President Obama's Town Hall in Atkinson, IL
(End of Q/A....)
2:00 - Question re: Why are there cuts to supportive programs that help people struggling? (ie. Heat assistance) Obama says we shouldn't be cutting those if we can find other programs to cut instead. Congress needs to work with POTUS on a balanced approach to really, meaningfully address or economy. A wealthy/decent society like ours should've have to pick between cutting budget and people being cold in the Winter.
1:56 - Question re: Chance of Social Security Cost of living increase next year? Obama says based on inflation estimates, seniors should get one...Says SS is not in crisis, unlike Medicare and Medicaid....
1: 53 - Question re: Status of Ethanol...We support bio-fuels, new science suggest corn based ethanol can be made more efficient. Going forward can we generate alternate fuels with alternate materials that don't involve food chain members.
1:48 - Question re: What college majors would Obama suggest for best employment opportunities? Obama talked about Supply Chain Mgt. (Questioner's major) and education/teaching in general. Math, Science, etc...Also stressed the value of speaking additional languages to a career.
1:43 - Question re: Revenues (Taxes) - asks Obama if he'll promise that any new deal will have new revenues in it. Obama says yes. It doesn't have to hurt the middle class. Wants to target loopholes to find new revenues. Says his pledge is actually the Oath he swore when inaugurated, not a special interest pledge...
1:38 - Question re: Jobs/What can you do without Congress? ...Cited returning Veterans needed assistance in finding proper job opportunities via the DOD. Basically outplacement services for Vets returning to the workforce. Said we really need support of Congress to make the needed improvements...
1:33 - Question re: Effect of Simson/Bowles committee and beyond...Cited previous bi-partisan efforts and debt debate that ran into republican opposition. Talked about upcoming budget plan (to be released in the next month) that will have everything in play, featuring more cuts than revenues...
1:28 - Question re: Housing market issues...Boilerplate about needing more time to allow the market to return to a more healthy condition... Tried to tie in debt debate fiasco as part of the problem...
1:20pm - Question re: from farmer on over-regulations...Obama suggests not believing everything rumor you hear about this new reg or that one. He suggested calling the Dept. of Agriculture directly for current information...
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