2015 State of the Union address: on Families & Children

Barack Obama: Families aren't looking for handouts, but for a fair shot

Because families still need our help. Millions of hardworking Americans aren't asking for a handout, but asking that we look for more ways to help families get ahead.

Middle-class economics is the idea that this country does best when everyone gets their fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. We don't just want everyone to share in America's success--we want everyone to contribute to our success.

Barack Obama: Childcare is an economic priority; not a side-issue

In today's economy, when having both parents in the workforce is an economic necessity for many families, we need affordable, high-quality childcare more than ever. It's not a nice-to-have--it's a must-have. It's time we stop treating childcare as a side issue, or a women's issue, and treat it like the national economic priority that it is for all of us. And that's why my plan will make quality childcare more available, and more affordable, for every middle-class and low-income family with young children in America--by creating more slots and a new tax cut of up to $3,000 per child, per year.