Obama Focuses On ‘Middle-Class Economics’ In La Crosse Speech

In a speech at UW-La Crosse Thursday, President Barack Obama promoted policies he said would help the middle class, while criticizing Republican economic strategies.

Obama’s speech in La Crosse largely focused on what he called “middle-class economics.” He pushed changes to overtime rules, said teachers should be paid more, and asserted that technical college should be free.

Obama also pushed for improved sick leave and stronger workers benefits.

The president said those are just some of the changes that could help the middle class succeed, which in turn could boost the country’s economy.

“Give them the tools they need to earn higher wages and better jobs, keep our businesses the most competitive. Invest in research. Build our roads. Build our bridges. That’s how we’re going to help middle-class families succeed,” said Obama.

At the same time, he criticized the Republican presidential field.

“The one thing that the bus-full of people who are fighting to lead the Republican ticket all share is they keep on coming up with the same old trickle-down, you’re-on-your-own economics that helped bring about the crisis back in 2007, 2008 in the first place,” said Obama.

Although he never mentioned Gov. Scott Walker, Obama alluded to him when he criticized cuts to education funding and attacks on unions.

Obama also described the past week as “amazing,” and received a standing ovation from the crowd when he talked about same-sex marriage and health care reform, two issues the Supreme Court recently ruled on.

He said the U.S. does better economically when everyone has a fair shot and the country acts as a community, and not a bunch of individuals.

Listen to the entirety of Obama’s speech here.