Politics. On Point.

The Obama administration has come to somewhat of a happy medium with Republicans on extending both tax cuts - and unemployment benefits - for millions of Americans. Tax Cuts And The Federal Budget The president said during his campaign that he originally planned tax cuts for the 'middle class' (a term that needs further defining in this current economic climate), but has since changed his stance. "It would be a grave injustice to let taxes increase for these Americans right now.  And it would deal a serious blow to our economic recovery", the president said yesterday in remarks to the press. Both parties voted to extend Bush-era tax cuts (for two years) while extending unemployment benefits for 13 months.  Without the tax cuts Americans could see their taxes rise beginning January 1, 2011. "I am not willing to let that happen.  I know there’s some people in my own party and in the other party who would rather prolong this battle...

The White House yesterday unveiled its plan to eradicate, and prevent, homelessness in America within the next five to ten years through its Opening Doors initiative. (L to R) HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, with Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Erick K. Shinseki, with Domestic Policy Council Directory, Melody Barnes. Photo/CD Brown. The initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness   and under the guise of HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan ,  Labor Secretary Hilda Solis , HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius , and Veterans Affairs Secretary Erick K. Shinseki , seeks to end chronic homelessness in five years; prevent and end homelessness among Veterans; and prevent and end homelessness for families, youth, and children in ten years.  The Opening Doors initiative also seeks to align with mainstream housing, health, education, and human services while strengthening exi...