United States President Barack Obama has delivered his union address last Tuesday, tackling many issues that are affecting the lives of Americans at present. "Tonight, we turn the page," Obama said.
Some of the highlights in Obama's SOTU were equal wage for equal work for women and an increase in minimum wage. The President called 2014 a "breakthrough year for America," and that the economy is "growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace since 1999." The crowd cheered Obama on and even gave him a standing ovation.
Breaking Free from Recession
The President stated that the U.S. economy is finally getting back on its feet, with more American children graduating than ever before and the unemployment rate is at its lowest since the recession started. Obama also told the congregation that the country is finally free from the 30-year old grip from foreign oil.
Obama also shared that finally, the combat mission in Afghanistan is over. The President expressed his gratitude to the men and women who served the country to keep everyone safe.
"America, for all that we have endured, for all the grip and hard work required to come back, for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this-the shadow of crisis has passed. And the State of the Union is strong," Obama said.
Equal Pay for Women
During his speech last Tuesday, the President talked about how women are still receiving lesser pay than men in the same job. He reiterated how women make half of the work force in America, yet are still receiving "$0.77 for every $1 a man earns, and that is wrong."
He went on to say that having the same system in 2014 "is an embarrassment," and women need to be paid equally for equal work.
"She deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or a sick parent without running in a hardship," Obama stated.
"No One Should Raise a Family in Poverty"
The President also talked about the minimum wage in the country, and called for congress to increase the minimum wage. Obama does not agree that anyone will have to raise a family in poverty.
He called for employers to raise their employees' minimum wage. He further stated that it does not only help improve the lives of the employees, but also boosts the moral of the employers. Obama called for a $10.10 an hour minimum wage.
"Because if you cook our troops' meals or wash their dishes, you shouldn't have to live in poverty," Obama said.
President Obama also talked about ISIS, diplomacy, Iran and same sex marriage in his 2015 State of the Union Address on Tuesday night.
