a ‘D’ for the condition of its public school infrastructure.  The average public school building in the United States is over 40 years old, and many are much older.  Schools spend over $6 billion annually on their energy bills, more than they spend on computers and textbooks combined.  Hands-on STEM education is critical for our children to be prepared for the jobs of the future, and yet 43 states reported that one-third or more of their schools do not meet all of the functional requirements necessary to effectively teach laboratory science.   

The cost of maintaining nearly 100,000 public schools and facilities in good repair is substantial for already overstretched districts.  The accumulated backlog of deferred maintenance and repair amounts to at least $270 billion.  For children in the nation’s poorest districts, these deferred projects too often mean schools with crumbling ceilings, overcrowded classrooms, and classrooms without basic wiring infrastructure for technology needed for students to master 21st century skills. 

The President’s plan calls for substantial investments in our school infrastructure, modernizing at least 35,000 of America’s public schools to meet 21st-century needs and supporting repairs and upgrades in the nation’s community colleges.  

  • $25 billion in funds will be used to upgrade existing public school facilities. 10 billion of the funds will be directed toward 100 largest high-need public school districts. 15 billion of the funds will be directed to the states. Funds cannot be used for new construction. The President’s plan also proposes $5 billion of investments for facilities modernization needs at community colleges. 
  • Safer, Healthier, and Technologically Advanced Schools of the Future.   Permissible uses of funds would include a range of emergency repair and renovation projects, greening and energy efficiency upgrades, asbestos abatement and removal, and modernization efforts to build new science and computer labs and to upgrade technology infrastructure in our schools.   Local districts will also be able to put these funds to work to invest in upgrades to allow schools to continue to serve as centers of the community –including upgrades to shared spaces for adult vocational and job development centers.  These efforts will not only make our schools safer and healthier learning environments, but also ensure that our schools are fully equipped to teach 21st century skills in math, science, and other technical fields and to serve as effective centers for workforce training and development. 
  • Maximum flexibility to the states and funding for small repairs and large-scale maintenance and upgrade projects. Funds could be used for a range of projects, including greening and energy-efficiency upgrades; asbestos abatement and removal; improvements to after-school facilities and community spaces; and modifications to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
  • To ensure that schools in the most disrepair will be able to make necessary enhancements, almost 40 percent of the funds will be directed toward the 100 largest high-need public school districts.   Each of the 100 Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) with the largest numbers of children living in poverty would receive a formula amount proportionate to its Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I Part A allocation within 60 days of enactment. 
  • The remaining approximately 60 percent will be given to states to allocate, and states would have flexibility to direct those funds to additional high-need districts, including schools in rural areas.  Funding would be allocated to states on the basis of their Title I shares. States would be required to obligate those funds by September 30, 2012, and outstanding balances would be reallocated to other states. States would direct half the funding to local school districts on a formula basis, and the other half through an application process in the most high-need districts, with a priority for rural districts. A portion of the funding would be set-aside for Bureau of Indian Education schools (0.5 percent) and for the Outlying Areas (0.5 percent). 
  • Funds will be put to work quickly.  For formula grants, states would be required to get funds to districts within 3 to 6 months of enactment and the districts would have to expend the funds within 24 months of enactment.  The selection criteria would prioritize projects that would be completed quickly, while affording grantees more time flexibility for their bigger projects.  To reduce the risk that districts will allow projects to stall, the American Jobs Act requires the funds be spent by September 30, 2012.  
  • Community Colleges are also in serious need of upgrades to ensure that facilities are equipped meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.  America’s community college system was built up over 40 years ago to support education and training activities of that time.  Deferred maintenance at community colleges is estimated to be $100 billion. The President’s plan proposes $5 billion of investments for facilities modernization needs at community colleges. Investment in modernizing community colleges fills a key resource gap, and ensures these institutions have the facilities and equipment to address current workforce demands in today’s highly technical and growing fields.  Funds would only be used for the repair, renovation, or modernization of facilities used primarily for instruction and research, including facilities housing programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs. 

What The American Jobs Act Means For Each State’s Ability to Modernize and Rebuild Their Schools 

The President’s plan will invest $30 billion in enhancing the condition of our nation’s public schools – with $25 billion going to K-12 schools, including a priority for rural schools and dedicated funding for Bureau of Indian Education funded schools, and $5 billion to community colleges (including tribal colleges). The range of critical repairs and needed construction projects would put hundreds of thousands of Americans – construction workers, engineers, maintenance staff, boiler repairmen, and electrical workers – back to work. 

American Jobs Act - Rebuilding and Modernizing America's Schools
   

Amount of Funds Each State is Eligible for to Invest in K-12 School Infrastructure

 

Number of Jobs these K-12 School Infrastructure Funds have the Potential to Support

  

Amount of Funds State is Eligible for to invest in facilities modernization needs at community colleges

Alabama

  

$ 390.3M

  

5100

  

$ 67.5M

Alaska

 

$ 62.0M

 

800

 

$ 2.5M

Arizona

  

$ 544.4M

  

7100

  

$ 116.6M

Arkansas

 

$ 270.7M

 

3500

 

$ 42.4M

California

  

$ 2812.6M

  

36600

  

$ 1131.1M

Colorado

 

$ 265.1M

 

3400

 

$ 57.5M

Connecticut

  

$ 185.0M

  

2400

  

$ 38.0M

Delaware

 

$ 73.3M

 

1000

 

$ 11.6M

D.C.

  

$ 84.7M

  

1100

  

$ 2.5M

Florida

 

$ 1280.3M

 

16600

 

$ 288.4M

Georgia

  

$ 909.5M

  

11800

  

$ 140.6M

Hawaii

 

$ 82.2M

 

1100

 

$ 18.9M

Idaho

  

$ 93.6M

  

1200

  

$ 11.2M

Illinois

 

$ 1111.6M

 

14500

 

$ 212.7M

Indiana

  

$ 443.4M

  

5800

  

$ 79.8M

Iowa

 

$ 132.6M

 

1700

 

$ 56.7M

Kansas

  

$ 191.4M

  

2500

  

$ 45.3M

Kentucky

 

$ 390.9M

 

5100

 

$ 54.7M

Louisiana

  

$ 516.8M

  

6700

  

$ 40.7M

Maine

 

$ 90.7M

 

1200

 

$ 12.8M

Maryland

  

$ 315.8M

  

4100

  

$ 93.9M

Massachusetts

 

$ 378.6M

 

4900

 

$ 68.8M

Michigan

  

$ 926.3M

  

12000

  

$ 157.7M

Minnesota

 

$ 274.5M

 

3600

 

$ 87.8M

Mississippi

  

$ 335.2M

  

4400

  

$ 63.1M

Missouri

 

$ 422.2M

 

5500

 

$ 69.1M

Montana

  

$ 77.1M

  

1000

  

$ 5.7M

Nebraska

 

$ 106.7M

 

1400

 

$ 21.4M

Nevada

  

$ 168.4M

  

2200

  

$ 39.1M

New Hampshire

 

$ 70.1M

 

900

 

$ 8.7M

New Jersey

  

$ 518.6M

  

6700

  

$ 123.8M

New Mexico

 

$ 196.8M

 

2600

 

$ 49.2M

New York

  

$ 2020.0M

  

26300

  

$ 235.3M

North Carolina

 

$ 675.7M

 

8800

 

$ 163.1M

North Dakota

  

$ 58.9M

  

800

  

$ 6.5M

Ohio

 

$ 985.5M

 

12800

 

$ 148.3M

Oklahoma

  

$ 267.4M

  

3500

  

$ 57.5M

Oregon

 

$ 253.2M

 

3300

 

$ 71.2M

Pennsylvania

  

$ 944.0M

  

12300

  

$ 113.2M

Puerto Rico

  

$  899.6M

  

6700

  

$7.9M

Rhode Island

 

$ 85.6M

 

1100

 

$ 12.7M

South Carolina

  

$ 381.4M

  

5000

  

$ 70.8M

South Dakota

 

$ 75.6M

 

1000

 

$ 4.7M

Tennessee

  

$ 474.7M

  

6200

  

$ 61.8M

Texas

 

$ 2332.1M

 

30300

 

$ 458.4M

Utah

  

$ 138.7M

  

1800

  

$ 37.1M

Vermont

 

$ 57.5M

 

700

 

$ 5.3M

Virginia

  

$ 425.3M

  

5500

  

$ 110.1M

Washington

 

$ 365.1M

 

4700

 

$ 83.9M

West Virginia

  

$ 161.2M

  

2100

  

$ 15.4M

Wisconsin

 

$ 368.7M

 

4800

 

$ 79.9M

Wyoming

  

$ 56.3M

  

700

  

$ 11.7M

Other Territories*

  

$125M

  

N/A

  

$12.5M

*Disaggregated data for U.S. Territories is forthcoming