What To Read Before the State of the Union

The economy; democracy and the courts; and community safety and gun violence are expected to be at center stage as President Biden prepares to address the nation during his second State of the Union address.

Building an Economy for All, Biden Administration, Criminal Justice Reform, Democracy, Economy, Gun Violence Prevention, Inflation Reduction Act, State of the Union +5 More

U.S. President Joe Biden talks to reporters after returning to the White House. — U.S. President Joe Biden talks to reporters after returning to the White House on January 30, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Getty/Chip Somodevilla)

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 9:00 p.m. ET, President Joe Biden will deliver his second State of the Union address, which will be broadcast live online and on major broadcast television. This will mark the president’s first State of the Union address since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives.

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U.S. President Joe Biden stops to talk to reporters as he departs the White House.

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During the address, the president will have an opportunity to discuss the vital issues affecting all of America. He is expected to remark on the economic recovery following the COVID-19 recession, the fight to safeguard American democracy, and the need to enhance public safety and fight crime.

To learn more about likely key topics in this year’s State of the Union address, the Center for American Progress has put together a guide on these crucial issue areas.

1. Investing in the U.S.

President Biden and Congress have passed the most consequential and progressive economic policies since President Lyndon B. Johnson more than 50 years ago. These changes will supercharge the transition to a clean energy economy and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed economically, strengthening the United States for decades to come.

Read the following CAP pieces to learn more:

“The Top 5 Actions the Biden Administration Has Taken to Strengthen the U.S. Economy” examines key actions the Biden administration has taken to create jobs, put downward pressure on prices to help consumers facing inflationary pressures, and fortify domestic supply chains.
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, President Biden has signed into law three key pillars to modernize the U.S. economy and boost American manufacturing. “How Biden’s American-Style Industrial Policy Will Create Quality Jobs” explains how these laws represent a new vision for U.S. industrial strategy that puts American workers first.
“Top 11 Benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act” looks at the Biden administration’s historic, overwhelmingly popular investments and policy changes to save Americans money by cutting health care and energy costs while positioning the United States to be a clean energy giant in the fight to combat climate change.
“The CHIPS and Science Act Will Boost Competitiveness and Promote Inclusive Growth” examines how the law provides incentives to realign and deliver key economic benefits to regional economies, help spur growth, boost research and development, lower the cost of everyday goods, and create a more inclusive economy.
“How the Inflation Reduction Act Will Save Households Money in 2023” describes the numerous financial incentives for purchasing climate-friendly technologies, which cut pollution, create high-paying clean energy jobs, and save families money.

2. Fighting to safeguard democracy

As America heads toward the November 2024 election, the United States continues to face critical threats to its democratic system. Politicians who fraudulently claim the 2020 presidential election was stolen may seek to subvert the will of voters in future elections. Unregulated digital platforms are contributing to disinformation, polarization, and radicalization in our society. And a radical Supreme Court majority has been attacking and rolling back long-held rights, precedents, and freedoms, with more to come.

America’s democracy depends on safeguarding future elections from political interference, laying the groundwork for long-term reform of our courts, and creating accountability for tech companies when they threaten our democracy or profit from harm to their users, especially vulnerable children.

Read the following CAP pieces to learn more:

“It’s Time To Talk About Electoral Reform” considers fundamental changes to how our elections work that would help reduce partisanship and extremism in American politics.
“How Americans Can Fight Back Against a Radical Supreme Court Majority” examines needed long-term structural reforms to the courts as well as immediate actions necessary to mitigate the harms caused by their dangerous reversals of long-standing rights and freedoms.
“How To Regulate Tech: A Technology Policy Framework for Online Services” proposes a new regulatory framework to address existing harms, promote equitable growth, and protect the public interest online.
“Elections Must Be Secure and Accessible for All in the Wake of Natural Disasters and Events” makes clear that Hurricane Ian was just the latest in a series of natural disasters and events that have disrupted elections.
In a video explainer, the Center for American Progress unpacks how the “Supreme Court Decision in Moore v. Harper Could Harm Free and Fair Elections.”

3. Safe and just communities

Every single person has the right to feel safe from crime and violence in their community. But the regression to tough-on-crime policies will not achieve that result. Rather, it reinforces the overpolicing and mass incarceration of communities of color while eroding public trust in the system’s ability to administer justice.

Instead, real and lasting safety requires a commitment to accountability, preventing crime before it happens, and strengthening gun laws that keep communities safe. Investments in community safety solutions and strong violence prevention efforts are critical for ensuring the safety of all Americans.

Read the following CAP pieces to learn more:

“The American Rescue Plan Has Helped State and Local Governments Invest in Community Safety” explains how American Rescue Plan funding has been used to invest in proven crime reduction strategies that go beyond traditional law enforcement efforts to support communities at risk of violence.
“Fact Sheet: Weak Gun Laws Are Driving Increases in Violent Crime” provides data that show the link between states’ actions to weaken their gun laws and increases in violent crime rates.
“Fact Sheet: Weakening Requirements to Carry a Concealed Firearm Increases Violent Crime” examines the link between states weakening requirements to carry a concealed firearm and rising violent crime, increased gun thefts, more disputes escalating into shootings, and more officer-involved shootings.
The evidence is clear: “Cash Bail Reform Is Not a Threat to Public Safety,” as it can actually promote public safety and decrease harm for those who are arrested.
A new research study finds that “Progressive Prosecutors Are Not Tied to the Rise in Violent Crime.”

Conclusion

As President Biden addresses the nation, he has an opportunity to declare the state of our union is strong by showing the expansive measures his administration has taken to grow the economy, defend democracy and the rights and freedoms of all, and enhance public safety, while also discussing what steps must come next. The president should make clear that while MAGA extremism continues to pose a threat to progress, policymakers can continue to move the country forward if they prioritize the issues Americans care about most, instead of political stunts and excessive partisanship.

The authors would like to thank their colleagues at the Center for American Progress, including Mara Rudman, Julia Cusick, Colin Seeberger, Rebecca Rosenberg, Nick Wilson, and Hannah Malus, for all their insightful comments and suggestions on this column.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. A full list of supporters is available here. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.