Back ![<b>THE ECONOMY </b><br> "To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy." Associated Press](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/editorial/images/spotted/41/413866.jpg "<b>THE ECONOMY </b><br> "To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy." Associated Press")
![<b>IRAQ & TERRORISM </b><br> "... Among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al-Qaida is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated." Associated Press](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/editorial/images/spotted/41/413867.jpg "<b>IRAQ & TERRORISM </b><br> "... Among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al-Qaida is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated." Associated Press")
![<b>THE MILITARY </b><br> "Our military families also sacrifice for America. ... We have a responsibility to provide for them." Associated Press](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/editorial/images/spotted/41/413868.jpg "<b>THE MILITARY </b><br> "Our military families also sacrifice for America. ... We have a responsibility to provide for them." Associated Press")
![<b>SPENDING & SCHOOLS </b><br> "The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks." Associated Press](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/editorial/images/spotted/41/413869.jpg "<b>SPENDING & SCHOOLS </b><br> "The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks." Associated Press")
THE ECONOMY
- Congress should adopt a $150 billion economic stimulus package of tax rebates for an estimated 117 million families and tax breaks for businesses.
- The tax cuts from his first term should be made permanent. They are set to expire in 2010.
- Pending free-trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea should be approved.
IRAQ & TERRORISM
- The United States should not turn its back on Iraq. Violence has been reduced, but the timing of U.S. troop withdrawals will depend on continued success in securing that country.
- Congress should permanently extend an anti-terrorism law that governs how U.S. intelligence agencies can carry out surveillance of phone calls and e-mails involving people inside the United States.
THE MILITARY
- Congress should adopt recommendations from the bipartisan commission he appointed to review care for wounded veterans.
- Spouses of the nation's veterans should have hiring preferences across the federal government, as the veterans themselves now have.
- Congress should allow service members of every military branch to transfer their unused G.I. education benefits to their spouses or children.
SPENDING & SCHOOLS
- Any spending bill that doesn't cut the number and cost of congressional pet projects, known as earmarks, in half will be vetoed.
- The No Child Left Behind Act, which requires more student testing and sanctions for schools that fall short, needs to be renewed.
- There needs to be a $300 million initiative to let poor students in struggling schools transfer to private schools or public schools outside their district.
-- Associated Press
YOUR VOICE?
What did you think of tonight's State of the Union address? Leave a comment and voice your opinion.
Comments
If you thought earmarks were out of control in 2001 through 2007, hold onto your hats in 2008. Every Congressman will be slopping at the trough all year long, and the President's signing pen will need water cooling as he approves them post haste.
The Democrats are already attaching pork and beans to the refund package that was slated to come through. These attachements will assure that it gets Vetoed!
The refund package is a GD JOKE! I don't pay taxes so refunds can be given to those that don't.
They should eliminate taxes on American products. that would stimulate the economy. well I guess the extension of the anti-terrorism law is Georges idea of a retirement package so he can get some inside trade deals.
Please help me understand this quote from seven: "I don't pay taxes so refunds can be given to those who don't."
LL: "If you are going to give the tax dollars I paid out to people who pay no taxes at all, please do not take them to begin with."
Tall1... exactly. If the Federal Government can afford to give tax rebates then I am paying way too much taxes. The purpose of taxes is to finance government operations and not to give it away. If you don't pay taxes then why in the hell should you get any sort of a rebate. Here is an idea. Get a GD job, pay too much taxes and then (if it's an election year) uncle sam may grace you with a rebate in hopes you will vote for the appropriate party. It makes me sick. There are so many Americans that pay little or no taxes yet they will be the ones with the hefty "rebates," especially if they have popped out two or three puppies.
Well, Seven if you right-wingers would stop showing them those sonograms and making noise about right to life there would be a few less puppies --to gobble up your little bit of taxes.
Well, Seven if you right-wingers would stop showing them those sonograms and making noise about right to life there would be a few less puppies --to gobble up your little bit of taxes.
Good Bye bush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
