Two of the subjects addressed in the President’s State of the Union last night have direct tie-ins to current policy debates in Annapolis. The President spoke of raising the minimum wage to $10.10 for federal contract workers and nationwide, and described the need for better college preparation.

Maryland’s Governor recently introduced legislation to raise the State’s minimum wage to $10.10 by 2016, and after passing the College and Career Readiness and College Completion Act last year, the legislature is now considering a plan to improve K-12 performance through expanding pre-K preparation.  MACo is tracking both of these issues on behalf of county governments and studying their potential effects on our communities.

You may also read President Obama’s remarks, or read the Fact Sheet.

Throughout the day, the White House Press Office will be hosting an all day “open house” to answer your questions. Ask a question using the hashtag #AsktheWH.

For more information, see www.whitehouse.gov/sotu