Checking in on State of the Union 2013

Every year, the president’s State of the Union address outlines his agenda for the following 12 months. Last year, President Barack Obama focused on job creation, environmental issues and foreign policy in the Middle East, among other topics.

“Our first priority is making America a magnet for new jobs and manufacturing.”
From January to December 2013, the national seasonal unemployment rate dropped from 7.9 percent to 6.7 percent. In Indiana, the seasonally adjusted rate dropped from 8.6 to 6.9.

However, it is important to note that unemployment rates do not necessarily reflect job growth, and the national employment-population ratio has remained constant, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We must do more to combat climate change.”
Obama released an action plan and had a speech last summer, although no major legislative initiatives have passed.

“Tonight, let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full time should have to live in poverty, and raise the federal minimum wage to $9 an hour.”

The federal minimum wage has not budged since last year’s address and is still $7.25, although national media did report that higher wages went into effect in 13 states Jan. 1.

Follow reporter Michael Auslen on Twitter @MichaelAuslen.