Metro Atlantans React to State of the Union

The issue that came up most frequently, once again, was the economy.

“I think he was making it clear that he was trying to help the middle-class,” said Ceasar Jackson, a resident of southwest Atlanta

Jackson particularly appreciated President Obama’s proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9. He said it’s long overdue.

“Like he said, if you’ve got a family that’s working for minimum wage, they can’t afford a home. You’ve got to do something for the people that are working and trying to have the American Dream like everyone else,” said Jackson.

Pamela Culbreath of south Atlanta wanted specifics about how the president intended to make programs like Social Security more sustainable over the long-term.

“I don’t think it was addressed in a manner where people felt like ‘okay, there’s a plan on the table,’” said Culbreath.

On government spending, Obama spoke broadly, saying $2.5 trillion had already been cut on the way to a $4 trillion figure recommended by economists.

Meanwhile, Culbreath was encouraged by the president’s call to action on immigration reform, climate change, and gun violence. But on guns, she said she was looking for more.

“It was more about passing the background checks and purchasing of weapons, but it didn’t touch much on the mental health issue part of it. I didn’t hear that pretty much at all,” said Culbreath.

Obama also announced 34,000 troops in Afghanistan – a little more than half the current American force – would be coming home this year.

Mahi Dasari of Kennesaw was looking for clarity on the draw-down and was satisfied.

“If we can effectively focus on anti-terrorism – handle them properly with less troops – then that’s the way we should go,” said Dasari.  

In the speech, Obama pointed to Georgia as a state making preschool education a priority. He spoke of its importance in helping kids read and do math at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, and form stable families.

The president will reiterate that theme with a visit Thursday to a pre-K school in Decatur.