The new first family has arrived in Washington

President-elect Obama and his family arrived in Washington this week. The first daughters are attending the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. Yesterday was their first day of school. The President-elect is making the rounds in Congress to discuss the details in his economic plan. While his focus is on the economy, the President-elect has been silent on what’s been going on in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. President Bush and Secretary of State Rice are working to negotiate a cease fire in the region. While the numbers are not definite, it is reported that 500 Palestinians and 5 Israelis are dead. This is just another issue in a long list of issues facing the President-elect in two weeks. He’ll also have to nominate a new commerce secretary because Governor Bill Richardson withdrew his nomination after being investigated by the Fed in the CDR investigation, a possible scandal that he said would be a distraction and delay his nomination. In other news, Al Franken may be named the new Senator from Minnesota. He won the recount but the incumbent has a week to challenge this and file a lawsuit.

On Thursday the President-elect is set to give a major speech on the economy. As part of his economic rescue plan, the President-elect is pushing for $300 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Even though a number has not been given, advisers say that the total rescue plan will be $675 - $775 billion. The plan, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, includes tax cuts, proposals to double renewable energy production and making public buildings more energy efficient, to rebuild roads, schools, and bridges, computerize the health care system, and modernize classrooms, labs, and libraries. In his Thursday speech it is important for the President-elect to spell out how the items included in his rescue plan will jumpstart the economy.