On January 24, 2012, President Barack H. Obama delivered the annual State of the Union address before Congress and the American people. The president offered a summary of what has occurred during the past year, as well as sharing his intentions to create a trade enforcement unit, a financial crimes unit, lowering the cost of tuition, cutting tax breaks for companies that outsource, immigration reform, growing jobs, and boosting commitment towards renewable clean energy. The one piece of the remarks that caught the eye of everyone was the plea he made to reform how the wealthy is taxed comparably with those of other classes. Here now are excerpts from the address:
“…We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world. For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. Most of al-Qaeda’s top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban’s momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.
“These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness and teamwork of America’s Armed Forces. At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They’re not consumed with personal ambition. They don’t obsess over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together.
On Jan. 9, 2012, State Senate Republican Assembly Leader Alex DeCroce died after collapsing in the Statehouse on the eve of what would have been the annual State of the State address. He was 75 years old. Details are not clear as to what caused the death of the assemblyman.
ROSELLE – January 6, 2012 - Jamel Holley will make history on Friday, January 6th when he is sworn in as mayor of the Borough of Roselle, making him the youngest mayor in the municipality's 118-year history.
