The Final State of the Union
This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.
Summary:
A look back at the week that was on WhiteHouse.gov.
A quick look at the week of February 7, 2011:
President Barack Obama greets the employees during a stop at Donkers candy store and restaurant in Marquette, Mich., February 10, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
Quote: "America has always used the building of our infrastructure networks to take our economy forward and to build out American industry. The Wireless Initiative is going to bring that to the 21st Century. It's going to take it to the next level, because that's the American way."--Austan Goolsbee, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explaining the National Wireless Initiative on the White Board.
Advise the Advisor: Your direct line to senior staff at the White House kicks off with a new video with Senior Advisor David Plouffe.
Open for Suggestions: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to hear from you. Check out the new ConsumerFinance.gov, share your suggestions for the bureau and watch video responses.
Out-Building: This week, the President puts forward plans to build up the nation's infrastructure, investing in things like high speed rail, and expanding broadband access so all of America's families will be equipped to win the future:
- He traveled to Marquette, Michigan to unveil his National Wireless Initiative, which aims to bring high-speed wireless internet access to 98% of American families.
- Vice President Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood took the Amtrak Acela train from D.C. to Philadelphia to announce a six-year plan to invest in high-speed rail.
- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, along with Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, outlined plans to develop wind energy off the coast of Virginia.
- Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner explained the immediate and long-term benefits of infrastructure investment, creating jobs today building the foundation for the economy of tomorrow.
"Time to Invest in America": President Obama visits the Chamber of Commerce to talk about how investing in America's workers will keep our economy growing.
West Wing Week Video: "The New Electrification"
Let's Move! Turns One: The First Lady's Let's Move! initiative celebrates its first anniversary with events across the country.
Egypt: "There are very few moments in our lives where we have the privilege to witness history taking place. This is one of those moments. This is one of those times. The people of Egypt have spoken, their voices have been heard, and Egypt will never be the same." Watch the President's remarks.
Blowing in the Wind... Offshore: A new strategy that will guide a national effort to accelerate development of coastal wind projects while driving down costs, helping us meet President Obama’s goal of powering the nation with 80% clean electricity by 2035.
Celebrating Black History Month: February is Black History Month, and WhiteHouse.gov is featuring African Americans from across the Administration whose work is contributing to the President's goals for winning the future. Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett also shared a special message on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Voices of Health Reform: Nan Warshaw is a small business owner in Chicago, Illinois, who is benefiting from the small business tax credits in the Affordable Care Act. Read more about her story.
Protecting Intellectual Property: President Obama signs an Executive Order establishing two intellectual property enforcement advisory committees tasked with improving the Federal Government’s intellectual property enforcement efforts.
New Trade Initiatives: Ron Kirk, the U.S. Trade Representative, announces new progress on trade initiatives during testimony before Congress.
Making Home Affordable: Jacqueline of Hialeah, Florida shares her story of home-ownership thanks to the Making Home Affordable Program through the Department of the Treasury.
Working Together in Detroit: Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis publishes an op-ed in the Detroit Free-Press on the importance of American auto companies to work with labor to keep the auto industry growing.
IssueMap at FCC.gov: The Federal Communications Commission launches IssueMap, the first product that lets users visualize the relationship between data in America and the communities the data come from.
