Tuesday, the President delivers his sixth State of the Union Address, his first to a Congress controlled entirely by Republicans. He’ll call for tax increases on wealthy Americans and expanded tax credits for the middle class. A splendid time is guaranteed for all, including Democratic Senators Leahy, Durbin, Stabenow and Whitehouse, who, along with Congressmen Peter Welch and Chris Van Hollen, will return from a three-day Cuba junket in time for the President’s speech.
Also in the audience for the SOTU, as the President’s guests, will be people whose letters to the White House were among those selected for his personal reading. Their stories will form part of the his pitch for helping middle class citizens and their families.
Wednesday, the President will expand on his SOTU proposals in a speech at Idaho’s Boise State University.
The same day, the White House hosts the second annual Big Block of Cheese Day, a tradition inspired by beloved fictional President Josiah Bartlet. More info, courtesy of former cast members from The West Wing, is available here.
A 10-year, $757.7 million renovation of the Cannon House Office Building is now underway. Work will be divided into five major phases, with the first devoted to installation of new building systems, among other things. Cheaper and easier than reforming the House itself, I suppose.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will propose increasing his state’s minimum wage to $10.50 an hour and $11.50 an hour in New York City when he delivers his State of the State on Wednesday. The state Senate, controlled by Republicans, is expected to look askance. Cuomo will also announce a trade mission to Cuba.
Pope Francis wrapped up a week-long Asian tour with a mass in Manila’s Rizal Park attended by an estimated 6 million people. He heads back to Rome today.
Thursday, GloZell Green and other YouTube stars will interview the President. Unsurprisingly, the conversations will be broadcast on the White House YouTube channel.
