Obama Calls for Economic Fairness in State of the Union

With a focus on the economy and education President Barack Obama sent a stern message to the members of Congress in last night’s State of the Union address.

The president urged lawmakers from both parties to put petty differences aside to help the country recover from its economic woes. Though the unemployment rate has dipped slightly in the past few months, Obama stressed a need to continue to push for progress as it’s too important an issue “to turn back now.”

"The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive," the president said. "No challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules."

Obama challenged Congress to deliver legislation that would encourage businesses to create jobs in the US rather than outsource them to foreign countries.

"It's time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America," Obama said, adding that he would sign a bill to keep businesses here "right away."

While Obama was cheered throughout the night; the loudest ovation came for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), who recently announced she was resigning from Congress to focus on her recovery from a brain injury suffered in a January 2011 shooting.

The president personally went over to greet Giffords before starting his speech and Giffords with the help of her Republican counterpart Arizona Rep. Jeff Flake stood to applaud the president with the rest of the audience.

According to CNN, Obama will now go on a three-day road trip to share his plans for the future with the American people.