President Obama used his State of the Union address to push for income equality. The president says he wants to expand economic opportunity for all americans.
"Even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by," said President Barack Obama.
President Obama says he'll sign an executive order raising the minimum wage for new federal contract workers to $10.10 an hour. He wants congress to raise it for everyone else.
"Say yes. Give America a raise," said Obama.
After years of gridlock on Capitol Hill, President Obama is using his executive authority to achieve policy goals and bypass an uncooperative congress.
"Wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do," said Obama.
Republicans warn raising the minimum wage will cost jobs.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers delivered the GOP response.
"Republicans have plans to close the gap. Plans that focus on jobs first without more spending, government bailouts, and red tape," said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, (R) Washington.
But members of both parties joined the president's salute to army sergeant cory remsburg. He was wounded in afghanistan during his tenth deployment.