VIDEO: Obama Announces New Chair of Council of Economic Advisers

By Nikki Sutton

This morning, President Obama announced his intention to nominate Alan B. Krueger as a member of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). As one of the nation’s leading economists, Dr. Krueger will bring decades of experience, including serving as chief economist at the Treasury Department, and a wealth of knowledge to the challenge of creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Following his confirmation, President Obama will designate Dr. Krueger as Chairman of CEA.

As the President said today, Dr. Krueger will be a strong addition to his economic team as they work tirelessly to accelerate hiring and spur innovation:

“I have nothing but confidence in Alan as he takes on this important role as one of the leaders of my economic team.

I rely on the Council of Economic Advisers to provide unvarnished analysis and recommendations, not based on politics, not based on narrow interests, but based on the best evidence -- based on what’s going to do the most good for the most people in this country.  And that’s more important than ever right now.  We need folks in Washington to make decisions based on what’s best for the country, not what’s best for any political party or special interest.  That’s how we’ll get through this period of economic uncertainty, and that’s the only way that we’ll be able to do what’s necessary to grow the economy.”

On Wednesday August 31st, the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness is holding a Listening and Action Session with local businesses and stakeholders in Portland, Oregon.

Council members will take questions and comments from people around the country submitted on the White House LinkedIn group and whitehouse.gov as part of a discussion about how the public and private sectors can partner to create opportunity and support job creation.

You can also watch the session live at 11:00 a.m. ET/ 8:00 a.m PT on www.whitehouse.gov/live

Finally, don’t miss next week, when the President lays out a series of bi-partisan ideas that Congress can adopt immediately to put more money into the pockets of working and middle-class families, make it easier for small businesses to hire people, and put construction crews to work rebuilding American infrastructure.