U.S. President Barack Obama's annual state of the union address is focused largely on the gap between rich and poor in America.
Obama touted the work of Republicans and Democrats is producing a budget last month that "undoes some of last year's severe cuts to priorities like education," saying the budget compromise should leave the government freer to focus on creating new jobs.
"In the coming months, let's see where else we can make progress together. Let's make this a year of action. That's what most Americans want — for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations. And what I believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor, is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all - the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead," he said.
"Let's face it: that belief has suffered some serious blows. Over more than three decades, even before the Great Recession hit, massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good, middle-class jobs, and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on."
More to come