This morning I want to talk about the responsibility we share to protect our children from the scourge of violent crime, and especially from crime committed by other young people. We've all worked hard over the last four and a half years to prepare America for the 21st century, with opportunity for all, responsibility from all our citizens, and a community that includes all Americans. Because of these efforts, America's children face a brighter future.
Economic growth is the highest it's been in a decade.
Unemployment is at its lowest level in 24 years, with over 12 million new jobs. Last Friday we reached an historic agreement to finish the job of balancing the budget, to keep our economy thriving, with the biggest investment in education in 30 years, tax cuts to help pay for a college education for all Americans, and health care coverage for 5 million children who have no insurance now. But with all these advances, our children cannot live out their dreams if they are living in fear of gangs and guns. That's why I have worked so hard to reverse the tide of crime. We passed the tough Crime Bill that's putting 100,000 new community police on our street.