Stressing job creation and economic growth through investments as well as deficit reduction, President Obama's recent State of the Union address stressed the need for members of Congress to work together to solve our country's problems and included himself in that group.
Noting that "the future is ours to win", but we can't stand still to get there, the President called for investments in expanded infrastructure, clean energy, new education initiatives, increased trade, and immigration reform.
In tackling the deficit, Mr. Obama called for a five-year freeze on non-security discretionary spending, but avoided specifics about how to control the much greater costs of Social Security and medicare. He also noted that he would veto any earmarks.
With a March 4 spending deadline looming and Congressional Republican calls to roll back 2011 spending to 2008 levels immediately, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out over the next few weeks. Certainly, local government officials should keep an eye out for cuts to community based programs such as CDBG and others.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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