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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is asking Americans this Labor Day to think about the rights and benefits that people often take for granted.
In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says he's optimistic about the growing economy. He says decisions made now will determine whether the recovery will pick up speed.
Obama says workers and unions fought for things like Social Security, Medicare, workplace safety laws and the right to organize. He says those fights built a stronger middle class.
Obama says to strengthen the modern middle class, the U.S. must raise its minimum wage. He says states and businesses have raised wages already and Congress should, too.
In the Republican address, Rep. Larry Bucshon of Indiana says Republicans are focused on creating jobs, lowering costs and restoring opportunity.
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Online:
Obama address: http://www.whitehouse.gov
GOP address: http://www.youtube.com/user/gopweeklyaddress
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