Economy won't stop Obama's priorities, aides say

[cal04]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N09399152.htm

The economic crisis will not stop President-elect Barack Obama from expanding health care, overhauling education and energy policy, and passing a middle-class tax cut soon after he takes office in January, senior aides said on Sunday.

Meanwhile the U.S. Congress should act to ease the pain of an economy sliding into recession by extending unemployment benefits and boosting aid to states struggling to meet their health-care obligations, they said.

Obama's transitional team has outlined an ambitious agenda for the next several months as it scrambles to assemble an administration in the face of what is widely viewed as the worst economic slump since the Great Depression.

The economic crisis will not prevent Obama from pursuing the priorities he outlined on the campaign trail, said John Podesta, co-chair of Obama's transition team.

These include extending heath care to the nation's 47 million uninsured, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil, and improving public education, Podesta said.



Rahm Emanuel: 'Priority one is the economy'
video
http://crooksandliars.com/john-amato/rahm-emanuel-priority-one-economy

[ccharles000]

1. good

[DJ13]

2. Excellent

FDR finally got us out of the Great Depression due to the massive spending required by fighting WWII.

Spending is spending, and its the only way to get us out of another depression.

Good for Obama, he understands that spending towards improving the lives of everyone is just as effective as building a war machine to kill.

[bluestateguy]

3. Lack of health care is worsening the economy

It should not wait until things sort of get better. Health care should be part of the broader economic strategy. I'm glad they seem to understand this.

[Nathancummings]

4. Are college students still getting a $4,000 credit?

I am a college student planning to pursue an Accounting major next year. My tuition depends partly or entiredly on this program, and I am willing to work the 100 hours of community service required. Do you guys know if this still on?