The President is scheduled to present his Jobs Plan to Congress on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 7:00pm EDT. Please visit www.whitehouse.gov for information about how you can engage with the White House around this pivotal speech.

This week the White House unveiled an exciting new way to directly engage with the Administration called We the People. This dynamic tool will offer a new way to submit an online petition on a range of issues -- and get an official response. Sign up for an email alert and be the first to know when the program launches.

Watch the how-to video here.

On Wednesday morning President Obama, surrounded by members of the transportation industry, addressed the pressing issue of the impending expiration of the nation’s surface transportation program. At the end of September, if Congress doesn’t act, the law will expire and projects will shut down. The President acknowledged that failure to renew this program will result in lost jobs and money – all while Washington is talking about creating jobs and Americans are calling to return to work. President Obama urged Congress not only to move forward with existing transportation projects, but also to invest in the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

Earlier this week, continued efforts to improve the Administration’s effort to create jobs and promote economic growth, President Obama announced his intention to nominate Alan B. Krueger  as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). Dr. Krueger will bring decades of experience, including serving as chief economist at the Treasury Department, and a wealth of knowledge to the challenge of creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Following his confirmation, President Obama will designate Dr. Krueger as Chairman of CEA. 

 

The Champions of Change series is designed for people to look into their communities and nominate everyday heroes who are demonstrating commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or their fellow citizens. That is why we are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.” This week’s Champions focus on suicide prevention.

Suicide takes the lives of nearly 34,000 Americans every year. These Champions of Change are working to lower that statistic, to combat bullying in schools and sports, to provide resources for communities, and to educate individuals and groups across the country. These organizations have saved the lives of countless individuals through their programs and efforts. Take a moment to learn more about these Champions of Change Series or nominate Champion in your own community. 

Over 400 small and minority business entrepreneurs participated in a Department of Energy small business procurement summit in Orangeburg, South Carolina on Tuesday, August 23, 2011. I had the pleasure of speaking at the event together with DOE Secretary Steven Chu, U.S. Congressman James Clyburn, and SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. This was part of a series of high-level events that the White House asked all Federal agencies to conduct. Since March, over 20 Cabinet and Senate-confirmed officials and 7,000 small business owners have participated in 19 small business matchmaking events around the country.

Today, as cities and towns along the East Coast begin to recover from the destructive power of Hurricane Irene, we also reflect on the six year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Both storms remind us of the need to take precautions and be prepared before disasters strike. Ready.gov and Listo.gov are resources with easy-to-follow steps on how to plan ahead for disasters that might affect your area.  

Last week, Elizabeth Echols convened a White House Business Council roundtable in Fernley, Nevada. White House Business Council roundtables are an opportunity for Council members to hear directly from business leaders around the country about their ideas for how we can continue to grow the economy, put Americans back to work, and win the future.  Just as importantly, it’s a chance to provide information to local business leaders about Administration programs and resources available to support their growth and success.

 

President Obama pays tribute to the first responders, those who have served, and those who lost their lives ten years ago in the September 11^th attacks. Visit Serve.gov for ways to commemorate the solemn anniversary in your community.